Kenneth earns a degree of success

Kenneth Alan Taylor — command performance

Oldham theatre veteran Kenneth Alan Taylor has been made an honorary doctor of letters for his outstanding successes over the years.

The former Oldham Coliseum chief executive was awarded the degree by the University of Nottingham in recognition of his work at two Nottingham theatres — the Nottingham Playhouse, where he was also once artistic director and still presents the theatre’s record-breaking annual panto — and Nottingham University’s Lakeside Theatre.

The actor and director said he was delighted with the honour — the highest honorary degree a university can grant an individual.

The 74-year-old actor and his wife, actress Judith Barker, lives in Springhead. They have two children and five grandchildren.

Born in London, Kenneth became a professional actor at 18 and started his career with a small company touring North-East Scotland. He has worked in repertory theatre all over the UK and his long association with the Oldham Coliseum — since the late Fifties — has seen him appear in over 300 productions at the theatre. He also directed several commercial tours and directed shows in the West End.

Serving twice as chief executive at the Coliseum, his awards include the Horniman Award for Outstanding Achievement in Theatre.

In 1983 he was appointed director of Nottingham Playhouse, where he introduced a traditional pantomime. This year will write and direct his 28th consecutive panto.

Numerous television and radio appearance include “Coronation Street”, “Emmerdale”, “Brookside”, “House of Cards”, “Hetty Wainthrope”,” Last of the Summer Wine” and “Cold Feet”.