We are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of pantomime legend Stanley Baxter. His iconic legacy lives on as a central pillar in the history of the King’s Theatre.
Stanley Baxter, beloved pantomime star, has passed away at the age of 99. Originally from Glasgow, he had an extensive career as an actor and entertainer both on stages across Scotland and on the small screen.
He first performed in the King’s Theatre, Edinburgh in 1951 as Wishee Washee in Aladdin, where he was received with immediate acclaim from the audience of the time. He returned to star as the pantomime dame on several occasions up until his final performance in Cinderella in 1990.
A legend of the Scottish stage
Beyond the stage, his broadcast career was hugely successful, as his renowned BBC television series The Stanley Baxter Show ran for eight years from 1963 to 1971. His talent extended beyond the screen and stage too, as he authored four books keenly exhibiting his Glaswegian sense of humour. His career was full of joy, bringing laughter and sharing Scottish patter with British audiences everywhere.
Fiona Gibson, Chief Executive of Capital Theatres said:
“Stanley Baxter was a pantomime legend, both in Edinburgh at the King’s and in his home city of Glasgow. Indeed, my very first experience of panto at the ripe old age of seven was Stanley in Mother Goose at our beloved King’s Theatre.
He was a star whose comic genius, iconic impressions and fabulous costumes warmed the hearts of Edinburgh audiences for over 20 years. Beyond our stage, he brought his classic, Glaswegian humour to people’s screens across Britain.
We are so deeply saddened by his loss and wish our most sincere condolences to his loved ones, friends and family at this difficult time. Rest in peace Stanley. You will be in our hearts forever.”
