South Hill Park mourns the loss of Julian Hirst: a true creative legend
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Mr Julian Hirst, a beloved figure at South Hill Park Arts Centre for over 40 years. Julian’s remarkable talent, boundless creativity and generous spirit have left an indelible mark on our community and in the hearts of all who knew him.
Julian was a consummate performer, known for his incredible character creations and exceptional skills in makeup and prosthetics that brought his roles to life with unmatched brilliance. Among his many memorable performances, his portrayal of Fagin in Oliver! remains an iconic highlight, showcasing his ability to infuse characters with depth, charm and a touch of magic.
Magic, indeed, was another of Julian’s many gifts. His sleight-of-hand tricks and illusions added a unique flair to numerous productions over the years, leaving audiences of all ages spellbound. Whether on stage or behind the scenes, Julian’s talent and ingenuity were a constant source of delight and inspiration.
A cornerstone of South Hill Park’s much-loved pantomimes, Julian not only directed many of these festive productions but also brought immense joy to audiences as the Dame – a role he played with wit, warmth and an irresistible sense of fun. His passion for theatre and dedication to bringing stories to life made every production he touched truly special.
Julian’s contributions to South Hill Park extended far beyond the stage. He was a mentor and source of encouragement to aspiring performers, always ready with a kind word or thoughtful advice. His humour, quick wit and infectious laughter made him a cherished friend and colleague, and his positive attitude was a beacon to everyone around him.
Julian Hirst will never be forgotten. His legacy lives on in the countless lives he touched, the laughter he brought to our stages, and the memories he created for audiences and fellow performers alike. South Hill Park Arts Centre mourns the loss of this extraordinary man, whose generosity of spirit and boundless creativity enriched our community for so many years.
Our thoughts are with Julian’s family and friends during this difficult time. We will always remember him with deep gratitude and affection.
Rest in peace Julian – you will be missed more than words can express.
– Lisa Renals, South Hill Park Trustee, fellow actor, and close friend
I saw my brother in quite a few productions at The Wilde Theatre, he was always wonderful.
We only ever acted on stage together during our school days, once in Twelfth Night and and once in Babes in the Wood.
I shall miss him dreadfully
Sending so much love to you and your family Tim. I can only imagine how you are all feeling right now. I’m sure he remembered those performances at school with fondness.
I haven’t yet been able to find the right words to pay tribute to someone so truly life changing for so many of us. It just doesn’t make sense that a person so beautiful and deeply golden isn’t here anymore. None of us were ready for him not to be with us as an anchor of good, safe and joyful things. He was such an incredible performer without being in any way performative as a person. He made everyone feel like they were uniquely special and important. It’s clear that so many felt that connection with him, and his heart was so enormously capable of love that none of us knew we were one of so many! Even as his friend, the fact that he’s gone feels like someone is painfully extracting little strands of my whole self with tweezers. The loss to his family must be unfathomably immense.
Please know that you are surrounded by love and good wishes, and do reach out if you need anything.
A truly kind and wonderful man, he encouraged me when I first started working in theatre.
I dressed some of his Dame wigs, including the one in this picture.
He said to me ‘I’m a man pretending to be a woman. I’m not a Danny La Rue Dame, think more Arthur Askey!?’
Always kind and encouraging and a pleasure to work with, and I am so very sad that I will not have the privilege and pleasure of seeing him on or off stage again.