Allister Bain, a Grenadian-born actor, playwright, screenwriter and dancer known for his role in David Tennant's era of Doctor Who, has died at the age of 94. He passed away on Monday 24 September, with his cremation held in Islington on 13 October.
Career highlights and Doctor Who role
Bain's television acting career began in 1964 with a role as a nurse in an episode of Theatre 625 titled With Love and Tears. He went on to appear in programmes including Us Girls, Vanity Fair, Bugs, The Professionals, Love Thy Neighbour and Waking the Dead.
In 2009, he attracted a new generation of fans with his appearance in the Doctor Who Christmas Special The End Of Time, Part One, playing spirited pensioner Winston Rampaul, a friend of Bernard Cribbins' character Wilfred Mott. The episode formed the opening of a two-part story that marked the conclusion of David Tennant's time in the TARDIS.
Tributes from friends and fans
Bain's friend Caroline Muraldo confirmed the news on Instagram alongside a black and white photograph of him in a pinstripe suit and bowler hat. She wrote: "It is with sadness that I must announce the passing of Allister Bain, writer, actor, dancer, choreographer and Director of The Bee Wee Ballet. He travelled to this country from Grenada in 1958 with his dance company. Having enjoyed a long successful career, which included television, stage and film, he passed away peacefully at 94 years old. He was an inspiration to so many and will be sorely missed."
Bain was born in St Andrew's, Grenada and relocated to England in 1958. His dance troupe, the Bee Wee Ballet of Grenada, helped establish what would become the Notting Hill Carnival through their performances. He was also part of the original cast of Michael McMillan's play The School Leaver, staged at the Royal Court Theatre's Young Writers' Festival in 1978.
Playwriting legacy
Bain was also a playwright, creating his debut work, People, in 2001. He continued writing into his senior years and premiered his play Pardon My Simplicity in January 2012 at the age of 80.
Tributes poured in from supporters and colleagues. On Facebook, one wrote: "Allister was loved by so many people from different walks of life - He made you laugh until you were weak with tears - he knew how to captivate an audience with his stories & dance. Grenada's Godfather of Dance RIP." Another wrote: "Sad news indeed. Allister was such a unique Storyteller, Actor, Writer, Dancer and Director. He brought all these unique skills to Peckham Library as part of the superb Literature Development Programme. He kept us informed and entertained in that wonderful manner of his. He was a Pioneer of Playwriting in the Creative Arts in this country. Never to be forgotten. Rest in Everlasting Peace, Power and Words."
