Neil Reading, one of Britain's leading entertainment publicists, has died aged 56 after a short illness. He represented stars including John Cleese, Dawn French and the late Victoria Wood, and launched a string of hit West End shows, including High Society, Only Fools And Horses and Fawlty Towers – The Play.
Reading founded his agency Neil Reading PR in 1992, specialising in entertainment, consumer and lifestyle PR. The company also has business, property and fashion divisions, and is affiliated with several agencies across Europe and the United States.
Tributes
Dawn French said: “Neil Reading was a one-off, such a kind, decent, intelligent man, a proper gentleman in the old-fashioned way, quietly magnificent. Our work relationship became a very real and trusting friendship. He has been my ally and fierce protector through so much and for so long. I don’t quite know how I’ll manage without him. Sleep tight darlin’ heart.”
Comedian Jason Manford added: “Describing Neil as my PR manager does not come close to describing what he meant to me. He was a trusted friend of almost 20 years, a confidant and one of the most loyal, noble and brilliant men I have ever known.”
John Bishop said: “Neil was a true gentleman. He was too humble to realise how much he meant to people and I know he will be greatly missed.”
Paul McKenna said: “Neil was one of the finest people I’ve ever known.”
Businessman Nick Candy said: “Neil wasn’t just a brilliant publicist – he was a true friend and one of the kindest, most generous people I have ever known.”
Reading is survived by his wife Claire and daughter Rosa.
