Desmond Barrit (born 19 October 1944) is a Laurence Olivier Award winning, Welsh actor, best known for his stage work.

Biography

Barrit was born on 19 October 1944 in Morriston, Swansea, Wales.

For some years he was a regular in repertory at the Grand Theatre, Swansea.

He has also starred in productions of the Royal Shakespeare Company, and has appeared at the Chichester Festival Theatre, and the Royal National Theatre. More recently he appeared in The History Boys at Wyndham's Theatre portraying the general studies teacher, Hector, made famous by Richard Griffiths in the film version.

On 7 July 2008, he took over the role of The Wizard from Nigel Planer in the West End production of Wicked at the Apollo Victoria Theatre. Originally set to begin 9 June, his performance had to be postponed to undergo an operation. He played his last performance on 9 May 2009 and was replaced by Sam Kelly. Barrit returned to the role for select performances in July and August 2009 while Kelly was out on medical leave. He shared the part with understudy Sean Needham.

His next stage appearance was in the Glyndebourne Festival Opera production of The Fairy-Queen, where he combined the singing role of the drunken poet with the spoken role of Bottom - a part he has also played in its Shakespearian original.

In 2009 he directed a version of The Rise and Fall of Little Voice at Sheringham Little Theatre, which he patronises, featuring his former Wicked co-star Caroline Keiff in the title role.

Beginning 12 December 2011, he returned to Wicked, reprising his role of the Wizard, taking over from Clive Carter. He ended his third return engagement with the show on 7 July 2012 (four years after his debut), and was replaced three weeks later by Keith Bartlett.

In November 2012 starred as Falstaff in the RSC production of The Merry Wives of Windsor at Stratford-upon-Avon.