Thompson, Eric

Born in Sleaford, Lincolnshire, Eric Thompson established himself as a distinguished actor and stage director whose career spanned theatre, television and film.

His marriage to actress Phyllida Law in 1957 lasted until his death, producing two daughters – Emma and Sophie – both of whom pursued successful acting careers.

Phyllida characteristically addressed her husband as ‘Thompson’, dismissing ‘Eric’ as too frivolous a name.

Thompson’s professional training began at the Old Vic Theatre School during the early 1950s, followed by nearly a decade working in repertory theatre.

His journey came full circle when he rejoined the Old Vic for its concluding season between 1962 and 1963, performing in productions of The Merchant of Venice, Othello and The Alchemist.

His television work encompassed a diverse range of programmes:

• The Black Arrow (1958);
• The Lost King (1958);
• For the Schools: The Life and Death of Sir John Falstaff (BBC TV, 1959);
• Maigret (BBC TV, 1960);
• The Avengers (ITV, 1961);
• Z Cars (BBC TV/BBC One, 1963, 1964 and 1965);
• Dixon of Dock Green (BBC One, 1964 and 1965);
• Compact (BBC One, 1964);
• Coronation Street (ITV/Granada TV, 1964 and 1969);
• Dr Finlay’s Casebook (1965);
• Dr Who (BBC One, 1966);
• The Italian Way (1975).

His film appearances included:

• Private Potter (1962);
• The Jokers (1967);
• One Day in the Life of Ivan Denisovitch (1970);
• Dougal and the Blue Cat (1970).

Joy Whitby, the founding producer of Play School, recognised Thompson’s potential after casting him in a production she oversaw during her attachment to Blue Peter.

She identified him as an ideal presenter for the new children’s programme.

Whitby subsequently recommended Thompson to Doreen Stephens, who sought advice regarding an English narrator for a recently acquired French series – this became The Magic Roundabout (1965 – 1971 and 1974 – 1977).

Play School producer Molly Cox held Thompson in high regard, noting: “He was very coherent and understood better than any other early presenter what was going on and was a very professional man.”

Following his participation in the Play School pilot during March 1964, Thompson made his debut as the programme’s eighth presenter on 18th May 1964 (week five on air), appearing alongside Judy Kenny, his co-presenter from the pilot episode.

The edition broadcast on 26th April 1965 featured Thompson with Julie Stevens examining a world map observed by the programme’s toy characters.

A charming moment unfolded when Teddy appeared to ‘interrupt’ Thompson, who conversed with the bear as though it comprehended his discussion of land and sea.

Meanwhile, Julie and Humpty retrieved items from the Useful Box, as Humpty wished to create his own map – demonstrating considerable artistic talent for a toy.

Thompson’s Play School contributions totalled 99 programmes, along with appearances in two special editions:

• 22nd January 1965: Play School‘s first pantomime. Presenters: Brian Cant, Marian Diamond, Terence Holland, Rick Jones, Marla Landi, Phyllida Law, Julie Stevens, Gordon Rollings, Virginia Stride, Carole Ward.
• 21st April 1966: Play School‘s 2nd anniversary, with presenters: Brian Cant, Carol Chell, Terry Holland, Colin Jeavons, Rick Jones, Jennifer Naden, Valerie Pitts, Carole Ward and Barry Wilsher.

The BBC Archives retain only 23 programmes from Thompson’s tenure, including his inaugural Tuesday edition from his first week and two complete weeks (28th February to 4th March 1966 and 9th to 13th May 1966).

During 1968, Thompson presented It’s Hard Work Being a Baby for ITV/Southern TV.

He provided narration for The Magic Ball (ITV, 1971 – 1972).

Among his theatre acting roles was an appearance in Let’s Get a Divorce (Mermaid Theatre 1966 – later transferred to the Comedy Theatre).

As his career progressed, Thompson shifted his focus from performing to directing, including a production of My Fat Friend (1972) featuring Kenneth Williams – their professional tensions were subsequently documented in Williams’ renowned diaries.

His theatre directing credits:

• Journey’s End (1971 – 1972);
• Time And Time Again, Comedy Theatre (1972);
• My Fat Friend, Globe Theatre (1972);
• Collaborators (1973);
• Absurd Person Singular (1973 – 1975);
• Jeeves (1975);
• Absent Friends, Garick Theatre (1975);
• The Norman Conquests (1974 – 1976);
• Noah, Chichester Festival (1976);
• Singles, Greenwich Theatre (1977);
• Balmoral (1978);
• Last of the Red-Hot Lovers (1979).

Thompson suffered a heart attack in 1967, attributed to overwork and heavy smoking.

His life was cut short when he died from a heart attack in London at the age of 53.

Personal information

Clips of Eric on The TV Room

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Online presence

Acknowledgements