PANTOMIME legend from Somerset, Chris Harris, who died on Wednesday April 30 aged 71, will be “sorely missed”, say former colleagues.

Best-known and loved for his pantomime career, both as director and dame, Harris wrote, performed and directed at the Theatre Royal in Bath and Bristol’s Old Vic.

Di Dean, of Somerset Fellowship of Drama, which hosted its County Drama Festival at Ilminster’s Warehouse Theatre, said: “It was a pleasure to work with Chris and I feel very privileged to have known him.

He will be desperately missed by so many people.”

Harris had been due to come to Ilminster’s Meeting House for an event on May 30.

In a statement, Ilminster Arts Centre staff, said: “We were very saddened to hear of Chris Harris’ passing, as we were very much looking forward to welcoming him to Ilminster Arts Centre.

“Our thoughts are with his family at this very sad time.”