Tributes paid to actor who died shortly before he was due on stage

Robert Paterson: Dundee Rep actor died suddenly.

An actor who was appearing in a play at Dundee Rep theatre died suddenly before he was due to perform.

It is understood Robert Paterson, 55, took ill and died on Tuesday shortly before he was due to appear in The Tempest.

The show, which was due to run until Saturday, June 23 has been cancelled for the rest of this week.

Mr Paterson was due to perform as Gonzalo, the honest councillor in the production.

The full circumstances surrounding Mr Paterson's death are not yet known but he is understood to have died at his home in Perthshire.

A statement from Dundee Rep theatre said: "It is with the deepest sadness that we must confirm the passing of Robert Paterson of the Dundee Rep Ensemble.

"Robert was an institution at the Rep appearing in over 50 Rep Ensemble productions. We are shocked and devastated with the news. Our thoughts and sympathy are with his family at this desperately sad time.

"Dundee Rep Ensemble is currently in the middle of a run of The Tempest by William Shakespeare. This week’s performances have been cancelled, however the production will recommence from June 21 at 7.30pm. Audience members are currently being notified."

Mr Paterson had performed with the Dundee Rep Ensemble since 2002 and some of his performances included Cinderella, Anna Karenina, Futureproof, (a co-production with the Traverse Theatre), The Firebird, The Rise and Fall of Little Voice and Sleeping Beauty.

Dundee Rep is one of the country’s leading theatres as well as home to the country’s only full-time producing company. Recent productions have included Sunshine on Leith and Farther Than The Furthest Thing.

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