A THEATRE impresario and former film actor has died at the age of 81.

Tributes have been paid to Duggie Chapman, by his long-time partner and stars he handled during a more than 50 year career as a producer.

Duggie, who grew up in the Rosegrove area of Burnley, caught the showbusiness bug early as he toured the area’s theatres to take in the ‘turns’.

By the age of 11 he had his first film credit, appearing in the Robert Donat film, The Cure for Love.

His later celluloid career saw him appear alongside Likely Lads actor James Bolam in Seaview Knights and as a reporter in Lee Evans’ Funnybones.

But it was as a producer where Duggie frequently saw his name in lights, staging variety and music hall nights in venues from King George’s Hall in Blackburn to the Darwen Library Theatre and Nelson’s ACE Centre, as well as Blackpool and Fylde venues like The Grand, Winter Gardens, Opera House and Lowther Pavilion.

His partner of 43 years, Beryl Johnson, said: “His grandmother used to take him to all the shows in the Burnley area and that’s how he got started.

“Showbusiness was Duggie’s life and I’ve had hundreds of e-mails and telephone calls from people he has been associated with down the years over the weekend.”

He was awarded the MBE for services to light entertainment and charity by Prince Charles in 2009 and had celebrated his 81st birthday on Friday.

The entertainer, who had lived in the Blackpool area since the 1960s, had been suffering from dementia and died at 6am on Saturday.

One of the acts he worked with, Jimmy Cricket, said on Twitter: “Saddened to hear (of) the passing of the great theatrical producer Duggie Chapman. He gave much panto and summer work to us all! RIP old friend!”

Supporters of the campaign to restore Burnley Empire Theatre also described him as 'one of the great music hall stars'.

Beryl added: “Duggie had been in contact with the Burnley Empire Theatre Trust people and they had sent him some very nice postcards about what they are trying to do there.”

Starting out, Duggie booked seasons for Danny La Rue and was also involved with the likes of Bolton comic and ex-Crackerjack host Stu Francis and Rossendale-based funnyman Ted Robbins.