A man who formed one of the last links to the Francis Laidler era at Bradford's Alhambra Theatre has died.

Fred Wade, who was stage manager there for more than 40 years, died on Christmas Day.

During his career at the theatre he worked with many of the greatest names in showbusiness, including Laurel and Hardy.

Mr Wade, 70, of Manchester Road, joined the Alhambra after completing his national service with the RAF and worked for Bradford Theatres until his retirement.

His sister Vera Shepherd said: "He definitely loved the theatre and I think people thought a lot of him.

"He worked with a lot of famous people over the years. His favourites were Laurel and Hardy and people like Jack Jones. He had signed photographs of Laurel and Hardy which he was very proud of and I kept autograph books as well."

One of Mr Wade's most significant achievements was helping to save the theatre when it was threatened with closure.

In 1984, he organised a petition of more than 6,000 names which won the backing of celebrities including The Krankies, Billy Dainty and Barney Colehan.

Mr Wade worked in his early days at the Alhambra with the legendary Francis Laidler, who built the theatre and was known as the Pantomime King.

Mr Laidler produced more pantomimes than any other impresario before his death in 1955 at the age of 87.

Mr Wade was born in Girlington, Bradford, and went to Wesley Lane Modern School and Fairweather Green Junior School. He and his sister were evacuated to Todmorden for about six weeks when the Second World War broke out.

Mr Wade had been suffering from cancer and was at St Luke's Hospital in Bradford for the three weeks before his death.

A funeral service will be held at Scholemoor Crematorium at 2.30pm on Friday.

Neil Bohanna, head of technical services for Bradford Theatres, said: "Fred was a legend in the world of touring theatre. His reputation for running an excellent backstage operation spread nationwide.

"Fred was instrumental in the campaign to save the Alhambra in the early 1980s and was heavily involved in designing the new stage and technical areas prior to the theatre's refurbishment."

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