The soaring notes of Di Gray’s magnificent soprano voice will always be, for me, the first truly wonderful soprano I heard back in Brussels in the 1970s. Other great voices have come and gone over the years but her voice is the one that stands out for me. She sang, she acted, she directed, she chaired the English Comedy Club, she accompanied husband Paul in so many musical ventures and she was a kind and thoughtful friend. But my one abiding memory from about 35 years ago involves a pair of brown socks.
The American Theater Company's production of ’Kiss Me Kate’ was in crisis on the first night during the run: the leading lady's singing voice had disappeared. What to do? A call to Di at 7:15 pm saw her unhesitatingly dash to the Auderghem theatre and prepare to sing cold at 8pm the leading lady's role from the wings, as the actress playing Lily Vanessi, walked it through on stage. I had a flat nearby at the time and I literally ran from the theatre to find a suitable evening dress and ran back just in time for curtain up. It was a voluminous powder blue Ossie Clark which matched Diane's eyes and showed off her magnificent cleavage to perfection but was just a little too long for her. Coiffed and powdered by Hair and Makeup, with a pair of sparkly dangly earrings she sang magnificently and literally 'saved the show'! Tumultuous applause at curtain call demanded her presence on stage. The applause soared as a glamorous blonde in powder blue stepped out but so as not to trip, she lifted her gown to take a bow. Nobody had thought to find her evening shoes for under all the glamour were a pair of short brown socks and plimsolls. The audience roared with laughter and loved it. And we loved her.
Diane and Paul retired from Brussels to Alcester some years ago but with music an essential ingredient in their lives, they continued to perform and enjoy a musical life. It was with great sadness that we heard a couple of weeks ago that Diane had been diagnosed with a terminal illness that took her all too quickly and she passed away on 22nd August, nobly, with dignity and with a sure faith, at the hospice to which she had been moved just a few days before. Our hearts are heavy with sadness to have lost such a lovely generous lady, who inspired so many and we think of husband Paul, her children Charlotte and Oliver and their families. May she rest in peace.
Thanks to Diana MHDeeks 23rd Aug 2017