Noel’s contribution to the performing arts has been remarkable and is characterised by his untiring generosity and dedication.  Noel’s brilliant books, including the 20th and 21st Century Performance Readers, will continue to inspire theatre and performance students for many years to come.  His international legacy, particularly his close work with the Sibiu International Theatre festival and Richard Demarco’s extraordinary archive in Edinburgh will be remembered as dynamic, pioneering and inspirational.

In 2005 Noel was invited to consult on a potential performance curriculum at Leeds Metropolitan University. In 2006 a brand-new university department was born out of his philosophy, a Performing Arts subject area with professional practice and internationalisation at its core.  We owe every subsequent success to Noel’s vision and his Leeds Beckett family will be forever grateful for the work of our esteemed Emeritus Professor.  

It is Noel’s bounteous and unwavering commitment to higher education that so many of us will hold in our hearts.  Just a couple of weeks before his passing, Noel was still teaching, supporting and characteristically provoking students, even while having to deliver online.  I have for many years been moved by Noel’s genuine interest in each and every student he has worked with, and his belief in the transformative power of performance.  

Noel has been a great friend and mentor to me for 20 years and I am not alone, his good humour and playful intellect have touched the lives of many, many others.  
Noel was a passionate believer in our new School, he said to me that he saw the creation of The Leeds School of Arts as one of the best things to happen at the University and was excited about the possibilities the new school could offer. I will miss his emails detailing ideas for collaboration across teaching and research and his infectious enthusiasm for everything arts related.

We offer sincere condolences to Noel’s family at this very difficult time. He will be very sorely missed.