Carol Lawrence: A Pioneering Force in Theatre and Television Design
The theatre and television design world mourns the loss of Carol Lawrence, who has died at the age of 81. A true pioneer, her remarkable career spanned prestigious stage productions and became synonymous with the vibrant energy of BBC Saturday morning television.
From Motley's First Cohort to a Theatrical Mainstay
In 1966, Carol Lawrence secured a place among an elite group of just eight students on the inaugural year of the renowned Motley theatre design course, then based at Sadler's Wells theatre under the guidance of Percy Harris. This formative experience not only launched her professional journey but also led to a personal connection; it was there she met fellow student and future husband, the acclaimed stage designer Hayden Griffin. The couple married in 1968.
Carol's talent quickly propelled her into the heart of British theatre. She designed productions for illustrious institutions including the Royal Court, Sadler's Wells, and both the English and Welsh National Operas. Her work also reached international stages, such as the Aarhus theatre in Denmark. A notable creation was her costume design for John Merrick in a 1983 production of The Elephant Man at Derby Playhouse.
Her connection to the Motley course remained profound. She evolved from student to a central figure, authoring The Motley Book of Props in 1975 and dedicating many years to teaching on the programme, nurturing the next generation of designers.
A Seamless Pivot to BBC Stardom
Following her divorce from Hayden Griffin in the early 1980s, Carol Lawrence embarked on a highly successful second act, joining the BBC as a costume designer. Her portfolio became vast, encompassing work on classic series from 'Allo 'Allo! to the enduring soap opera EastEnders.
However, it was on the corporation's flagship Saturday morning shows—Live and Kicking, TMi, and Going Live!—that her unique talents truly flourished. The fast-paced, inventive world of children's television proved to be her perfect niche. Her years of theatrical experience honed an exceptional ability to improvise and construct under pressure.
Colleagues celebrated her wonderful, offbeat sense of humour, a genius for invention, and an irrepressible sense of fun. Julian Stone, a stage manager on those shows, recalled her as "a creative tour de force," whose mind worked "at weird tangents to come up with amazing things" from repurposed materials. She became, in every sense, indispensable to the production teams.
Early Life and Enduring Creativity
Carol Lawrence was born in Newport on the Isle of Wight, to parents Elsie and William Lawrence, who both worked at an aircraft factory. Tragedy struck early when her father, a works policeman, died when Carol was just three years old. Her mother, who had previously worked as a maid, subsequently opened their family home as a bed and breakfast to support them.
After attending Sandown Grammar School, Carol pursued her passion, studying stage design at Wimbledon School of Art under Richard Negri. This path led directly to her acceptance on the groundbreaking Motley course and the commencement of her storied career.
Even after BBC redundancies in the 1990s forced a shift to freelance work, Carol's reputation ensured she was never without a project. In her later years, living in East Dulwich, south-east London, she reduced her workload but never her creativity, continuing to take on design jobs and dedicating herself to drawing and making art.
Carol Lawrence is survived by her three children, Rhys, Siân, and the author of this tribute, and by her two grandchildren, Niamh and Aoife. Her legacy is one of innovation, resilience, and a joyful creativity that illuminated both the stage and the screen for generations.
