Much Ado About Dying is at Rural Arts, Thirsk on Thursday, September 26 from 7.30pm, showcasing the last four years of the life of actor David Gale. The film about David, which was made by his nephew Simon, follows the life and love for life of the actor, which won many awards when it was released.
David's talents have even inspired people in North Yorkshire, through Max May, former CEO of Rural Arts in Thirsk. David Gale (Image: FILM) When Max volunteered for a befriending service while living in London, little could he have known how being paired with housebound thespian David would impact his life. Their connection sparked a chain of events which has led to the screening of the comedic, warm and moving film with a special audience with the director next week.
Max said: “I was living in London and volunteered for a befriending service for older LGBT+ people. "I was paired with David because we both worked in the arts. By the time I met him, David was in his mid-80s and housebound.
"We talked about everything - his career, my life. "It was very interesting to discuss similarities and differences, both in terms of being gay and being in the arts.” Max returned to North Yorkshire and shortly afterwards David died.
David died in 2020 (Image: MUCH ADO ABOUT DYING) He thought of him often but only discovered a film by David’s nephew Simon when he stumbled across an article in The Guardian. But in the meantime, the joy and exuberance David had displayed had such a profound e.