Musical comedy star and 'the lyricist’s lyricist'

Cabaret star and prolific composer Kit Hesketh-Harvey has died suddenly at the age of 65.

It has been reported that the musician – known for being half of the musical comedy duo Kit and the Widow alongside pianist Richard Sisson – had cancer.

He and Sisson had a number of West End and Broadway theatre runs and international tours, including supporting Joan Rivers, as well as their own series on Radios 3 and 4, and two TV specials on Channel 4.

Hesketh-Harvey also wrote, adapted and translated a number of operas and musicals – and also co-wrote the second episode of The Vicar Of Dibley.

His sister Sarah Sands, a former editor of the Evening Standard, told The Independent: ‘Kit was dazzling - clever, original, funny, kind. The last time I saw him, he was busy mapping out pilgrim routes across Norfolk; there was always the next adventure, the next joke. He gave and gave and gave.’

And confirming the news of his death last night, his agents PBJ said: ‘We are devastated to learn today of the death of long-term PBJ Management friend and client Kit Hesketh-Harvey. Kit died unexpectedly but peacefully, listening to Radio 3 and preparing for a Kit & McConnel show tonight.’

Born to a family of diplomats in Nyasalan in what is now Malawi in 1957, he was educated as chorister at Canterbury Cathedral and then at Tonbridge School in Kent and Clare College, Cambridge, where he joined the Footlights alongside Stephen Fry, Hugh Laurie and Emma Thompson – although in a 2018 article he said the comedy society had had its day.

His translation of The Bartered Bride for the Royal Opera House was Grammy nominated, and his work has been staged by Opera North, Scottish Opera, Music Theatre Wales and the Hampstead and Riverside theatres in London. He once adapted The Caribbean Tempest starring Kylie Minogue, in Barbados and Sydney and wrote a show about Monterverdi entitled Monterverdi’s Flying Circus.

Hesketh-Harvey co-starred with Tim Minchin in the first BBC Comedy prom at the Royal Albert Hall in 2011 in what was the last time that Kit and the Widow appeared on stage together. He then formed a new partnership with James McConnel. He also starred annually in pantomime at Guildford, always playing the baddie.

Among those paying tribute online were composer Tim Rice who said: ‘Tragic news that Kit Hesketh Harvey has died. Delightful fellow, charming, witty, the lyricist’s lyricist, a cross between Michael Flanders & Stephen Sondheim. And a fine musician. And fun on Barbados beaches or at Savoy lunches. And much more. RIP.’

Jamie Smith, creative producer of the Mayflower Theatre in Southampton, posted: 'Raising a heavy hearted martini to the wonderful Kit Hesketh Harvey.  One of the sharpest, funniest & kindest men I had the honour to call a friend. To share the stage with him was a blessing & education. Always 12 steps ahead, his razor wit was second to none. Rest well Kitty'

Hesketh-Harvey was married to Kate Rabett – the Bond girl and  You Rang, M'Lord? actress who latterly became an art historian –  for 35 years, until a recent split. They had two children.

Published: 2 Feb 2023