His classes (like ‘open-heart surgery without anaesthetic’) took in melodrama and Greek tragedy as well as slapstick and bouffon clowning

Teacher who ran school outside Paris was a formative influence on generations of comedians and actors including Helena Bonham Carter and Emma Thompson

The master clown helped generations of performers be more alive in the moment – and not take themselves too seriously. His teachings were for life as well as the stage

The Complicité founder remembers his teacher’s wicked laughter, provocative demands and infinite generosity

His classes (like ‘open-heart surgery without anaesthetic’) took in melodrama and Greek tragedy as well as slapstick and bouffon clowning