Raymond Reed Hardy

Raymond Sargent, born Leslie Raymond Thomas, was an English artist active in theatre, music, and writing. He was born in Poole and trained at the Mountview Theatre School in London.

His acting career spanned various stage productions, including 'The Resistible Rise of Arturo Ui' and 'Rhinoceros', as well as touring shows like 'Tomfoolery' and 'Buddy: The Buddy Holly Story', where he also played the saxophone. Sargent also appeared in television programs such as 'The Two Ronnies', 'Blake's 7', and 'Doctor Who'.

Beyond acting, Sargent was a skilled musician, proficient in saxophone, recorder, and other instruments, composing music for his own projects. He also worked as a folk dance caller and was involved in choreographing dances for television adaptations. He died in 2008 from stomach cancer.

Raymond Sargent developed several one-man shows that showcased his theatrical and musical talents. A significant work was his adaptation of Thomas Hardy's 'The Three Strangers', which debuted at the 1990 Thomas Hardy Festival. This piece later formed the second act of 'Two Victorian Tales', a show that also included his interpretation of Charles Dickens' 'The Signalman'. Initially planned for multiple actors, 'Two Victorian Tales' was reconfigured as a solo performance due to funding constraints. Sargent toured this show extensively across the United Kingdom. He also created two shows dedicated to T.E. Lawrence: 'The Warrior and the Poet', focusing on Lawrence's later life, and 'Amateurs All', which explored Lawrence's connection with the author Thomas Hardy.

Sargent possessed a diverse musical ability, being a self-taught musician who played the saxophone, recorder, and other instruments. He composed original music for his theatrical endeavors and contributed to musical projects like 'New Music for the River Stour'. His musical activities included performing in a medieval trio and a ceilidh band. In addition to his musical pursuits, Sargent was actively involved in folk dance as a caller and dancer. He contributed to the choreography of folk dances for the London Weekend Television adaptation of Thomas Hardy's novel, 'The Mayor of Casterbridge'. He also lent his voice to BBC Radio 4's 'Poetry Please'.