Celebrated Irish Writer Clive King Passes Away at 61

Clive King, a notable Irish writer, lyricist, journalist, and script editor, has passed away at the age of 61 due to heart failure. Based in Scotland, King made significant contributions to the arts, with his plays performed in cities such as Glasgow, Edinburgh, and London. His creativity and impact on the theatre community are felt deeply by those who knew him and appreciated his work.

Born in Dublin, Clive was the eldest child of Tommy King and Helen King (née Browne). He attended Sandymount High School and emigrated to London in 1984, seeking new opportunities amid economic challenges in Ireland. Additionally, as an openly gay man, he sought a more accepting environment.

In London, Clive began his career as a journalist, focusing on computer magazines until he pursued higher education. He earned a degree in Film, Video, and Photographic Arts from the University of Westminster in 1994, followed by a Master of Arts in Screenwriting from the London College of Printing. He then returned to journalism, taking on roles at the Times as a picture editor and film feature writer while continuing to write plays in his free time.

Clive’s theatrical career gained momentum in the mid-1990s. In 1994, two of his plays, Turning On and Revving Up, were staged at the King’s Head Theatre in Islington, North London. By 1999, his play Tall Stories was performed at the Bird’s Nest in Deptford, followed by My Son the Sheik at the Gielgud Theatre later that year.

In 2001, Clive joined Carlton Television as a scriptwriter for the relaunch of the soap opera Crossroads. Two years later, he relocated to Glasgow to work on the Scottish soap River City. This move marked the beginning of a new chapter in his life, as he embraced the vibrant arts scene in Scotland.

Clive’s collaborative work in musical theatre began in 2006 when he partnered with composer and musical director on various projects. Their first commission, Meeting Matthew, premiered in 2007 at the Òran Mór Theatre in Glasgow. This venue later hosted several other productions, including Wee Free! (2017), Melania (2018), and Kiki: Deathbed Cabaret (2022), which made its debut at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival in 2023.

His final project was a children’s Christmas play titled Special Delivery, co-written with composer Karen MacIver, which premiered in 2024 at Cumbernauld Theatre. Clive continued to write and develop musical ideas up until his passing, showcasing his unwavering passion for the arts.

Outside of theatre, Clive dedicated time to charitable work. In 2005, he began volunteering for the Project for HIV & Aids Care and Education (Phace). Following its merger with the Terrence Higgins Trust, he transitioned to a full-time role as partnership and development manager for Scotland. In 2020, he became the strategy and advocacy manager at the McFarlane Trust, an organization that provides care and housing support to adults with learning disabilities.

Clive King is remembered as a charismatic, kind, and quick-witted individual, known for his ability to challenge prevailing views with grace. He is survived by his mother and two sisters, Sinead and Joanne. His legacy in both theatre and charitable work continues to inspire many in the community.