NEW FARNHAM REPERTORY Actors' Company 

Dennis Chinnery

Local professional actor and artist

Audiences sitting in the New Farnham Repertory Company's famous marquee, appreciating Dennis Chinnery's long-standing acting talents, could be forgiven for not knowing that he is also an accomplished artist.

Behind the grease paint lies a creative imagination that expresses itself through another sort of paint: water colour, acrylic and oil. While Dennis's stagecraft was learnt at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art his artist's craft was self-taught. His talent is good enough though for him to have become an exhibiting member of the Farnham Art Society.

As Brassett in rehearsal for Charley's Aunt (2004)

Dennis is probably best known to Farnham audiences for his recent portrayals of Brassett (Charley's Aunt), Owen Glendower (Henry IV part 1), Wickfield and Creakle (David Copperfield) and Dr Manette (Tale of Two Cities). But his history as an actor straddles the whole of the second half of the 20th century.

As Owen Glendower in Henry IV Part 1 (2003)

Having honed his skills in repertory Dennis's range is considerable. He has acted with many of the great names of English theatre such as Paul Scofield, Sir Ralph Richardson, Sir John Gielgud, Sir Donald Wolfit, Dame Sybil Thorndike, and Margaret Rutherford to name but a few. He has also worked with some celebrated comic actors such as Tony Hancock, Kenneth Williams and Benny Hill. In films he once had the great pleasure of working with Fred Astaire.

Although Surrey audiences think of him affectionately as a local actor he has worked in repertory companies all over the country as well as playing in many West End productions, including The Mousetrap in 1978 and two seasons at the Old Vic, during which time he played Macbeth.

As an artist Dennis has a meticulous eye for detail which he has inherited from his father, who was a draughtsman.

St Andrew's Parish Church, Farnham             Gostrey Meadow, Farnham

Dennis's repertoire also encompasses portraiture and landscapes, but his most recent departure is into the world of the mind, adding a psychological and spiritual dimension. This he delivers with a characteristic twinkle in the eye. Indeed, this aspect of his work enabled him to become an exhibiting member of the Farnham Art Society (FAS), whose 2005 spring exhibition included a work by Dennis. The judges were particularly intrigued by the subject of his painting, an arresting depiction of the experience of eye surgery.

Dennis is married to South African born Patricia Kerr whose career spans acting, radio broadcasting and television and who also lectures on art history.

Dennis has painted many private houses, landscapes and portraits and welcomes new commissions. Enquirers can reach him by emailing this website. (Click here to email Dennis)

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