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Biography:
(written by Tony Collis, Paul's father)
Paul was born to Jennifer and Tony Collis in Crawley , Sussex on October 2nd. 1968 In his adult life he first got interested in
the Theatre by joining and was a founder member of, the Queen Mother Theatre Youth Group run by Rory Reynolds; later he attended Mountview College doing a post graduate diploma course in the Theatrical Arts which he completed on the 10th of October 1992. Before he finished the course he was selected by Bill Kenwright for the role of Alan A-dale in the production of Prince of Sherwood (Robin) in the West End of London and on tour. Finishing the tour he was selected for the lead role in Portrait of Love (Leonard). Following that he appeared as Brad and Frank-n-Furter in the 21st birthday show of The Rocky Horror Show in London and on tour. Paul then got the role of Chris on Miss Saigon, where he met his future wife Cris Cabitac, who played one of the bar girls. He married Cris in September 1997 and then moved to Her Majesty's Theatre to perform the role of Rauol in The Phantom of the Opera. He also understudied Peter Cousins and was scheduled to take up the role of Phantom after the planned 1998 tour. Unfortunately Paul caught what the doctors described as a cold on the day after boxing day 1997 but in fact had blood poisoning and died at Lewisham Hospital on the 5th of January 1998. He left behind a bride of 4 months and a 2 week old daughter Cassandra Jae as well as grieving parents. A memorial service was held for Paul at St. Pauls Covent Garden attended by upwards of 400 people including the casts of Miss Saigon and Phantom as well as Cameron Mackintosh and his management team. Paul will be sorely missed by both his wife , child, sister Caroline (Byrne) and parents as well as his many friends and the profession that he loved so dearly.
Link:
The Collis Family Page. More information on Paul.
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