Ian Liston (4 August 1948 – 1 October 2016) was an English actor, writer, and theatrical producer, best known for his work in television, film, and pantomime, and as founder of the Hiss & Boo Theatre Company.
Born in Crosby, Lancashire, Liston began his career in theatre, working backstage before moving into acting. He joined the Everyman Theatre in Liverpool as an assistant stage manager and later worked within the film industry, including roles at Elstree Studios and with Apple Films.
As an actor, he built an extensive career across British television, appearing in series such as Z-Cars, The Onedin Line, The Professionals, Doctor Who, The Bill, Silent Witness, and Bugs. He is perhaps best remembered for playing Ron Brownlow in Crossroads.
His film work included A Bridge Too Far and Scum, while he became particularly well known to international audiences for playing rebel pilot Wes Janson in The Empire Strikes Back.
In theatre, Liston made a significant contribution as a producer and creator. In 1977, he founded the Hiss & Boo Theatre Company, developing it into a major force in touring theatre, pantomime, and music hall-style entertainment. He appeared more than 3,000 times as “Mr Chairman” in the company’s productions and produced numerous shows, including West End productions such as An Ideal Husband, Groucho: A Life in Revue, and Nunsense.
He was also responsible for bringing properties such as Cluedo and the Mr Men to the stage, and contributed to the wider industry through a long-standing role with the Theatrical Management Association.
Liston was initiated into the Grand Order of Water Rats in 2005 as member number 854. He died on 1 October 2016, aged 68, following complications after a long illness, during which he supported cancer research and clinical trials.
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