Biography

After a successful career playing minor roles in the theatre, film and on TV during the 1950's, 60's and 70's, John Payne joined the staff of The Stage newspaper where he became the Head of its advertising department.

John maintained his connections with the world of entertainment. During the summer months he would travel the UK mainland and the Channel Islands attending all of the big summer shows where he promoted "Showcall", the light entertainment equivalent to the casting directory "Spotlight".

John was friends with all of the big names of the day, including Danny la Rue, who was a regular visitor to the offices of The Stage newspaper.

In 1983, John was diagnosed with a brain tumour. Despite surgery and radiation therapy, he passed away at his home in Beckenham, Kent in 1984.
- IMDb mini biography by: Robin Hull

John was very well-known on the cabaret and light entertainment circuit and would, each summer, attend all of the summer shows throughout mainland UK and the Channel Islands. There he worked tirelessly to promote The Stage newspaper's variety directory, "Showcall" (similar to the more well-known casting directory "Spotlight").