British entertainment publicist Neil Reading dies at 56

Neil Reading, a leading British entertainment publicist, died aged 56 after a short illness. He founded Neil Reading PR in 1992, representing high‑profile comedians and TV personalities such as Dawn French, John Cleese, the late Victoria Wood, John Bishop, Sir Lenny Henry, Paul McKenna and Jason Manford, and his agency launched West End productions including High Society, Only Fools and Horses and Fawlty Towers – The Play.

Tributes described him as “quietly magnificent”, a “proper gentleman” and a trusted friend. Dawn French called him an “ally and fierce protector”, while Jason Manford called him “one of the most loyal, noble and brilliant men”. He is survived by his wife Claire and daughter Rosa.