ACTOR Ron Moody will always be known as the quintessential Fagan following his performance in the 1968 hit film version of the musical Oliver! for which he was nominated for an Oscar and won five International Best Actor awards.

Ron, who died last week aged 91, enjoyed a career that spanned everything from film to TV and stage in a wide variety of roles, but it was always his role in the Charles Dickens adaptation that provided a lasting notoriety amongst his fans.

It was thirty-seven years ago back in June 1978 that Southampton saw Fagan brought to life before their very eyes when Ron topped the cabaret billing at the at the city’s 30th post war Press Ball, which returned after a break of several years to the Polygon Hotel.

Not only was there a glimpse of Fagan but Ron also entertained the crowds in a delightful one man act that showcased the acting and impressionist skills that made him such a favourite amongst stage and television audiences. However there was nearly a major upset on that eventful night when a faulty microphone nearly forced Ron to abandon his set and quit the stage.

After struggling with technical issues and a restless crowd, a frustrated Ron threatened to scrap his show and donate his appearance fee to charity instead, but after the audience pleaded with him to continue, Ron resurrected his set, which due to the problems was cut from the scheduled 45 minutes to 35.

As well as Ron’s cabaret show, the 420 guests, who had paid £10 for what many considered to be one of the hottest tickets in town at the time, were also treated to music from Ian Smith and the Bee Gee band and the Harbour Lites Steel Band.

Among the many distinguished guests attracted that evening was the former Speaker of the House of Commons Lord Maybray-King and his wife, Mr Bob Mitchell, the MP for Southampton Itchen, and Mrs Gillian Gould, the wife of Southampton Test MP Mr Bryan Gould.

Ron, who was born Ronald Moodnick to Jewish parents in Tottenham, on 8 January 1924, visited the South on several occasions over the years that followed, and even talked about his career during one such visit.

The actor, who once said one of his biggest regrets was turning down an opportunity to become one of the incarnations of The Doctor in Doctor Who, spoke about “missed opportunities” when he was interviewed by the Echo back in 2000.

The then 75-year-old actor, who was starring as the gloriously villainous Captain Hook at the Poole Arts Centre at the time, was in a reflective mood as he cast his eye over the many characters and achievements of his career. Although he was quick to stress that he was far from unhappy, he wished that he had been blessed with even more time so he could have embraced the many varied roles that were offered his way.

“There have been so many missed opportunities,” he said. “Sometimes I feel my life has just raced by.”