Michael Blakemore, the Australian-born director, who has died aged 95, made his name in London with his premieres of plays by Peter Nichols; he cemented his reputation by staging the majority of plays by Michael Frayn and – in a long-lived career that spanned half a century – became identified as a director with a meticulous eye, a potent feel for the theatrical and a sure touch in the commercial sector.
Acclaimed in Britain, he had the unique distinction of winning awards for best musical and best play in 2000, for his Broadway revival of “Kiss Me, Kate” and “Copenhagen.”