FROME has been paying tribute to the late Crysse Morrison, an ‘inspiring’ local writer and performer, who was key in supporting the arts and culture in the town.
Crysse Morrison was a freelance writer and poet, and an avid supporter of the town’s arts and culture scene; she wrote novels, short stories, plays and performance poetry, as well as being a playwright, reviewer and co-producer of pub theatre in the town.
Following her death, a statement on her Facebook page said, “Crysse was a writer, poet, and teacher who inspired many with her own work and encouragement of others’. “She spent her last few weeks productively, talking with friends and planning a book of poetry to be published posthumously. She was amazingly brave and gracious about facing death; incredibly inspiring, calm, and even funny.
“There will be a celebration of her life in Frome soon.” Some of Crysse’s works include The Price of Bread published in 2020, a novel set in Northern Ireland at the start of the last ‘troubles’, a time she remembers from living there, and 37 of her short stories under the title of Déjà Lu. Other works include Frome Unzipped, from pre-history to post-punk and her latest novel, Blow Ins.
The Merlin Theatre, where Crysee was an associate artist and former live literature co-ordinator, also paid tribute saying, “Today the lights in our Merlin hearts are dimmed as we say goodbye to one of our own.
“Dear, brilliant and kind Crysse Morrison has left this world. We are, all, poorer without her and richer for having known her. Her part in our theatre is beyond measure; a Merlin associate artist, she gave so much – so much poetry, so many generous reviews of the young actors and community performers on our stage, so many wonderful, life-enhancing events including her inspiring Play Competitions – my favourite gift from Crysse – breathing life to the work of new writers and offering the precious chance for so many to take to the stage with words that otherwise may have been left unheard.
“We leave you here with one of the thousands of photos Crysse took from ‘her’ special place at the side of ECOS over the years. None of us will ever walk past that stone-seat again without seeing her there, still, calm, beautiful, armed with her notebook and her camera.
“Go well, dear friend. There will always be a cooled glass of Prosecco waiting for you here. “With everlasting love from Claudia, Tracey and everyone at the Merlin xxx”
Her friend and collaborator, David Lassman said, “I knew Crysse before I moved to Frome. When I moved to the town, she was incredibly supportive and our paths always crossed. She was a fellow author, collaborator and friend. We held a walk together for the Frome festival that was sold out. Her legacy will live long. The outpouring shows the impact she had, it was incredible for what she did for Frome, she really was one of the keystones of the arts and literary scene.”
