Peter Brook: great British director dies at 97

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Peter Brook, the one of the most creative and controversial directors of post-war Britain, has died aged 97.

Born in London, his stage productions, featuring some of the theatre's most distinguished actors, have both captivated and shocked audiences.

His career spanned Shakespeare's plays, Broadway musicals and film, including an adaptation of Lord of the Flies.

Brook, who had lived in France since 1974, died in Paris on Saturday, according to reports.

Peter Stephen Paul Brook was born in west London in March 1925 , son of Jewish immigrants.

He had no theatrical training, but after studying at Oxford University his talent was quickly spotted.

In his mid-twenties he had a reputation as the big old enfant terrible of the British scene.

Over the decades that followed, Brook left his mark on theater, breaking many established conventions.

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At the age of 20, he was appointed director of the Birmingham Repertory Theatre.