Lights of Broadway dim for Pinter

Harold Pinter, the Nobel Prize-winning playwright who died aged 78 on Christmas Eve following a long fight with cancer, will be buried today. Although his family have not disclosed where the funeral will take place, fearing that it might be swamped by many of his fans and admirers, they have revealed details about the service.

The Evening Standard reports that Pinter (pictured), the author of such modern theatrical classics as The Birthday Party and The Homecoming, had carefullly choreographed the funeral before his death, which was marked last night in New York when the theatres of Broadway dimmed their lights for one minute.

Actor Sir Michael Gambon was asked three months ago if he would read from the Pinter play in which he is currently appearing at the Duke of York’s, No Man's Land. The selected extract includes the lines: "Allow the love of the good ghost. They possess all that emotion trapped. Bow to it."

His other great passion, cricket, will be reflected in a reading by Matthew ‘Harry’ Burton, who played in Pinter's Gaieties cricket team, and who will recite some of At Lord's by Francis Thompson to the mourners, who will include his widow, the historian Lady Antonia Fraser, family members and close friends. Pinter traditionally read the poem at the end of each season at the club.

Burton said of the funeral arrangements: "He seems to have given very precise instructions. I believe the funeral will be carried out to his instructions." A public memorial service will be held next year.