TOUCHING tributes have been paid to a popular and long-serving figure in local amateur theatre circles, who has died.
The news of Peter S. Marshall’s death has been announced by Theatre Arts of Dukinfield and Ashton (TADAA).
The group was formed in June this year after Dukinfield Amateur Operatic and Dramatic Society (AODS) amalgamated with Ashton-under-Lyne Operatic Society.
The son of a founding member of Dukinfield AODS, George Marshall, Peter was a child in the 1954 production ‘Chu Chin Chow’ when he first got involved with the society.
He appeared on stage the following year as the ocarina player in ‘Call Me Madam’ and again in 1957 as one of the Snow Children in ‘Carousel’.
Peter then joined the Dukinfield AODS dancers in the early 1960s and also Middleton AODS, with whom he played Wild Horse in ‘Annie Get Your Gun’ in 1965 – where he met his wife Sheila – and also took on the role of Troppo in ‘Salad Days’ in 1966.
At Dukinfield AODS, he went on to join the Social Committee in 1970 until 2009 and the Management Committee in 1971 until 2019.
Peter held many positions on the Backstage Team – namely crew, Prop Master, Joint-Stage Manager and finally Stage Manager.
He was Chairman of Dukinfield AODS from 2009 to 2014, when he became Technical Co-ordinator – a role he held until 2022. Back in 2011, Peter was made a Life Member of the society.
TADAA said Peter’s “expertise and experience will be sorely missed within the world of amateur theatre” as he regularly assisted Ashton-under-Lyne Operatic Society for many years during their musicals.
He held the ACT long-service badge for 60 years of service to amateur theatre and was recognised by the Board of the Association of Community Theatre in 2018, when he was inducted into the ACT Hall of Fame.
Social media has been inundated with kind-hearted tributes and messages of condolence for Peter.
Keith Dalby-Oldham, who was a friend of Peter’s, wrote: “So very sad to read this. I was proud to be his Joint Stage Manager for many happy years.
“We just naturally hit it off and worked as a team. As Peter used to say ‘What one of us forgets, the other remembers’. He was a natural leader of great resourcefulness, popular with the whole company.
“Rest in peace, Peter. Thank you for your friendship. I shall never forget you. Love and condolences to Sheila, Lorraine, Andrew and to his many friends and extended family.”
Dave Chapman said: “Such sad news, always enjoyed working with Peter and Dukinfield AODS. Such a gentle, knowledgeable, kind and dedicated man. He will be greatly missed. Sincerest condolences to Sheila and all the family.”
Paula-Jayne Power commented: “A truly lovely hard-working gentleman. Such sad news, he will be greatly missed. Sending love to Sheila and Loz, thinking of you all. RIP Peter.”