Society President - Clive Ashton
From time to time our group opts to appoint a society president. This is an honourary position and can be appointed to someone for their continual help and support, contribution and dedication to the group.
For some years now that position has been bestowed to Clive Ashton, who has been an integral part of our society family for decades.
Sadly on 19th April 2024 Clive passed away, leaving behind a significant hole in our group.
We have put this page together to share our love and admiration for such a caring and talented man, who throughout his time with the group had a significant impact on not only our members, but our audience aswell. He will be very much missed by all who knew him, both on and off the stage.
Clive joined the group in the summer of 1997. His 2 girls, Emily and Vicki had joined the group 1 year previous when our troupe had to relocate to a new venue in Redbridge Community School, and the group was then known as R.A.T.S. The girls had been recruited to the group by our resident director at the time Moira Allen, after an advertisement at the school for auditions to play children in some songs from Oliver and The Sound of Music had been announced.
Clive's wife Mary had already been called upon to help with costumes and back stage at preformances, and so in 1997 Clive decided it was his turn to get involved!
His first performance in May 1997 was in a show called "The Generation Gap", where he played the father of 2 girls and their friends growing up and enjoying the music and life of the 70's.
By his next perfomance, he was well and truely captured by the stage! Taking the role of Grand Vizier in the the groups pantomime that year of Aladdin. He spent the 5 months of rehearsal time growing and shaping his moustache and beard to one that can only be described as more then befitting of a Grand Vizier! (Picture evidence provided - yes that really was his beard and tash!)
This was certainly not the last time Clive committed this much to his roles, growing beards and bleaching his hair was just the beginning! He enjoyed the fun of dressing up, and often enjoyed taking the role of the 'Dame' and other memorable characters.
During Clive's time with the group, he always made a point of welcoming and befriending new members, helping to teach younger members the relevant stage directions, and other members his tips and tricks for learning lines, amongst other things. Clive would always put his all into the group and the many roles he played.
Away from the stage, Clive also had an active role on the committee for many years, he began as Publicity secretary, producing flyers and advertising, and later moved into Vice Chairman and Chairman roles.
Clive also tried his hand at directing within the group. Earlier perfomances of Dick Wittington and Musical Melodies were but a few he bought to our stage.
In his later years, Clive had to slow himself down due to health restrictions, but this did not stop him from taking many active and elaborate roles on the stage. His last appearance on stage was as King Ethelred in our production of 'Hail Caesar!', the father of the poor princess Bianca, stollen away to Rome to help Caesar regain the loyalty of his senate.
Clive was still working with the group, rehearsing for our Summer performance of 'Calling all Loveys' right up until a few weeks before he died.
His love of the stage and commitment to our group has never faltered in all of the years clive was a member with us, his loss has left a huge hole in our hearts, but he will never be forgotten! He has now gone to play on a much higher stage, where he will need no rehearsal!
When asked to share memories of and messages to Clive, this is what our members had to say:
"A good all rounder. Could sing, dance and act.
Missed so much.
So talented and so many years in the group. XXXX"
- Nina -
"Dear Clive
I have just noticed how much more room there is in the changing room!
You are sadly missed by us all."
- Terry -
"He was the best behaved "Husband" I've ever had"
- Jane -
"Dear Clive
Thank you for being the best Royal Daddy an Essex Princess could have
Love Laura aka Sharon"
- Laura -
"Dear Clive
You were the best lord and king"
- Crystal Alice -
"Best Boss ever, even for a bloodsucker (Dracula), will miss you always, (Renfield)"
- Billy -
"I did a great duet with him.
He played the best dame ever!"
Christine
"I'll always remember the flowers from Dracula
God bless"
- Unknown -
"Always remember Clive as someone who loved to dress up - but in the best possible taste!!"
- Unknown -
"I didnt know you as well as everyone else, but you were always so kind to me, and I'll miss you dearly xx"
- Unknown -
"Dear Clive
A man of many talents and the best camp actor in the business! :)
So committed and hard-working, and loyal to the group for so many years.
Much loved and missed, God Bless xxx"
- Nadia -
"Daddy Clive
What can i say, you were a dad on and off the stage.
An amazing talent and one of the kindest hearts I know.
I will always treasure every song and laugh
Keep Shining
xx Kimmi xx"
- Kim -
"He was the best dancer i partnered with in a show"
- Chris T -
"My baby brother (40yo) and his neice will always remember Clive's performance as one of the three wise men (not in FASATS though)"
- Lee -
"Dear Clive
There was only one man to play my Dracula. You even dyed your hair for the part with the vampire forehear point.
Your commitment was exemplory and the focal point was 'Past the point of no return' with Kim and I.
I will miss the lockeroom banter and wisdom and humour.
Lots of love Paully x"
- Paul -
"Dear Clive
Where do i start, there are so many memories to choose from but my favourite part you did was when you were my nurse in Babes in the wood.
You were brilliant
Party hard in heaven x"
- Tracy -
"Clive
You helped so much in making me feel like part of the family.
Thank you for your support and I miss your sense of humour and timing
Love David xx"
- David -
"To Clive, you were honestly the best dame.
You are going to be missed
Love Holly xxxxx"
- Holly -
"Dad, In the many years we have been in the group, we have met so many people and been priviledged to call them our drama group family. But I was also so lucky to share the stage with real family, and I am so honoured to have shared the experience with you and Emily on so many occassions throughout our years.
The stage and the group will never be the same again without you, a spotlight has gone out that will never re-light.
You have impacted so many people just from being you... and dracula, and a king, a woodsman, a captain, a dame, a nurse, a mayor and a Grand Vizier (but to name a few!)
There are no words that will ever convey how much your loss is felt in the group,
Continue to shine your light in heaven.
With all my love xxxx"
- Vicki -