Recently we were all informed of the sad news that George Raymond Mann, known to us as Ray, had passed away.
It seemed only right to reflect upon his life at the Little Theatre as he had served the club in so very many capacities. His darling wife and best friend Margaret was generous enough to compose a beautiful piece that cited these many roles and it is an impressive list by anybody’s standards.
He joined the club in 1968 and assisted many departments – many of us will have fond memories of seeing him act, or being directed by him. We will likely all have been ushered in to the theatre by him as part of the front of house team. However, some may not be aware that he also stage managed and worked with props team as well as chairing wardrobe, chairing a fundraising committee that he was also the first chair of the publicity committee. This was not his only first, as he was also our first dame (oh, yes, he was – but more on that later)
Ray was chair of the club in 1981-1982 and oversaw a packed season which included 10 SDC plays as well as a couple of evenings of One Act Plays, at least 5 sublets, two Galas, a drama federation event, a drama festival and a brass band concert!
He was the Honourable General Secretary for many years and was well known and loved for his succinct yet thorough, exceptionally engaging round ups at each AGM, developing a format that is still honoured now.
This style was his trademark. Ray wrote in a way that rewarded the knowledgeable reader who could relish the references, but also in a warm and inclusive way, meaning that anyone fortunate enough to stumble upon his wordsmithery for the first time could still delight in it.
As I perused the many programmes he featured in, I was reminded of his wit and wisdom, and not a bit surprised that his cast members would reflect upon working with him fondly. It was heartwarming to recall his enduring encouragement, whether that was inspiring future dames, nurturing talent, or taking the time to read and be so sincerely supportive of the regular columns we published.
As previously mentioned, he was the first dame when the Southport Dramatic Club started producing annual pantomimes. He took the part seventeen times and is undoubtedly the founding father of it on our boards.
It is such an iconic role and requires a unique blend of skills – one must be warm and friendly, with a great sense of comic timing and being able to read each audience.
Ray as Dame with faithful sidekicks
He remarked on this being one of his favourite roles in some of our literature, and this was echoed by Margaret and their daughter Juliet. Juliet fondly recalls memories of his costume causing mirth as his enormous ‘bra’ would be drying on the boiler overnight after each performance.
Juliet also recalled his discipline when learning lines for the many shows he played in and that he used to wander the country lanes of Rufford with his faithful 1970s tape recorder, causing the local farmers to think he was barmy.
He found the joy and appeal in all manner of parts: narrators, butlers, a hard nosed northerner here and a cockney burglar here – English gentlemen, a Kumranistan Ambassador and of course, a French wartime café owner! He never lost sight of the importance of entertaining the audience, recognising their role just as clearly as those of the actors and crew.
It would be impossible to list all of the shows he was a part of – not only did he act in numerous plays, but also took roles in musicals over many decades. [It is in this capacity I first worked with Ray and Margaret before I even joined the SDC; delighting in their hospitality and benefitting from their generosity of experience when rehearsing as his niece in Hello Dolly!]
Ray (and Margaret) preparing for Carousel in the 1960s
Ray was still directing even into the 2010s and acting until as recently as 2022 in The Vicar of Dibley. As his character gave way to the Vicar in the title of that play, so too did he pass on the baton of other roles we have celebrated him for here.
Margaret quite rightly described him as insightful and intelligent, reflecting on his dedication and wit and humour. Juliet also summed him up as one of the most erudite, witty and articulate people she has known and was privileged to have been his daughter.
We are so thankful to them for sharing these memories and also the wonderful photographs.
All of us who knew him will recognise these qualities and send all of our love to his family and friends who he loved so dearly and who will miss him terribly. He summed up these connections perfectly in his directors notes for Trap for a Lonely Man which was performed in 2009: “One of the real pleasures at the SDC is the opportunity it gives one to make life-long friendships with people you have worked with in this theatre over the years…I was able to relish the thought of working with a group of old friends on yet another venture, As you might imagine, in these circumstances, rehearsing together for the past weeks has been stimulating and enjoyable”
What a man, what a legacy. Goodnight Ray, thank you for everything.
Jen Corcoran
