Remembering Brenda

 It is with great sadness that Masham Players notes the recent passing of Brenda Lewis.

Brenda (Lewis (nee Proud)), was a long standing and valued member of Masham Players.

Over the years she took on many duties within the group, including acting, directing, costume, prompt, committee member and chair. Her enthusiasm was infectious, and she did it all with a smile on her face, even when rehearsals got a little tense!

Her first acting credit was in 'The Whole truth' by Phillip Mackie in 1958. Brenda went on to appear in 34 shows in total, her last one being in November 2002 in 'A Lighthearted Evening of Dramatic Entertainment'. She also directed one of the one act plays that evening.

Brenda was also a talented director, having taken charge of 15 full length shows, and countless one acts. Her first credit was for 'Fools Rush In' by Kenneth Horn in November 1980, and her last was for 'Voices' by Ian Hornby' in November 2006.

Brenda was also a dab hand in the costume department, often knocking up some extremely presentable creations out of what appeared to be a bit of old cloth. She also had an eye for set dressing and decor, enhancing some wonderful stage sets.

Brenda also took on the role of prompt on several occasions, a difficult job at the best of times! On one famous occasion when there was a 'pregnant pause', things having obviously gone seriously wrong on stage and the cast had probably jumped forward and backwards over several pages', Brenda could be heard saying offstage in a stage whisper: - 'I don't know where we are!. Our audiences are usually pretty forgiving, and seemed to enjoy the moment.

Brenda was an all round team player and is sorely missed by all at Masham Players. We celebrate all that she did for us.

Our thoughts are with her family.

Masham Players