The Newsletter for 'Solo' and Duet' Members of
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The sad news that Geoffrey Holme had died came as a terrible loss to many in Amateur Theatre. There was no-one better than Martin Roche to write the obituary and this follows: GEOFFREY HOLME Geoffrey Holme was a legend. He was my best friend and a second father, but I guess that I do not have the market cornered in that respect. He died on the 27th September in Spain, having finally moved there only several days before, delayed by poor health which in the end took him from us. His medical complications had plagued him for many months but when he passed away he was surrounded by a family who loved him so very much, which ultimately is all any of us can hope for. He was the backbone for what seems a lifetime of the GMDF and an Adjudicator, Actor, Director, Compere, Raconteur, after Dinner Speaker, Lecturer, Cabaret Artiste, Singer, Teacher, Mentor, Confidante, Friend......where does one stop ? Geoffrey taught me all I know about the theatre and performing. But all that I know probably only accounts for a fraction of all that Geoffrey in particular knew. It is no exaggeration that he had a national reputation. He was involved in theatre when it was huge and won awards when they meant something and were not dished out like confetti. He had performed in some of the most prestigious theatres such as The Palace and The Liverpool Empire in defining roles that made him one of the most sought after performers of his time. 'Danilo' in The Merry Widow, 'Billy Bigelow' in Carousel, 'Haj' in Kismet were just a taste of his repertoire and skills in both amateur and professional performance. His one man show was legendary and in cabaret he could not be equalled and I doubt he ever will be. His knowledge of drama and musical theatre was immense and the master classes that he ran were not just interesting and informative, they were inspirational. As a consequence, he has influenced the careers of many successful professional performers of stage and screen. Geoffrey had a personality as large as his hearty and he did more for charity, good causes and the common good than anybody I know or have heard of. In this rather suspicious, cynical and secular world, his faith was his rock and influenced the countless things he did every day to help others. If you asked Geoffrey to do something, his answer always was ".......if I can"; but then, he always did. I believe we are the product of all the people with whom we have shared our journey. Geoffrey contributed so much to so many without exception of thanks or reward; the ultimate gentleman, the epitome of style and the end of an era. The world is a better place for having been blessed by the life of Geoffrey Holme. it is now a darker, quieter and a little less beautiful place without him. 1 and many, many others mourn his loss and to all who knew him I know we share a love, appreciation and the greatest of respect for a man we have an obligation, never toforget. Martin Roche |