Stephen Wardale

Stephen was the Garrick's longest-serving supporter, having been a member for over 75 years at the time of his death. He was a great patron and benefactor.

His aunt and uncle were founding members, and it was they who took him to see his first play : George Bernard Shaw's The Devil's Disciple. That was performed in 1922 at the Dunham Road Unitarian Chapel, the Garrick's former home.

Stephen remembered the current theatre being built in 1932, and in the late 1960s he became a long-serving Front of House manager.

He was aware of the refurbishment plans put forward in 1998 and knew that Lottery Funding had been obtained, but unfortunately didn't live long enough to see the theatre as it is today. There is no doubt that he would have been thrilled at the outcome.

Stephen is pictured after receiving his Open University degree when he was in his 70's.