Theatre manager dedicated to the arts and charity
A THEATRE manager who helped raise more than £1m for charity has been celebrated after dedicating more than 45 years to the industry.
Tribute has been paid to Welsh theatre manager, producer and director Peter Lea following his death on November 7.
Born in Penarth to Marjorie and William Lea, Peter started working at the New Theatre, Cardiff in 1971 and was the general manager from 1977 until 1985.
While in Cardiff, the father-of-two produced and directed more than 12 pantomimes with stars including Leslie Crowther, Roy Hudd, Ted Rogers, Dickie Henderson, Keith Harris and five with Welsh comedian Stan Stennett.
During his career Peter will be remembered as the manager of one of the first venues to give the then “up and coming” Cameron Mackintosh a slot for his first big musical tour.
Other highlights in his career include his years spent with Vanessa Ford Productions as general manager and company manager and his time managing theatres in Norwich, Eastbourne, Leicester, Leatherhead, Farnham and Southampton.
In addition to directing scores of musicals, concerts, and plays Peter will be remembered for his contribution to countless charity events. During his life he raised in excess of £1m for various organisations.
After moving to Weston-SuperMare in 2004 to be nearer family he went on to present a range of shows including Gingerbread Man, Olde Tyme Music Hall, Godspell, Give me the Moonlight and Concerts with Richard Lennox.
Later in life, Peter worked at the Blakehay Theatre in Weston-superMare, as well as volunteering at museums and giving talks to community groups including the Women’s Institute about his life.
Boasting a life-long dedication to the arts, Peter was still producing concerts up until three weeks before his death following a short illness aged 74.
In 1969 Peter married his wife Lynda. Together they had two daughters, Sian and Cerys.
He will be sorely missed by family and friends.
Peter’s funeral service was held yesterday at Weston-super-Mare Crematorium.