Ann bows out from her theatre role
A dedicated champion of customer service has retired from the Theatre Royal after more than 40 years.
The Theatre Royal Bath’s customer services manager, Ann Meddings, worked her last day on Thursday, September 1, after completing more than four decades of service at Bath’s historic theatre.
Octogenarian Ann started her career at the Theatre Royal in September 1981, at a time when the theatre was closed for a major refurbishment.
As secretary to the administrator, Crispin Raymond, she joined a team of just five fulltime staff employed at the time.
Following a rollercoaster ride to raise funds to secure the theatre’s future, the building reopened in November 1982 with a special gala benefit of the world premiere of Noel Coward’s Star Quality, swiftly followed by the official reopening on November 30, marked by a grand reopening performance of A Midsummer Night’s Dream.
“Ann has fulfilled many high-profile roles in her career spanning 41 years at the Theatre Royal,” said Danny Moar, director of the theatre.
“Her contribution has been immense since joining the staff in 1981, at a time when Jeremy Fry stepped in to ensure the theatre’s very survival.
“Ann has been a constant source of support to thousands of our members, patrons, actors, theatre producers, resident staff and visiting companies.
“We thank Ann for her incredible service, she has been at the heart of all that is brilliant about the Theatre Royal for over four decades.”
Ann is perhaps best known to theatregoers as the welcoming face of the Theatre Royal for the venue’s associates and many loyal patrons, having greeted them in the foyer and the 1805 rooms for many decades.
She has also provided valued support for actors, from A-list celebrities to first-time visitors, visiting technical staff and assisted leading theatre management, as well as her theatre colleagues.