Ted ‘showed us the best of humanity’

Tributes to much-loved leader of theatre group

Tributes have been pouring in for a much-loved theatre director who ‘shined a light on the disabled community with his passion for drama and inclusivity.’

The death of Ted Dutton, co-founder and leader of Burnham’s Friendly Bombs Theatre Company, has left many in shock and sadness. He was 85.

Along with Richard Hodges, Ted founded the groundbreaking group 26 years ago, introducing adults with learning disabilities to the world of Shakespeare and high-level drama.

Never patronising and always challenging the group, Ted believed that ‘the theatre is for all’ and changed disabled people’s lives by helping them hone new skills, creating a welcoming community and inspiring them to seize their purpose each week.

His death was announced on the Friendly Bombs Facebook page on February 20, with dozens of users paying tribute.

“Thank you Ted for showing us the best of humanity,” said one person, while another described Ted as a ‘beaut of a gent’.

Will Hadwen, who inspired the name Friendly Bombs, added: “Ted was such a champion of Friendly Bombs and a great support to all its members and helpers. He will be lovingly remembered and sadly missed.”

Lifelong friend Samantha Turner said: “He was a kind, modest, humble and lovely man and will be missed by many.”

Friendly Bombs founders Richard and Ted met while working at Burnham Day Centre and set about creating a group that ‘exploded the myths and preconceptions of the potential of people with a learning disability’.

And they did just that. The award-winning group is well known in the region, performing at Norden Farm, and the Maidenhead and Henley Festivals over the years.

It has members who have been part of its magic for decades, loving the challenge of performing theatrical and dark pieces and the fun and friendships they experience each week.

So important is the group that they practised and performed unfailingly during COVID over Zoom, doing dances, readings, and even getting into character remotely and producing a film.

Richard told the Advertiser: “Ted and I met in 1990 and shared a love of theatre and we created a company for people with disabilities to have access to theatre skills.

“He taught me, and all he worked with how to champion all people whatever their needs and showed us all how to live positively.

“It’s great that he got to see this work celebrated with the 25 year anniversary last year.”

Marianne Gill, one of the volunteer drama teachers, said of Ted’s death: “I met Ted just over 10 years ago when I was considering a career change and looking to work with adults who need help with confidence building and communication skills.

“Not only was he welcoming for me to join the Friendly Bombs Theatre Company he encouraged me and supported me through my training and into my new career.

“Ted was so generous to everyone with his time and wealth of experience. We should all aim to be as giving and patient and live our lives as fully. He was still embracing the world into his eighties and making friends with everyone he met.

“I miss him but feel so privileged to have known him. He enhanced my life as he did so many.”