Southport Back in Time Drama club pays tribute to legendary stalwart Ronnie
ALL Souls Dramatic Club has paid its tributes to Lord Ronnie Fearn, who has died aged 90, hailing his “hard work and dedication to amateur theatre over 50 years”.
Lord Fearn was the MP for Southport on two occasions, between 1987 and 1992, and then again between 1997 and 2002. He also served as a local councillor in Southport for over 50 years.
He was a talented performer too, was one of the founders of All Souls and took to the stage for hundreds of theatre and panto productions with All Souls Dramatic Club in Southport.
He was always a very entertaining panto dame while fellow performers and audience members have described some of his performances as legendary.
All Souls members recently finished their run of its Snow Queen panto at The Atkinson when they heard the sad news of Lord Fearn’s death.
An All Souls Dramatic Club spokesperson said: “We are deeply saddened to learn that our founding and life member Lord Ronnie Fearn has passed away.
“We are extremely appreciative to Ronnie for the hard work and dedication to amateur theatre he and his cofounder Mike Brown demonstrated when starting the club over 50 years ago.
“Ronnie was also the serving President of All Souls Dramatic Club and has taken an active part in the running of the club since its inception.
“He performed in hundreds of shows with the club in a variety of roles and leaves extremely fond memories behind for the audiences who came to watch.
“Without Ronnie and Mike, All Souls Dramatic Club would not take the form it is today and we will be eternally grateful for all their efforts in creating and supporting our wonderful club.
“We send our heartfelt condolences to his family, may he rest in peace.”
Cliff Gillies said: “So very very sad to hear of the passing of Lord Ronnie Fearn. A lovely, funny, caring man.
“All Souls Dramatic Club wouldn’t have existed without him. He supported every show and I even had the pleasure of performing on stage with him and Mike Brown… and it was fabulous.
“There’s a song we sang in The Snow Queen which sums up just what he created with All Souls. It says:
‘There’s a place where we don’t have to feel unknown. And every time that you call out, you’re a little less alone’. He will be sadly missed. Oh yes he will!”
Speaking on the All Souls Dramatic Club Facebook page, Belinda Johnson said: “Think about Ronnie and Mike a lot, and all the fun we had at Dramatic Club, precious memories, condolences to Ronnie family and friends.”
Debbie Harrison said: “My parents were members of All Souls before me and we had great times on stage with both Ronnie and Mike. We’ll miss him.”
Lucy Thomas said: “I remember meeting Ronnie when I was in Peter Pan with ACT in 2008/9 – he was so so lovely with all us kids! Condolences to the family.”
Lyndsey Keggin said: “We have wonderful memories taking part in ASDC with Ronnie. His summer shows were such fun. A true gentleman. Condolences to all his family.”
Kim Keggin said: “A lovely man who worked tirelessly for
Southport and was the beating heart of ASDC.”
June Weights said: “So many happy memories of panto and shows with lovely, funny Ronnie and Mike. Real gentlemen.”
Sue Kershaw said: “The heart and soul of All Souls. Ronnie always had a smile on his face. Fond memories of playing alongside him and Mike Brown in Peter Pan.”
Diane Lees said: “Happy memories of fun and laughs, Ron and Mike were the best duo ever.”
Nadine Margaret Buckman said: “What fun we all had, the garden parties getting the floats ready for the carnival, pantomimes, summer shows, doing little shows for the old people. Ronnie and Mike always had us busy. He will be in our hearts forever. A real Legend.
“God bless you Ronnie. I still have some of the braiding for costumes I can’t throw away.”
Lorraine West said: “I moved away in 1979 but have good memories of
Ronnie Fearn who did such a lot for his town. Condolences to the family.”
Lesley Radcliffe said: “Had a fabulous time with ASDC and lots of lovely memories of all involved. I will always remember Ronnie as Tina Turner, just one of his great performances! RIP and condolences to all his family.”
Kath Sheard said: “Loved being part of ASDC shows with Ronnie Fearn and Mike Brown. Ronnie was caring, funny and a lovely gent. He did a great deal for Southport as a whole. Loved his town and had time for everyone.”
Speaking on the Stand Up For Southport Facebook group, Pauline McNulty said: “Will never forget Ronnie Fearn doing Freddie Mercury. It brought the house down.”
Geoff Wright said: “Ronnie Fearn as Tina Turner was brilliant!”
Lindsay Fiona said: “I just love that our beloved MP, Ronnie Fearn, played the panto dame year in year out throughout the 80s. How many other towns can boast of that?”