Clive Hilton

Newcastle community man and doyen of local theatre

HIS TALENT for acting brought him into the company of fellow thespians Dame Judi Dench and her brothers, whom he met while studying at St Peter’s school in York. It was there that Clive Hilton, who has died aged 88, developed his dramatic gifts and love of the theatre.

Clive Hilton was born in Sunderland to Joe and Rosetta Hilton, but the family moved to Newcastle and Clive grew up in Gosforth, where he attended Ascham House Preparatory School before passing the exam for The Royal Grammar School and then moving to St Peter’s School in York, during the Second World War.

Following National Service and a spell working in the family bed manufacturing business, Clive spent some years at The Times Book Shop in London’s Mayfair, which was frequented by royalty, aristocracy and luminaries of stage and screen. In the late 50s he returned to the family business, later becoming a PA to a director of one of the divisions of Swan Hunters, a Wallsend-based shipbuilding design, engineering, and management company. During this time he became involved with the historic People’s Theatre, originally opened by George Bernard Shaw in 1911.

Clive performed and brilliantly directed many productions there, such as Royce Ryton’s Crown Matrimonial. At the theatre’s centenary Clive organised a visit by Sir Ian McKellan, which turned into a hilarious party attended by all those involved with the theatre.

Clive was a much loved and respected member of the Jewish Players (later The Players.) One of his recent sell-out productions was Alan Bennett’s The Lady in The Van, cast and staged at his alumni school, The Royal Grammar, in the new theatre there.

Clive’s life changed dramatically when his younger brother David, a barrister, died tragically in a motor accident in Manchester, April, 1971, leaving a young wife and three small boys. Clive promised his mother he would always support his late brother’s family. His devotion to his sister in law and nephews meant no birthday was ever forgotten, no crisis ignored, all celebrations enjoyed, despite their sad loss. In Newcastle he was fully involved with the Jewish community, regularly attending Newcastle’s United Hebrew Congregation.

Clive was a board member of Philip Cussins Residential Home in Gosforth. A proud member of AJEX, attending the annual march past the Cenotaph, he was also dedicated to his quiet work for Age Concern in East Newcastle.

He remained a popular and supportive member of the Newcastle community, stylishly hosting after-show parties in his beautiful apartment.

He is survived by his three nephews Simon, Robin and Mark and their families.

FAGA SPEKER