It is with great sadness that we have learnt of the death of Jean Salisbury at the age of 83.
Jean was one of the driving forces behind the rescue of the New Theatre Royal when it was abandoned and derelict after the devastating fire of 1972. Jean was a stalwart founder member of the Friends of the New Theatre Royal, fighting against proposals to pull it down and securing the future of the building.
She gave guided tours of the building and talked about the theatre to various groups and organisations.She was a committed front-of-house volunteer for many years and also performed on stage with Opera South.
In later years, although she had some difficulty climbing the stairs, she took part in a number of special events and related to a new generation her memories of keeping the theatre alive.
The theatre was a big part of her life and we remember her invaluable contribution with gratitude.