Tributes to Lady Crathorne

24 September 2009 - NEWS RELEASE

Inspirational Chairman of Georgian Theatre Richmond loses fight against cancer

Lady Sylvia Crathorne, inspirational leader and visionary chairman of The Georgian Theatre Royal in Richmond has lost her long battle against cancer and has died peacefully last night in the Friarage Hospital in Northallerton. Chairman of the Theatre Trust from 1996 until July 2009, Sylvia Crathorne dedicated hours of her time and enormous energy, interest and enthusiasm to ensure the continued development and success of the UK's most complete Georgian playhouse.

Amongst her greatest achievements during her time as Chairman, Sylvia led the project to restore and develop the Theatre which was successfully completed when the Theatre re-opened in 2003. In undertaking this challenge she was following in the footsteps of her mother-in-law Lady Nancy Crathorne who had led the team in the previous restoration project. The latest restoration received numerous awards from a number of national and local organisations and in 2007 Lady Crathorne was made an Honorary Freeman of the Town of Richmond.

Of particular joy to Lady Crathorne was the Theatre's flourishing Youth Theatre and education programme. She loved to attend the Youth Theatre's productions and would take great delight in going backstage to meet young performers after a show. Likewise she would be the first to book seats for community productions such as those by the Richmond Amateur Dramatic and Richmond Operatic Societies, RADS and ROS.

Classical music was another source of pleasure to Lady Crathorne and in May this year she was to be found sitting quietly in the shadows, watching with intense interest and pride whilst talented young musicians from the local area were coached by international violinist Tasmin Little.

Quiet, unassuming and caring, Lady Crathorne was genuinely interested in each and every staff member and volunteer at her beloved Theatre. She believed that the Theatre could not run without a committed and happy team and was always the first to congratulate team members on their efforts and rejoice in successes. When things went less well, she worked round the clock to ensure that the Theatre's fortunes would take a turn for the better. In this her fighting spirit was demonstrated on many occasions - the same steely determination that she used to fight cancer during her final years.

Theatre Manager and Chief Executive Vaughn Curtis said "The Theatre's success today is a testament to Sylvia's hard work and commitment and I personally owe her a debt of gratitude for her support and professionalism during my time here."

Malcolm Bryant, Chair of the Georgian Theatre since July 2009 added: "Although Sylvia's death produces a real sense of sadness it is a great tribute to her that very many people will remember her vitality, drive, energy and achievements. We extend our thoughts and good wishes to Lord Crathorne and Sylvia's family at their time of loss. I am sure that they will take great comfort from the certain knowledge that Sylvia was loved and admired by so many people in Richmond and beyond."

Northern Echo - Saturday 26th September 2009 »