Eddie Redfern
Joined 1978
Eddie puts his love of Theatre down to his English teacher, although attending a technical school where Drama was not on the syllabus, his English teacher used to arrange regular visits to Stratford and the Birmingham Rep. Eddie was first actively involved in a lighting capacity, whilst in the Royal Air Force, and moved on to Acting when a colleague was posted at short notice. A similar problem also lead to Eddie's directorial debut whilst in Cyprus, incidentally in the same play he first trod the boards 'Semi-Detached'.
Eddie's favourite roles are to have played Nym on the Roman Amphitheatre at Curium, Cyprus, a role he has recreated a number of times in the various Shakespeare plays performed by The Archway Theatre Company. But, without doubt, his fondest memory is to have directed the Amateur Premier of Tim Firth's "Neville's Island" in April 1996, where he was required to recreate Lake Derwentwater on stage!
Since becoming a member of the Archway Theatre, in December 1978, Eddie has
been involved on over 72 productions and has directed at least 16 of those
including the BT Biennial 'Ladies Who Lunch', his long time ambition
'Oliver' plus a number of Youth Workshop productions including the
atmospheric 'Hannah & Hanna' in the Studio Theatre in October 2006.
Along with Jacquie, his wife, he has been a Youth Workshop leader since 1997. In January 2007 both he and Jacquie were particularly honoured to receive a special award 'for services to the Youth Workshop'. Eddie has been the Little Theatre Guild (LTG) representative since 2002 and has organised both a Southern Region (Sept 2002) and National Conference (May 2006) that were hosted by the Archway Theatre. Eddie served on the LTG National Committee between 2003 and 2005 the maximum time permitted. As the LTG rep Eddie has fostered excellent relationships with other LTG theatres across the country and in particular within the local area.
During his time at the Archway Theatre Eddie has served on the Council of management for most of that time and in 2006 was elected as Chairman of the Repertory committee.
In 2007 there is no sign that Eddie will ease up on his love of the Theatre, in particular his fondness for the unique Archway Theatre.