John Wood
Joined 1976
My involvement with "The Arch" started way back.
I have pieced together some items by looking at old programs and our web site.
We were introduced to the "Arch" because our son Nigel answered an advertisement in the local paper for youngsters interested in joining a "youth Section" of the theatre.
He was about 14 at the time and with a friend he joined.
In 1976 Nigel was in the chorus of Jack and the Beanstalk. One evening after Nigel came home from rehearsal and said Brian Humphreys, needed some help set building.
I went along, and have been involved ever since.
Assisting with set construction had been my regular activity until one day when the usual photographer was unable to come, I was asked to take Photos.
I think my first was "St. Joan" in 1984. It started with alternate plays with Colin Burgess.
Colin moved away and it was then every production. In total I took photo's for about 20 years.
After about 20 years I retired from the job.
I sill help backstage and in any other way I can, in the intervening years I served a sentence on the council.
Reluctantly I have appeared on stage in small parts.
Frost at Midnight, Sisterly Feelings and Scapino The Fixer are three I can remember.
I also help out in the box office when required.
