A lifelong love of everything theatrical

ALL the world's a stage, Shakespeare said, and one of Timaru's long-standing thespians has exited stage right.

John Wilkie passed away on Tuesday, January 13, aged 86, ending a lifetime love of theatre.

The patron of the South Canterbury Drama League had been an active member since 1948, and been involved in various capacities in all five sections.

He was made a life member in 1977 and had been patron of the league since 1986, as well as being a foundation member of the South Canterbury Regional Arts Council and foundation member of the Friends of the Theatre Royal committee.

He first stepped on the stage at Timaru Boys' High School in the 1930s and directed his first play when he was 28.

His first appearances were in answer to a teacher's summons along the lines of "Wilkie, you're going to be taking part in a play".

"That first time on stage is a thrill, hearing the audience respond to what you are doing, and there is a special something about the spotlights and the applause," Mr Wilkie said in a previous interview.

Over the years, Mr Wilkie has taken the lead role in many productions, including The Glass Menagerie, Death of a Salesman, and Pearse. He's also taken lead roles in musicals, starring as Professor Higgins in My Fair Lady, and Captain von Trapp in The Sound of Music.

Directing became an alternative to acting as the years rolled by and "the memory becomes less adept at coping with the learning of words".

In 1999, Mr Wilkie was made a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit (MNZM) for his services to drama and the community.

South Canterbury Drama League president John Clarke said he was very, very sad to note Mr Wilkie's passing, "particularly as he has given such long continous service right up until his untimely death.

"He served ina number of roles and branches of the league, musical theatre, acting and directing."

He was also an active member of the Timaru Boys High Old Boys Association.

Mr Wilkie will be farewelled on Monday at the St Johns Anglican Church at 1pm.

- © Fairfax NZ News