Marion and Tom Ellis

I recall the evening late in October 1993 that I sat with Marion and Tom in their home near the Playhouse, as Tom patiently explained to me the 'ins and outs' of the theatre's insurance cover, which he had managed for many years. Things looked rather bleak: not only as new Treasurer would I be in charge of insurance, but also the theatre was to lose two popular friends and highly valued members, whose support it had enjoyed for many years.

Tom, as a founder member of the Guild in 1949, had come from The Upstarts local drama group. He and Marion met whilst appearing in The Vigil in 1957, and appeared together in two more productions before getting married in 1958. In the period up to their departure Tom held the offices of Secretary and Chairman of the Guild, whilst he and Marion both produced, acted and worked backstage, and each did a stint as production co-ordinator. In forty-five years together they have achieved four joint productions - two daughters, a son, and Pygmalion.

And so in November 1993 Marion and Tom left (as Marion puts it) for an eight year holiday in Cornwall, during which time they appeared in several production at the Drum Theatre in Plymouth. When they returned to Bexley for family reasons in December 2001 they fell straight back into the welcoming arms of the Playhouse 'family'. Tom has discovered new talents as barman, sound operator (in the current production of Private Lives), and soup chef for pantomime cast teas on show Saturdays. He returns to the stage in the forthcoming production of The Rainmaker, in which he will appear with his son David, and is hoping to produce again soon too. Marion appeared in the recent Playhouse production of Habeas Corpus, and has been doing front-of house, and backstage work, including helping on properties for Private Lives.

It really has been wonderful to have them both back again over the last year or so - oh, and Tom - the insurance job is still open!

IM

In the Spotlight for Private Lives
Feb 2003