Norma Standing

Sat, 27 Nov 2010, 06:02 pm

Melz4 posts in thread

With the express permission and wishes of Norma Standing, she has asked me to inform you of her illness.

Norma has not been well for quite some time, and until very recently kept her pain and illness to herself. She obviously needed to tell her family first and deal with her degrading health with them.

It is with deep regret that I write to inform you that Norma is dying of lung cancer, and it is felt that she has very minimal time left with us.

Norma has been heavily involved with WA theatre over the years, is an award winning director, stage manager and has served on various committees, these include Garrick Theatre Club, Darlington Theatre Players,Wanneroo Repertory Club and the Independent Theatre Association.

Norma did not want this to become public knowledge until she felt that the time was right. She feels that time is now.

Norma would love to hear from her theatre friends, however she does not have the energy or strength for phone conversations or drop in visitors.

If you would like to send a message to Norma, please do so by either posting a message here on Theatre Australia or emailing me melaniedecull@tazentertainment.com.au and I will pass on to her, or you can post to 5 Wellman St, Guildford WA 6055.

She would love to hear from you and share your memories.

If you would like to see Norma, please be warned that she has very little strength, the visit may need to be short dependent on her energy levels, but you MUST ring first and talk to either Dale or Anita. Please contact me for Norma’s number.

Melanie DeCull

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MelzSat, 27 Nov 2010, 06:02 pm

With the express permission and wishes of Norma Standing, she has asked me to inform you of her illness.

Norma has not been well for quite some time, and until very recently kept her pain and illness to herself. She obviously needed to tell her family first and deal with her degrading health with them.

It is with deep regret that I write to inform you that Norma is dying of lung cancer, and it is felt that she has very minimal time left with us.

Norma did not want this to become public knowledge until she felt that the time was right. She feels that time is now.

Norma would love to hear from her theatre friends, however she does not have the energy or strength for phone conversations or drop in visitors.

She would love to hear from you and share your memories.

Melanie DeCull

MelzSat, 27 Nov 2010, 06:14 pm

Mummy Norma

To see my Mummy Norma this way is just heartbreaking!!!!

Norma has always been a tower of strength. You've been my close friend, confident, you've supported me with an awesome friendship in both good times and bad, whether my actions are right or wrong. My mother had a time of being so very envious of you, as she felt that you and I were closer than I was with her (silly mum!).

You are someone I have always looked up to, and you saw more than the bumbling 17 year old that walked into Garrick way back when. Both you and George supported me, encouraged me, recommended me, cast me, conferred with me, loved me. Thank you ! xx

I am going to remember so many things, including our 3am intelligent chats where we fix the world at the Garrick bar.

This just sux what is happening to you, and I love you!

xxxx

Melz :-)

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Walter PlingeWed, 1 Dec 2010, 06:22 am

Norma Standing

It is honestly so hard for me to comprehend a night at Garrick without Norma Standing. Without her advice and opinions and with her telling me what was what. Always shooting straight from the hip. She was more than just an inspiration or someone to be admired, she was a true friend. She was my best critic, but you knew when Norma said that you were good - you really were good! I had the pleasure of knowing Norma for most of my life. I basically grew up with her and other Garrick regulars. I can remember being a kid running out the back of her house at Wellman Street to watch the planes fly over - always racing out and slamming the back door. I did it so often that Norma placed a chair in her backyard for me...so I could just sit there and enjoy the view. I am now a pilot who flies over Norma's house on approach into Perth in a large jet - and I still think of her when I do! She is without a doubt the best director I have ever witnessed. This is not something I say because of circumstance, but any actor/director/stage manager who witnessed Norma at rehearsal and who is worth their salt would agree. She managed to get the best from her actors and crew. She was firm but fair. She was one person who could tell you honestly how you did. She never gave you the "soft soap" instead she told you how it was. As a performer, if you listened to what Norma had to say - you would improve ten-fold. Sometimes, you would disagree and at times I would argue (for me personally) the choice of song I would perform. But, you knew that Norma was right on the money, even if you didn't want to admit it. I really cannot grasp the notion that Norma may not be here. It honestly breaks my heart. She has been a wonderful friend to both my mother (Dale James) and myself. I shall miss the nights of going to her house and sharing a bottle of red and some memories. And of course the latest gossip about who is doing what and how..... It is said that the greatest compliment that a person can have is to be remembered. To have left a lasting impression. Norma Standing is one of those people in my life that has done just that. And I will never forget the kindness, laughter and friendship that I was so lucky to have shared with her. Norma will always be regarded as family to me. Never once was she not there for me for a chat or a laugh. It was honestly an absolute pleasure to have known her and I just wish I had of spent more time. Norma will however live on in the hearts and minds of those people like me that have been fortunate enough to have been around her. She is the best friend and Stage Director that a person can ask for.

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MelzThu, 2 Dec 2010, 09:30 am

Thank you Jonathon

Thank you Jonathon, your words are spot on!

xxxx

Melz :-)

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