Another passing

Thu, 15 Mar 2012, 04:37 pm

Norma20 posts in thread

We regret to announce that one of our long-time members and all round theatrical stalwarts of ours and many other theatres died this afternoon.

Hywel Williams, Actor, Singer,Director, lighting wonder-man, Set builder extraordinaire and long time Board member of the Old Mill Theatre, died peacefully at Murdoch Hospice, with his family by his side.

Norma Davis (Old Mill Theatre)

Thread (20 posts)

Threaded Flat

NormaThu, 15 Mar 2012, 04:37 pm

We regret to announce that one of our long-time members and all round theatrical stalwarts of ours and many other theatres died this afternoon.

Norma Davis (Old Mill Theatre)

HarbourThu, 15 Mar 2012, 04:55 pm

Condolences

My personal condolences to his family & friends at Old Mill. He (along with George Iles) was responsible for igniting my desire for lighting at Harbour Theatre many years ago. I learnt a great deal from him and he will be greatly missed. I only found out yesterday he was unwell, but still a shock to hear of his passing. A wonderful man. RIP Rob Tagliaferri

Bass GuyThu, 15 Mar 2012, 05:25 pm

Terrible news.

Only learnt of Hywel's health troubles yesterday, and was looking forward to seeing the grand chap to say goodbye. properly. Goodbye, Big H- and thanks for all your help. Eliot McCann

Walter PlingeThu, 15 Mar 2012, 06:04 pm

Who turned the lights off

It was upon booking the Old Mill Theatre For A lad in sane's debut performance (July 2006), that I was introduced to one Mr Williams. Me not having much of a clue about anything theatre, other than I had a script I wanted to breathe life into. Hywel agreed to do our lighting, and on realisng he'd just been introduced to the 'Frank Spencer' of the theatre world, agreed to offer advice on sets and much more. His first question to me was, 'how many flats do you want?' I of course rep;lied, 'what are flats.' I could see the cogs in his head working overtime until they stopped at the word 'Englishman.' The fact I was born in the poor part of Britain got me off the hook on numerous ocassions. Following our debut production Hywel was offered a driving seat on the A lad in sane bus and remained there ever since. I was delighted last year that Hywel somewhat fittingly became the first person to direct one of my full length plays. It was a very proud moment for me, for I know he wouldn't have taken it on out of sympathy. I was sure that if I were a boxer, Hywel, would have been in ny corner wiping the blood off my face, and cursing me for being english and not getting my hands up. At the same time he'd be offering words of encouragement. My involvement with theatre has reaped many friendships, and none more so than the one I shared with this man and his interpreter. He was like an uncle, if not a father. Today I feel incredibly sad...who's going to do the bloody lights now Mr Williams? Of course, someone will, but rest assured, no one takes his place in my corner...that place belongs to him. To Dianne and family, I offer my sincere condolences. Johnny Grim

Lisa SkrypThu, 15 Mar 2012, 06:09 pm

Deepest Sympathy.

Offering my sincerest condolences to Hywel's family and many, many friends. He will be sorely missed and fondly remembered.

Tim ProsserThu, 15 Mar 2012, 06:35 pm

I can hardly believe it!

Per Ardua Ad Astra

Penny SearleThu, 15 Mar 2012, 08:36 pm

What can I say, but ......

I,like most people, am devastated. Oh Hywel, again like most people, I never had the time to say "how valuable a person you are" and to say "thank you for what you have achieved" or to say "thank you for your valuable contribution to community theatre". These things remain unspoken. I am sure that many, yes, many people feel the exactly the same way. Rest assured, Hywel, you did extremely well. Hywel, enjoy being elevated to the "upper" stage.

Tim ProsserThu, 15 Mar 2012, 08:57 pm

The long hours working

The long hours working together on sets, the laughs, even the arguments, the lifts home, the hair-raising rides on that motor bike, the cups of tea over my hastily cleared kitchen table, your home-cooked spaghetti bolougnaise...Hywel, these and many other memories are important and very precious to me. Thanks for being such a good mate and sharing so many triumphs. Fare thee well, my friend.

Per Ardua Ad Astra

Greg RossThu, 15 Mar 2012, 09:09 pm

Hywel

Bugger. Bugger. Bugger.

Just such a top bloke. I guess we're not going to go for that long motorbike cruise.

I'll miss you boyo.

All Good Things

Greg

Dr JThu, 15 Mar 2012, 10:04 pm

The Ides of March?

The Ides of March? Dramatic till the last. See ya, mate....

Walter PlingeThu, 15 Mar 2012, 10:24 pm

Hywel

Handsome, charming and always so willing to give of himself. Thank you beautiful man for all you have given us. You have left very big shoes to fill. Our very great loss, Heavens immense gain.

FloodyThu, 15 Mar 2012, 11:55 pm

Hywel exit stage

Tonight's production of Flesh Wounds at the Old Mill was dedicated to the memory of Hywel. I have many great memories of Hywel at this theatre, doing sets, the lights or just analysing the show in the bar afterwards or hearing his future plans for a show at Phoenix or The Old Mill. We will miss his smile and humour and his professionalism.

Grant MalcolmFri, 16 Mar 2012, 12:25 am

Fond memories...

Years, indeed decades might pass with little contact but you were always ready in an instant with a friendly word and helping hand. Generous and giving to a fault - if that were possible.

Words were never adequate to express my gratitude for your selfless support. Now they fail.

Condolences and sympathies to friends and family.

Grant

--
Director, actor and administrator of this website

Gordon the OptomFri, 16 Mar 2012, 07:53 am

A huge miss

If ever a magnificent stairway was required, Hywel was your man. Now he has the massive job of a stairway to Heaven - it will be the best!
A genuinely good friend. we will miss you.
Nos da.
Gordon

jmuzzFri, 16 Mar 2012, 07:56 am

Ffarwel

One of Old Mill's finest departs. Hwyl fawr ffrind, cysgu'n dda

JoeMcFri, 16 Mar 2012, 02:12 pm

Hywel Williams

HYWEL Williams

Gaen Yem

See you on the other side mate!

Hywel was the main initail stalwat & prime mover, when we started the Phoenix Theatre.

Tio Tio Chookas Hywell, may you always play to a full house, in our memories.

StanleyFri, 16 Mar 2012, 05:59 pm

Hywel Williams

Our friendship goes back long before the theatre to when we were both young men working at Alcoa. You cheated death once when your heart stopped twice, years ago. You still had unfinished business. Now it is time for a well earned rest. RIP Hywel,my friend.

stingerSat, 17 Mar 2012, 01:17 pm

HSW RIP

Urger, mentor, minder and mate. Farewell, Hywel. PeteN Ssstinger>>>

Walter PlingeSat, 17 Mar 2012, 03:50 pm

Celebration of life

From Facebook: Hi all, to everyone that knew my Dad thank you for your kind and sincere words... as some of you may already know Dad was all about learning, so with his last wishes he wanted to donated himself to science. He has been accepted into UWA to help with research. There will be not a funeral but more of a gathering to celebrate a wonderful life that my father shared with all [Old Mill Theatre, 12,30pm, Saturday, 24th March]. I hope you can join us. Dianne, Ryan and Jack. Brian, Narelle, Tegan, Jasmin, Rhys and Olivia. Facebook event: http://www.facebook.com/events/405859776096869/

← Back to Billboard Bulletins