It is with great sorrow that we share the news that ABTT Member Rupert Rhymes OBE passed away last week.

Rupert was a long standing Member of the ABTT and the ABTT Historical Research Committee, a great supporter and a knowledgeable contributor with many years of theatrical knowledge.

“His early career included stints at the Old Vic and early National Theatre with Laurence Olivier before moving on to his much-loved London Coliseum with the English National Opera.

Later he was, uniquely, both President of The Society of London Theatre (1979-82) and Chief Executive of SOLT and UK Theatre (formerly TMA) before becoming Chairman of The Theatres’ Trust.

In addition to chairing The Frank Matcham Society he also served on the Board of PERSPECTIV, Association of Historic Theatres in Europe.

For all these organisations his unrivalled knowledge and experience brought common sense and practical solutions to meetings, event organisation, talks and visits.

His input will be greatly missed, not least by all the friends he made and colleagues mentored over the years.”

The ABTT extend their condolences to the family and ask you to keep them in your thoughts during this unexpectedly sad time.