Mike Tomkins, who in 2010 celebrated 50 years with Hereford Musical Theatre Company as vice-chairman, chairman and president as well as performer, has died at the age of 74.
His last performance with the company before he was taken ill in 2008 was as Lord Brockhurst in The Boy Friend, his favourite part, but as a life member of the company he continued to play an active part, assisting with the programme and always on hand to greet guests before curtain-up on a new show.
Mike was a key player in creating one of the city’s theatres, when Hereford Amateur Operatic Society (as HMTC was formerly known), the Gilbert & Sullivan Society, Hereford Players and Wye Players came up with the idea of converting the swimming baths on Edgar Street into the Nell Gwynne Theatre.
Mike remained involved with the Nell Gwynne Theatre after it was let to Stan Stennett, and then with its successor, The Courtyard, of which he remained a trustee.
The funeral will take place on Friday, May 31 at Holy Trinity Church at 2.45pm. Dress code: no black, wear your brightest colours in preparation for Mike's final cruise.
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