In Memoriam for Mark Richard BARDEN

I heard about this via a mutual friend about a year ago and last saw Mark at my wedding, and have now found this page. Mark was a wonderful friend with whom friends and I enjoyed so many good times. Mark introduced me to so many of his passions that still feature in my life. Kate Bush, musical theatre and Pinter, for example - I've never seen a better performance in The Caretaker than Mark's. And then there was Old King Cole, The Caucasian Chalk Circle with West Kent Youth Theatre and so many more. Thank you for all the help, advice and sometimes terse (but very honest and probably correct) advice on how I was (badly) running my life. I am proud to have known you and proud that there's now a Mark Barden award at North Bromsgrove High School that rewards the best talent aspiring to what you achieved. Thank you.

I heard about this via a mutual friend about a year ago and last saw Mark at my wedding, and have now found this page. Mark was a wonderful friend with whom friends and I enjoyed so many good times. Mark introduced me to so many of his passions that still feature in my life. Kate Bush, musical theatre and Pinter, for example - I've never seen a better performance in The Caretaker than Mark's. And then there was Old King Cole, The Caucasian Chalk Circle with West Kent Youth Theatre and so many more. Thank you for all the help, advice and sometimes terse (but very honest and probably correct) advice on how I was (badly) running my life. I am proud to have known you and proud that there's now a Mark Barden award at North Bromsgrove High School that rewards the best talent aspiring to what you achieved. Thank you.

I heard about this via a mutual friend about a year ago and last saw Mark at my wedding, and have now found this page. Mark was a wonderful friend with whom friends and I enjoyed so many good times. Mark introduced me to so many of his passions that still feature in my life. Kate Bush, musical theatre and Pinter, for example - I've never seen a better performance in The Caretaker than Mark's. And then there was Old King Cole, The Caucasian Chalk Circle with West Kent Youth Theatre and so many more. Thank you for all the help, advice and sometimes terse (but very honest and probably correct) advice on how I was (badly) running my life. I am proud to have known you and proud that there's now a Mark Barden award at North Bromsgrove High School that rewards the best talent aspiring to what you achieved. Thank you.

I heard about this via a mutual friend about a year ago and last saw Mark at my wedding, and have now found this page. Mark was a wonderful friend with whom friends and I enjoyed so many good times. Mark introduced me to so many of his passions that still feature in my life. Kate Bush, musical theatre and Pinter, for example - I've never seen a better performance in The Caretaker than Mark's. And then there was Old King Cole, The Caucasian Chalk Circle with West Kent Youth Theatre and so many more. Thank you for all the help, advice and sometimes terse (but very honest and probably correct) advice on how I was (badly) running my life. I am proud to have known you and proud that there's now a Mark Barden award at North Bromsgrove High School that rewards the best talent aspiring to what you achieved. Thank you.

I was the music teacher; Mark was the student I chose to be Jesus in Godspell, the first ever musical I produced and directed almost 40 years ago. The cast were amazing and Mark led them admirably. I was devastated to hear that he was no longer with us. Even this one act should have brought him to the attention of many people. A talented and vivacious student who will be greatly missed.

Mike Dobson

I have been living and working abroad for 13 years so I have only found out tonight that Mark has passed. I am saddened and shocked. Mark was a wonderful guy. Fiercely intelligent, funny and yes, sometimes a bit prickly and difficult. To be honest, in the early days at Mascalls I was a little bit scared of him but in time I grew to respect and like him. I remember him giving me some "extra tuition" in the themes of "Far From the Madding Crowd" much to Wendy's amusement. Mark was the kind of guy who was different but would be readily/happily accepted by everyone. And then we went on to "Godspell" ..he was the star I was just one of the ensemble. It was just a show at a school...but no, it wasn't..it was much more important that ...it gave me the confidence I had lost in earlier, more miserable years of schooling to go on to college to study Drama. I've lost all the photos and tape recordings now but the memories are still there. Mark...I can't believe you are gone. God bless you and be at peace...you are "The Light of the World". Martyn xx