JOHN CHILVERSJohn Chilvers, the man credited with saving Swansea Grand Theatre, died on 10 March, 2008, aged 88, following a short illness.'JC', as he was affectionately known, came to Swansea Grand Theatre in 1957 to direct a six-week repertory season of plays.When the season ended, the theatre's (then) owner, Mr Willis, suggested that Mr Chilvers might like to stay on as manager for a few weeks - he stayed for 25 years.John was very highly regarded during his time at the Grand and it was he who eased through the change of ownership of the venue from private, commercial, owners in the 1960s to the full control of the city council during the '70s and early '80s.During his time at the theatre, Mr Chilvers came into contact with many of the country's best loved actors and actresses, including James Bolam, Wilfrid Brambell, Patricia Phoenix, Glyn Houston, Tom Bell, Stan Stennett, Marty Wilde and the legendary Ryan and RonnieHe also encouraged local talent which included Menna Trussler, Ria Jones and John Sparkes via his directing skills and annual presentations. While at the Grand he is credited with directing 504 shows, 20 pantomimes, a series of amateur shows with the Scout and Guide movement and eight Summer Seasons.Prior to arriving at the Grand Theatre Mr Chilvers was already an accomplished actor. After leaving the RAF in 1947, already an experienced producer of revues, he managed to get his first job with a Repertory Company at Amersham and over the next few years he played rep' seasons in a variety of places including Blackpool, Halifax and Colwyn Bay.He also served a term with the Drama Panel of the Welsh Arts Council and was accorded the honour of an MBE for his services to the Theatre in Wales in 1973.The Grand's current general manager, Gary Iles, said: "Everyone who knew JC is very sad to learn of his death. John's contribution to the cultural, artistic and general entertainment scene in Swansea cannot be too greatly emphasised and he was instrumental in providing entertainment for hundreds of thousands of theatregoers during his twenty-five years at the Grand."I think that if it were not for John's total dedication, and the foresight of a group of councillors and officers on the city council and its 'predecessors' in the late 1960s, '70s and '80s, the Grand Theatre would not be here today."We owe John Chilvers an enormous debt of gratitude, and he will be greatly missed by many."
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