PETER CHEESEMANInternationally renowned theatre director Peter Cheeseman died on 27 April, 2010, aged 78.He was the founding director of the Victoria Theatre in Stoke-on-Trent and the New Vic Theatre in Newcastle-under-Lyme .Mr Cheeseman had a glittering career that saw him work with famous names including Bob Hoskins, Ben Kingsley, Robert Powell, Gerda Stevenson and Ken Campbell.Close friend Mark Fisher, former MP for Stoke-on-Trent Central, had known him for 46 years.He said: "He had a huge national and international reputation. In the 1960s and '70s he turned down many offers to go and direct elsewhere, but he was committed to Stoke-on-Trent."He was an extraordinary man who played a huge role in the cultural life of our city."Mr Cheeseman started directing plays when he was in the sixth form before heading to Sheffield University, where he was the chairman of the university's dramatic committee.He was part of Stephen Joseph's pioneering Scarborough-based theatre-in-the-round touring company in the 1950s and early 60s, where he first met Alan Ayckbourn.When the company decided to put down roots in 1962, Mr Cheeseman took on its leadership at the Victoria Theatre in Hartshill, and Mr Ayckbourn was a founding member.He said: "If there was a single quality in Peter that distinguished him, it was his passion."Peter's love shone through and inspired many, including me. I thank him for that."In the 1960s and '70s, Mr Cheeseman created a series of drama documentaries that reflected the lives and history of the people of North Staffordshire, including The Jolly Potters, The Knotty, Nice Girls, The Dirty Hill and Fight For Shelton Bar.In 1986, he achieved a long-held ambition with the opening of the New Vic Theatre, Europe's first purpose-built theatre-in-the-round .Sir Brian Fender, chairman of the New Vic Trustees, said: "With the New Vic, Peter had a life-long triumph, but he also cared deeply about the training of actors and particularly directors, where he was influential nationally. He leaves a rich legacy which we will do our very best to follow."Mr Cheeseman, who lived in Basford, retired in 1998 after 36 years as director of the theatre.Theresa Heskins, current artistic director of the New Vic, says: "Peter's determination to create theatre for and inspired by ordinary people produced a great legacy – one of the most remarkable theatre buildings in the country."The New Vic's work will be a lasting tribute to Peter's vision of a theatre that is accessible, inclusive and democratic."Peter was made a CBE in 1998 in recognition of his services to drama. And last year he received The Young Vic Award in recognition of his outstanding contribution to theatre-making in the UK.Mr Cheeseman met his first wife Joyce Holliday while at university, and married his second wife, actress Romy Saunders in 1985.He had three children, Kate and Betsy from his first marriage, and a daughter, Chloe, with Romy.
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