WITH the recent passing of Sir Jack Hayward, it is without a doubt that the Grand Bahama community has lost a true thespian.
Sir Jack was an iconic figure for live theatre in Grand Bahama.
“Without Sir Jack there would be no Regency Theatre. Not only did he take the lead in providing the only purpose-built theatre for live performances in the Bahamas, but he also came to our rescue on so many occasions,” said Ivy Elden, Freeport Players’ Guild (FPG) past president.
The Freeport Players’ Guild was formed in 1961 by Sir Jack and opened with the Guild’s first production “The Importance of being Ernest”.
In 1971, Sir Jack was the leading force that built the Regency Theatre, which rivalled any New York stage.
“He helped us to maintain the theatre, to buy new equipment when we could not afford to do so,” reminisced Kay Hardy, former president and well-known FPG member. “He was always there for us with advice for presidents and he was always interested in our plans and our future productions – he would check in regularly.”
They both noted that when the roof needed replacing in March of 2004, Sir Jack paid the lion’s share of the debt, and then in September of that year, after hurricanes Frances and Jean flooded the Regency, he again stepped in and helped to bring the beloved Regency back.
Ms Hardy reflected on dancing with Sir Jack in “My Fair Lady”, chasing him off the stage in pantomimes, and, of course, laughing so hard when he and his best acting peer Peter Aston shared the stage.
“Jack loved being on the stage,” said Ms Hardy. “Those of us who were lucky enough to work with him have wonderful memories of it. If you met him outside the theatre and you had a part with him on stage he’d start acting it out – to the amazement of nearby persons.”
“It is difficult to believe that he will no longer grace us with his presence, his kindness and his tremendous wit,” said Ms Elden. “The Freeport Players’ Guild and Freeport in general have lost a great friend, a kind benefactor and a wonderful man of vision.”
In honour of its patron, the Guild will hold its annual TWIRP Awards later in the year and use it as a night to honour and reminisce about him.
“Having been a member of the Guild since age nine, I cannot ever recall a time that Sir Jack’s love of theatre did not penetrate every aspect of the Guild,” said current FPG president, Tiffany Dennison.
“As an adult I saw his continued support and drive foster into new generations. It seems light to say that there would be no theatre without him. Whilst true, it is so much more fitting to say that due to the theatre and his generous spirit, this entire community has benefited, both young and old. We will continue to benefit from Sir Jack’s love, and I for one am proud to be president today having known him personally. He will be sorely missed.”
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