DOREEN JOHNSON This dedicated thespian was born in the North East and moved to Lancashire as a young girl. She soon became interested in theatre and on her return from university started acting with amateur drama groups. This was where she met her husband, who, I have it on good authority, was an excellent actor. Their home was the hub of literature and music. As the only female teacher, firstly in a boy’s school, and secondly in a girl’s school, she started drama clubs. Her fellow teachers were also encouraged to take part in festivals along with the students, winning numerous awards over the years. Some students from this time went on into the professional theatre. Tracie Bennett and playwright, Julie McKiernan, say they owe their decision to work in the Arts to her influence. With an interest in all aspects of theatre, in the 1960s she joined St Joseph’s Players and soon took over directing, and also writing and directing the annual pantomime which attracted audiences of 2,000 every year. Doreen deserves to be singled out for her love of, dedication to, and remarkable work done, in local community theatre. It gives me great pleasure on behalf of The Association of Community Theatre to inaugurate Doreen Johnson into the ACT Hall of Fame.
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy ODU3MzQ=