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Buxton Opera House’s legendary Stage Door Keeper, Roy Pickles, retires
29 September 2011
_medium.JPG "Roy Pickles retires")
Buxton Opera House staff and board members toasted the retirement of Stage Door Keeper, Roy Pickles and his ‘sixteen years of loyal service’ on Monday 26 September, when the venue held a special reception in Roy’s honour on the Opera House Stage.
Roy Pickles has worked as Stage Door Keeper at the Opera House since May 1995, during which time he has greeted thousands of performers, including countless famous faces, looking after their needs and building an excellent reputation with stars and backstage crew alike. Some of the visiting entertainers have even grown to be personal friends of Roy’s:
‘I’ve met some wonderful people and made friends with performers from all over the world. I get along very well with Ken Dodd, who even got me on stage one year to be a stooge in one of his shows. I have also struck up a friendship with Dillie Keane who has been to the Opera House many times – she has written about me in an article for The Stage newspaper calling me ‘The Star of the Stage Door,’’ said Roy.
Roy plans to spend his retirement working in the community as both Vice Chairman of the Hall Bank Trust, and as a member of Buxton and District Probus Club. Roy will also continue his good relationship with the Opera House, where he already doubles up as a front of house volunteer.
Opera House Chief Executive, Andrew Aughton presented Roy with a picture of the theatre by the fine art and mixed media artist, Rob Wilson.
‘The Stage Door Keeper is often the first – and last – face a performer sees when appearing at the Opera House, and a friendly and welcoming presence there makes all the difference. That’s always been Roy’s strength. We’ll miss him, and I know a lot of our regular visiting artists will too!’ said Andrew.