Drama devotee ‘greatly missed’

Peter Entwistle

PRIDE in Oldham nominee and drama teacher, Peter Entwistle, has died. He was 68.

Peter, who had 50 years of producing amateur shows under his belt, was put forward for a Pride award seven years ago.

He ran the New Music Society, which met twice a week for rehearsals at Playhouse Two in Shaw, and gave performances both there and at Grange Arts Centre.

Peter had been diagnosed with cancer a matter of weeks ago.

Society member Joan Wood said: “Peter became ill very suddenly. It all happened within three weeks.”

The funeral service, at St Michael’s Church, Abbeyhills, was “absolutely packed,” she said.

“We had just started rehearsing ‘Annie’. Peter’s death has left a big hole in a lot of our lives. He will be greatly missed,” added Joan. “It’s left a lot of us in limbo. He did everything for the society, he lived and breathed it, and he helped so many children, and adults too — it didn’t matter what age you were, people were always welcome.

“Oldham was extremely lucky to have such a talented and dedicated person. He will never be forgotten.”

Peter, who lived alone in Alt Lane, directed many musicals and plays, including “Operetta Dancing Years”, “Seven Brides for Seven Brothers”, and “Billy Liar”.

He also did charity work, raising money through shows and quiz nights at St Michael’s Church for Dr Kershaw’s Hospice, Children in Need and the leukaemia ward at Manchester Royal Infirmary. He worked as a clerical officer at Mail Order and British Aerospace before he retired.