It is with great sadness that Scunthorpe Little Theatre Club reports the death of their President, Dame Joan Plowright, Lady Olivier.
In 1949, Scunthorpe Little Theatre Club was founded by a group of enthusiasts, including Joan’s mother, Margaret Plowright, known as Daisy. Together they attended a course in drama led by Wilhelm Marckwald, who, before fleeing Nazi Germany, had been Assistant Director of The Frankfurt Theatre.
Although she considered herself a Scunthonian, Joan was in fact born in Brigg. The family later moved to Lloyds Avenue in Scunthorpe, where her father, Bill, became the first editor of The Scunthorpe Star newspaper. She attended Henderson Avenue Junior School and Scunthorpe Grammar School, and it was during this time that Joan’s special qualities as an actress were first recognised, as she sparkled in one-act and full-length plays both within and beyond the school setting.
While still only 17 years of age, Joan taught at Ashby Junior School. It was during this period that Wilhelm Marckwald recognised her potential as an actress and recommended she apply to the Laban School of Movement. From Laban, she secured a scholarship to join the Old Vic School.
Meanwhile, the newly formed Little Theatre Club benefited greatly from Joan’s influence. During its early days (and indeed to this very day), members held regular sessions in voice production, movement, and improvisation, following the same exercises used at the Laban School of Movement and The Young Vic Theatre School—courtesy of Joan Plowright, who had passed them on to her mother.
The Club was truly honoured to have Joan as President for almost 70 years. Her support, and that of her family, during the formative years was invaluable. Without them, there would be no Scunthorpe Little Theatre Club as it is known today. The Club remains committed to continuing in their tradition, striving to produce the highest standard of amateur theatre for future generations to enjoy.