Andrew first became involved with the Barn playing the lead in The Country Wife in 2002. Over the next few years, he directed a festival play and appeared in Closer, The Weir, Godspell, September Tide and Hysteria. He probably remains in the memory of members for his outstanding performance as Rooster Byron in Rosemary Bianchi’s production of Jerusalem in 2012.

Regrettably, he had no further contact with us from then on, spending his time, as far as we know, further north in the county where he had his own business, and more recently in Brighton.

An interesting and knowledgeable actor, he was a valuable addition to any company. We send our sincere condolences to his family and friends.

Some words from Bob Thomson

Andrew Powell’s death is just so sad, and I know our thoughts and condolences are with his family. He was a real character – huge fun with a wonderful wit – and he was great company.

Andrew was also one of the finest actors to grace the Barn stage. The Barn production of Jerusalem was superb: we often hear about productions being ‘as good as the West End’ when in the vast majority of cases they are certainly not, but this production came as close as anything I’ve seen in amateur theatre, and Andrew’s performance was simply superb.

Andrew and I talked (online) about another shared passion, cars. He was full of insightful opinions and advice. I asked him a few months ago how he was coping with the lockdown and he said ‘ok’ as he felt he was ‘a natural recluse’. Clearly, he wasn’t coping.

These are very difficult times and a sad reminder about the need to reach out to people, many of whom may be suffering, often in silence.