We heard the sad news last week of the death of Pete Dunham after a brief illness. Always great company, Pete was best known as the leading man in many Welwyn Thalians productions. Blessed with a beautiful light baritone voice and an engaging stage personality, he gave many outstanding performances over the years.

Apart from the Thalians, Pete had another string to his bow as a children’s entertainer, and friends of mine who had seen him in action said he was immensely popular and successful on those occasions. Some years ago he’d been offered a contract to sing professionally with D’Oyly Carte but chose to continue with his existing engagements, which eventually included a regular stint as Henry VIII, the centrepiece in the colourful Hatfield House Elizabethan evenings, where his talents as host, raconteur and singer entertained many guests.

He also played for the Campus Music Hall and the Barnstormers Music Hall in the 1970s, and appeared in productions at the Minack Theatre for Hertfordshire Players. With Angela he undertook several professional tours singing at events in the Middle East.

The family connection with the local stage was considerable. Pete’s father Harold was a founder of the Thalians; Angela was often his partner duetting in musicals; and his mother-in-law Millie Thompson was a superb accompanist who appeared in Barn events frequently. Children Jonty and Amanda were both in Barn productions, and Amanda (Mandy) is now a regular actor and director at the Barn. Sister Pat has worked backstage with the Barn for many years. Granddaughter Hannah is a professional stand-up comic.

Those of us who knew or worked with Pete always enjoyed his easy companionship and his great sense of humour.

We send our condolences to Angela and all Pete’s family and friends.