John Ankers
In 1983 my father, John Ankers, became the stage manager at the Theatre Royal Hanley and was a permanent fixture for the next 15 years.
Born in Staffordshire in December 1944, he was in his late thirties before he became involved in the business, after seeing an advert in the local press for people to help out at the venue.
Often working for little or no money, he quickly got the rest of the family involved. Affectionately seen as the “grumpy” stage manager, he was well loved and respected by companies, both amateur and professional, while his pint-sized coffee mug was always centre stage on the green room counter.
Having seen thousands of companies through the doors at the Royal, he was one of the main people to keep the venue open during a difficult period.
He died on September 22, aged 63.
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