Former Stage editor Peter Hepple dies

Published Thursday 12 October 2006 at 13:25 by Alistair Smith

Peter Hepple, who was editor of The Stage from 1972 to 1992 and a contributor for 56 years, has died aged 79.

His association with the publication dated back more than 50 years and he was well-known as having an unparalleled knowledge of the performing arts industry - both theatre and variety - and local football. Despite having officially retired in 1992, he continued to work for The Stage, in the role of consultant editor, uninterrupted until his death.

Before succeeding Eric Johns as editor in 1972, Peter had worked as a PR for Danny La Rue’s in Hanover Square, as editor for the Institute of Petroleum publications and as a drama critic and theatre columnist for Where to Go in London. He also contributed to Boxing News and Show Pictorial among others.

A long term-member of the Critics’ Circle, having joined in 1978, he was subsequently elected its treasurer and secretary. His first review for The Stage was in 1950 and was a show at the Queen’s Theatre, Poplar, with male impersonator Ella Shields topping the bill.

His final theatre review was in November of last year - Pillars of the Community at the National Theatre - while he reviewed the light entertainment showcase the JLA Real Variety Showcase at the Cadogan Hall in London on September 18 of this year.

Stage managing director Catherine Comerford commented: “Peter has been a central part of The Stage for as long as I can remember and for me, his death truly does represent the end of an era. Although he had been unwell earlier this year, I was glad he had been able to return to work on a part-time basis and hoped that would continue.

“It is difficult to imagine the office without him. I will miss the endless discussions we used to have about the entertainment industry - by his own admission, that was all he was interested in - whether on the stairs at Bermondsey Street, on the train to company events or in darkened cabaret rooms at Showcall Showcase.

“There weren’t many performers he didn’t know about, nor venues whose doors he hadn’t darkened, and his recall was incredible. I hope he knew how much he was appreciated by the company and its directors.”

His final contribution to the paper will be published posthumously next week, a feature on psychics in the entertainment industry.

Peter died in his sleep in the early hours of Thursday October 12. He is succeeded by his wife Josie, two daughters Clare and Julia and six grandchildren.

• The Stage would like to hear from anyone who has fond memories of Peter, for possible publication in a future issue. Please email your tributes to newsdesk@thestage.co.uk.