Person - Gary Smith
GARY SMITH
Visiting from England on a working holiday, Gary's introduction to New Theatre in 1985 was also his introduction to his future wife. Sandra Campbell was performing in Sandanista, directed by David Ritchie, and Gary must have enjoyed her performance! They went out for post-show drinks that night, and married a year (to the minute) later in Bournemouth.
Earning his keep as a journalist for Newscorp, Gary began as a sports editor for the Sydney Morning Herald. He later became an Arts editor and theatre reviewer.
It was probably Sandra's passion for performance which inspired Gary to join New Theatre, where he acted in several productions, beginning in 2002 with the political satire Stop Laughing, This Is Serious in which he played multiple roles. He used his 6ft 7inch frame to effect when required to restrain Chief Bromden in One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest the same year. Gary also acted in A Christmas Carol 2004, A Clockwork Orange 2008, Cosi 2009 and Burnt by the Sun 2010. He made his last appearance in The Farnsworth Invention in 2011.
Smiths.jpg | Gary Smith (right) and son Liam backstage, Stop Laughing, This Is Serious </gallery>
Gary also organised publicity for the theatre, and he and Sandra supported the New financially with regular fundraising events. A man of giant stature with a gentle presence, he died on 25 November 2014 in the company of his wife and children.