2010 Alton Fringe Theatre
:“I heard the owl scream ……” .Macbeth
A Tribute by Tim Guilding
I first met Peter Goodrham in the Alton Arts production of Murder in the Cathedral but got to know him much better in the second major Fringe show, Edward Bond’s “The Sea” in which he played a convincing Evens. He went on to perform for us many times, most notably in Plenty, Blood Wedding, Party Time and as a terrifying Wackford Squeers in Nicholas Nickelby. Peter was also a member of The Riverside Players with whom he performed Oberon, a characterisation he later drew on when he took the part of Poseidon in my production of The Women of Troy.
He directed for us only once, the hugely successful production of The Lady’s not for Burning, where his great love of words and particular attention to detail proved a huge inspiration. Besides Peter’s contribution to the artistic side of the
Fringe, his organisational skills and business acumen proved invaluable in those early years, although I believe that he found our methods of decision making somewhat perplexing! A wonderful host, superb cook, wine expert, keen gardener, sportsman and lover of all things Italian, Peter was an entertaining companion on many a Fringe outing to the theatre, but it was his degree of participation to get things done that will be missed by so many organisations in and around Alton. He and I did not always agree (politics and the interpretation of Shakespeare were two of our sticking points) but our differences were counterbalanced by a mutual respect and his refusal to refusal to relinquish integrity. The thoughts of all of Alton Fringe Theatre are with Carolyn and her family.