Jason Sutton
It was with deep sadness and disbelief that we heard dear Jason passed on this week.
I write saying I have remained a friend with Jason for about 15 years.
It was 2010 that he gave us his first dame. This was at the Harlequin Theatre in Redhill alongside Paul Daniels and Debbie McGee. What an impression he made; his warm characterisation immediately shone through. Traditional, motherly and so warm. That was on and off the stage. What a find.
Thereafter he worked several times with us. The next year at Weston-super-Mare with John Challis in Aladdin. He created a super new wardrobe which we subsequently acquired and have used many times since.
Year 2012 found him as our dame in Peter Pan in Derby with Larry Lamb and George Sampson. Jason made a ten foot high mermaid costume and was flown in to the Mermaids' Lagoon for his entrance!
Later, we were presenting Santa Claus, The Musical at New Theatre Royal Portsmouth and Jason said to me that he would like to perform as the secretary, which was not a dame part. He was superb! His interpretation of the secretary just showed the extent of his incredible acting ability.
Jason, I shall miss our telephone calls and above all the chuckles. And occasionally, the political discussions where we were on the same wavelength.
Jason had been elected as a councillor for a council in Hampshire in his early career. He was one of the youngest councillors in the country. He then went and worked in the House of Lords. Doesn’t this show what depth and compassion he had?
Onwards and upwards dear Jason.
It’s the love and the laughter we shall miss so much.
Paul.
