Tributes to ‘unforgettable’ Spa Theatre Company founder

Phyl Harris, who founded the Spa Theatre Company in 1982, died at the age of 89 on May 25.

A professional actress by trade, Mrs Harris, who had been the director of the Spa Opera group, set up the company as a spin-off group for children, at the request of youngsters who had taken part in a Spa Opera production of The King And I.

In 1991, Mrs Harris set up a senior group - and both sections continue to perform in Leamington every year.

Company treasurer Phil Hall, who has known Mrs Harris since his daughters joined 27 years ago, said: “Phyl used to pick on people and say, ‘You can do this, darling’. One day she asked me to clear the chairs. Before you know it, she would be asking for a photocopier. Then suddenly, you realise you’re on the committee.

“Phyl was utterly professional. She would tell you how to behave on stage, how to move, how to speak and how to emulate all the gestures. She wanted to pass on her knowledge to the next generation.”

Mr Hall said Mrs Harris’ husband had died before he knew year and she had not had children, so “this thing was her baby”. He said: “Occasionally she would glare at the children, but then turn to one of the adults and wink. I would not go so far as to use the word ‘dragon’, but she maintained a distinct teacher-and-pupil relationship in her role.

“She handed over her directorship more than ten years ago, but we are still always saying, ‘what would Phyl have said?’ If you ever came across Phyl, you would never forget her.”

A funeral service for Mrs Harris, who lived in Coventry, took place on June 7. Anyone who would like to contribute memories of her can do so online at www.spatheatre.com