Members of Tryst Theatre were stunned to hear of the sudden death, last Friday, of long-standing member Robert Dewar from Stenhousemuir.

For many years Robert, or Bobby de War as he was affectionately known to all, was the cheery and willing jack-of-all-trades whose technical expertise - including lighting, sound, van-driving, set construction and stage management - added so much to Tryst’s many productions. He was also the club’s Treasurer, always ensuring more money came in than went out.

Although he would be heard to mutter “It can’t be done!” as successive producers visualised the latest complex set, he always managed to construct the impossible, thus allowing him to complain that useless actors keep getting in the way of his wonderful sets. This he did with style, imagination and good humour.

Along with his commitments to Tryst Theatre, Robert was, for the last few years, Stage Director for the Falkirk District round of the Scottish Community Drama Association One-Act Play Festival and was always willing to assist other clubs within Falkirk with their productions.

Robert was to be seen frequently behind the scenes in Falkirk Town Hall as he assisted backstage in productions by Falkirk Children’s Theatre, Falkirk Youth Theatre and Accent on Schools. Most recently Robert was stage manager for the newly-formed Big Bad Wolf Children’s Theatre.

At the time of his death, he was preparing to travel to Inverness where Tryst is scheduled to participate in the SCDA Scottish Finals on May 22 with its play Duck Variations, and he had just completed a round trip to the East Kilbride One-Act Festival with a van-load of sets and props to support the club’s performances of two plays. The club took first place in East Kilbride and immediately dedicated its win to Robert.

The heartfelt sympathy of all at Tryst is extended to Robert’s widow Jane and to his children and grandchildren. He will be sadly missed by his many friends.

Frank Murray, President, Tryst Theatre