Daphne Dyer
It is with a heavy heart and deep regret that I have to announce the death of our co-founder and President Daphne Dyer who passed away on Friday 25th March 2022.
As previous treasurer and now Chairman I cannot thank Daphne enough for her support and drive in ensuring the continued success of SYPT. Looking through our records, it is not surprising to find so very few photographs of her as she never wanted to be in the spotlight, but was always there in the background to support and give encouragement to everyone else. Daphne will be sadly missed by us all, along with so many others whose lives she has touched.
In the meantime, myself and all the Trustees wish to pass on our sincere condolences to Laura her daughter and Joe her grandson.
Once Daphne’s funeral arrangements are known we will post the details on our website.
Please see below Nigel Turner’s personal tribute. Nigel has known Daphne for many years as both our past Chairman and Producer
Ian Shipley – Chair Of Trustees
It is a great honour that Suffolk Young People’s Theatre was Daphne’s chosen charity for people to donate to in her memory. Both Daphne and her late husband Ray, touched the lives of many young people when they were alive and their family have expressed that they would want the continuing flourishing of SYPT to be their legacy.
Link for any donation – https://daphnedyer.muchloved.com/
Daphne Dyer 1931-2022
A personal tribute.
I first became aware of the amazing work of SYPT when shortly after moving to Bury St Edmunds in 1995 I visited the theatre to see a truly outstanding production of the musical “Chicago“. Amazingly this had all been put together by Suffolk Young People’s Theatre in just ten days rehearsal. At the root of this was the vision of Daphne and Ray Dyer.
As a Drama teacher at King Edward VI school I soon came to work more closely with both Ray and Daphne. It wasn’t long before my son was to audition for and be a member of SYPT for his formative years as an actor. It was then that I came to appreciate not only Daphne’s energy in organizing and promoting SYPT each year but also the personal support that she offered to the young people who were a part of the SYPT family. Matt and many like him have gone on to thrive in the challenging professional theatre world having developed their confidence and resilience under the watchful eye of Daphne. Following the death of Ray I felt honoured when Daphne asked me to take on the role of Director. This was a difficult time for the group and Daphne was the driving force that sustained it through this period of change. I was delighted to go on to direct eight shows and to serve as chair of trustees. During that time I found Daphne to be energetic, supportive and open to necessary change to ensure a sustainable future for SYPT.
As the most recent trustees organize this year’s show after two years absence through the Covid pandemic I know that Daphne would subscribe to the view that “The show must go on”. I know that SYPT will continue for many years yet offering its unique challenge to the next generation of young actors. It is a wonderful legacy and tribute to Daphne, her great skill, hard work and expertise. I know that she would have been delighted to once again see SYPT performing in the Theatre Royal.
She will be very much missed by as all.
Nigel Turner
Director 2009 -2018
Chair of trustees
2009- 2020
SYPT 