JOHN REED OBE 1916 - 2010
I feel both humble and very honoured to have been asked to say a few words about my dear friend John Reed. Our friendship began nearly 60 years ago. I joined the D’Oyly Carte Opera Company in March 1951, and John in November the same year. We hit it off at once; we found we had the same sense of humour (particularly where the management were concerned!) and the same interests. There was a lot of spare time on tour for choristers- which we both were then- so we engaged in plenty of hobbies. It was amazing- John seemed to be able to do anything- he could paint, cook, make jewellery- he even excelled in tailoring. Fancy waistcoats were all the rage at one time- he made at least six of those- each more flamboyant than the last. I remember him making a wonderful jacket, tailored to perfection, lining, buttonholes, lapels- all impeccably finished. There’s no doubt about it- John could have taken up any career he fancied- but how grateful we are that he chose the one he did, or the world of Gilbert and Sullivan would have been a much poorer place.
I am very happy that I was able to meet John’s mother and three sisters, who spoilt him rotten, of course! They were a very happy family, seeing the funny side of things, and there was always a lot of laughter when we got together. Easy to see where his sense of humour came from. I remember those times with great affection.
After six years I left the D’Oyly Carte to do other things in the theatre, but we never lost touch, and for many years even lived in the same road in NW London. John stayed on with the Company- a fact for which we shall ever be grateful. After a few years of understudying and playing minor parts, John succeded to the comedy roles, which he quickly made his own, becoming a great favourite throughout the UK, the United States, and finally Australia. He was principal comedian with the D’Oyly Carte for 20 years, but every one of his performances retained a remarkable freshness. One of the most endearing things about John was his modesty. ‘I’m as nervous at a midweek matinee in Slough as I am at a first night at the Savoy!’ he would joke. And I think he meant it.
John directed many G&S productions for amateur societies, who were lucky indeed to have him to pass on his expertise. He was always patient and encouraging with younger performers, keen to help them to achieve their very best performances, and to pass on what he had learned during his many years of stage experience. He has given much pleasure to his audiences at the International G & S Festival at Buxton, with his productions and very amusing reminiscences of his many years with the D’Oyly Carte.
After leaving the Company John did much work in America, even departing from G&S to appear in some Offenbach operettas with Washington Opera. He was regarded as a great star in the States- which indeed he was.
And so we come to this sad day. But although we mourn John, we must also celebrate his wonderful life- after all, what could be better than bringing laughter and enjoyment year after year to thousands- maybe even millions- of people? We must not let the frailty of John’s last few months, when he was cared for so devotedly by his partner Nick, be what we remember of him. Let’s remember his warmth, his generosity and the friendship we shared in happier times. And above all, let’s not forget his impish Lord Chancellor, his tragic Jack Point, his nimble Ko-Ko; those feet that hardly seemed to touch the floor as he danced across the stage; the sly glance and raised eyebrow that could bring the house down. Those memories are the legacy left us by our dear John Reed- one of the greatest Savoyards of them all.
CYNTHIA MOREY
February, 2010
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Dear Johnny,
We first met in 1964 at a rehearsal for D'oyly Carte and it was to influence my whole life, for I had never met or indeed have not met since anyone so talented and at the same time so unassuming and so unaware of the huge star that you were.
Singing ,dancing, acting,sense of timing, humour, pathos, projection of text; there was nothing that you could not do better than anyone else.
I learnt so much by your side and I was an avid fan but most of all I loved your warmth, love of life, enthusiasm for excellence and you friendship.
Twice I watched open mouthed, First as you so charmingly deflected the idea of a lisp for your character in the dialogue of the new Anthony Besh Gondoliers to a very green unsuspecting young soprano playing Cassilda, and later as I watched your final moments as Jack Point.I completely WENT as they say ,disolved in tears and realized if I was to stop myself doing it on the night I couldn't look at you at all.
It has been a very dark and dreary month here on earth and I suspect it is because all the lights are on in heaven for the biggest G and S bash it has ever seen, with you and Ceinwen and Tricia and Eileen Shaw;, only wish we could be there.
We will miss you, and we will never forget you, and I am so proud to be numbered along with your thousands of friends from all over the world. Love always, Valerie
Valerie Masterson
February, 2010
