In Memory of Sandra Leatherbarrow

I was shocked, along with the whole North West amateur theatre scene, by the sudden death of Sandra Leatherbarrow on Friday 13th October 2023. Not only because she was a good friend of many years, but because I am currently working in her last production, Blue Stockings at Bolton Little Theatre. I had only been speaking to her on Thursday night, little knowing that under two hours later I would be watching paramedics hurrying in, after she suffered a stroke. I still have emails in my inbox from her, about the play and providing technical help to the Little Theatre Guild conference she was simultaneously organising.

Sandra was always filled with energy from the first time I met her at the theatre. She loved directing and acting, and was always prepared to assist with the less glamorous side of the theatre too, regularly serving as house manager for other productions, and being a long time member of the committee. She cast me in a dual role of medical officer and private in My Boy Jack, one of the plays I am proudest of from my career. She kindly took on the role of Samuel Crompton’s mother in a short play I directed at Hall’ith Wood called A Fine Spinner. I provided sound cues for many of her productions.

I wish I had a hilarious anecdote to share but right now my memories are of a bundle of energy, occasionally exasperating, certainly eccentric but in a productive way that raised up everyone around her. Not just at Bolton Little Theatre, over her life she was involved in several companies, not to mention being a keen golfer. I’m sure I’m going to find out even more over the next few weeks about all her achievements. She supported so many people. In my case I know that each year she lobbied for one of my pantomime scripts to be produced, which I appreciated even though it has not happened yet.

Sad as it is that Blue Stockings will now be a tribute to her, rather than simply her latest production, it is an excellent choice by fate. It’s cast includes old friends and young actors who had only just met her, everyone grateful for the opportunity to work with her and who have been inspired. It’s a play about remarkable women who helped leave the world a better place. Exactly what Sandra did.