STEPHEN Jones, who died from cancer in April, was chairman of Southend Shakespeare Society for five years, and performed many leading roles with the group.

“Jonesy” will be remembered by a one-off review night, No Holds Bard, on Saturday, September 7. In a special edition of Curtain Call, we chat to SSC member Angela Clements about his life.

What was Stephen’s early background? Stephen was born in Scarborough Drive, Leigh on Sea, in June 1949, the youngest of three sons to Frank and Adelaide Jones. He attended North Street Junior School and Westcliff High School for Boys. His father was an accountant for Shell in London. His mother trained as a hairdresser, before becoming a full-time mum.

Was there any family background in drama?
Neither of his parents or his brothers were involved in local drama, but his cousin, Gerald Lynch, used to perform regularly at the end of the pier in variety shows. It was Gerald who introduced Stephen to the SSC.

What parts did Steve play in his early dramatic career?
As far as anyone is aware, he didn’t perform in any school plays. His first performance was for the SSC in the Hole, in 1970. His first entrance on to the stage was in fact an exit, as he played the man hidden in the hole of the title, for the whole play. He only emerged at the end, and didn’t say a word. His love and wide knowledge of music, history and literature served him well within SSC.

Stephen’s first big role?
His first leading role was in the Winter’s Tale, playing the troubled King Leontes in 1977.

Did he have any formal training in acting, dancing or singing?
No. He was purely a gifted amateur.

What was Steve’s day job?
Stephen worked in Insurance in London for many years, before becoming a calibration engineer on Foulness Island.

Which performances by Steve are likely to be best remembered?
This is a tough question, as Stephen played so many parts so well. Among those cited by SSC members are the Mayor in the Mayor of Zalamea, Banquo in Macbeth, Vanya in Uncle Vanya, Bottom in Midsummer Night’s Dream, Falstaff in Henry IV, Judge Brack in Hedda Gabler, the Comedy of Errors both as Antipholus and Dromio, Hirst, and his role in No Man’s Land (his final performance).

Which actors did he particularly admire?
Bob Peck, particularly when he played Macduff in the Dench/McKellen Macbeth.

Were there any parts he dreamed of playing, but never achieved?
He reached one Shakespearian pinnacle in King Lear, but would have liked to play Hamlet.

Did Stephen take on any responsibilities apart from acting?
Stephen was chairman of the SSC from 1975 to 1980. Over the years Stephen took part in over 200 productions, but he only ever directed once – a production of the Two Gentlemen of Verona in 1985. He enjoyed directing, but never returned to it, preferring to stay on the stage.

Family life?
Stephen was married for ten years to Vicky. They lived in Thorpe Bay. He was a loving stepfather to Denise and Martin and more recently to Denise’s daughter Rose.

Interests outside drama?
Football, cricket, reading, travel, food, American politics, and Wagner. One memory of Steve sums up both his love of Wagner and his dry humour. SSC member: “That Wagner was a Nazi.”
Stephen: “It’s that kind of opinion (bangs fist on table) THAT I JUST WON’T TOLERATE!”

His final curtain?
Stephen was 63 when he died in Fair Havens in April 2013 from bowel and liver cancer.

No Holds Bard, an Evening of Comedy, Music and a Bit of Shakespeare, presented by members of Southend Shakespeare Society is on Saturday, September 7, upstairs at the Alex pub, Alexandra Road, Southend. at 7.30pm. Tickets £12 seated, £6 standing on a first come, first served basis, or e-mail bardjc@hotmail.com. Proceeds to Havens Hospices.