* John Evans in his familiar role of stage manager at the Eisteddfod.
A key figure with the Llangollen Eisteddfod who was also well-known for
his appearances on the local amateur stage has died after a short illness.
For many years John Evans – affectionately known as “John the Voice” - was
stage manager and an announcer at the eisteddfod.
He was also a regular performer with Llangollen Operatic Society for
which he took many leading roles and had sung with the famous Froncysyllte
Male Voice Choir.
On her Facebook page his daughter Rebecca McBain said: “My brother, sister and I are
heartbroken to announce the unexpected death of our dear Dad, John Evans, on
Friday 20th October, after a short illness.
“He was known by so
many, especially for his voice, his willingness to help and his ability to chat
to absolutely anyone, on any subject.
“His passion for
Wales, Welsh culture, music, nature, jokes, stories and people made him a joy
to be with.
“He will be most
missed by us and his five grandchildren, whom he adored.
“His friends and
extended family will be warmly invited to a service to celebrate his life, once
details are confirmed.
“We realise he will
have been many things to many people and we welcome any stories you have of
Dad, to collect and share with photos at his service. If you want to message me
with a memory, please do.”
The
Eisteddfod family at Llangollen say they have been deeply saddened to learn of
the death of John Evans, whom they knew affectionately as “The Voice of
Llangollen Eisteddfod”.
* Celebrating another successful Eisteddfod with fellow volunteers Justine Bradey, left, and Louisa Jones.
They
said in a tribute: “John, a native of Acrefair, was former Stage Manager at the
Eisteddfod, a past member of the Standing Board, past Chair of the Music and
Staging Committee and a member of Grounds Committee. He was also a proud
competitor when he sang with the Froncysyllte Male Voice Choir. His
contribution to the smooth running of the Eisteddfod was immense.”
John’s
fellow Eisteddfod volunteers have spoken fondly of his sometimes wicked sense
of humour and of his dedication to the festival.
His
beloved Stage Crew have shared many happy memories, in particular Mark Jones,
John’s successor as Stage Manager.
He
said: “You just expect some people to be around forever. John was that, almost
parental. I’ve a lot to owe to him dragging me up to the side of stage all
those years ago, when he found me photocopying in the music office; he learnt
that I was more interested in the technical side and it’s opened up more doors
for me than could be imagined.
He
added: ‘There isn’t much that could be safely printed when it comes to tales of
John but his character will always live on and his company will be greatly
missed.”
Elen
Roberts remembers John when his family had the garage in Acrefair, where his
first nickname, ‘John 4Star’ originated.
She
recalls that every visit to the garage with her family would result in John
grabbing a bag of sweets for her and her sister.
She
said: “He remained a big kid at heart right to the end, with his usual
unprintable jokes!”
Tracey
and Mike Jones also have great memories of John, particularly as “John the
Voice” telling people to take out our mobile phones and find the little button
which turns it off.
“He
was the one we sent for to quieten the drums on the outside stages when they
were affecting competitions inside the Pavilion!”
Speaking
on behalf of the Board of Trustees at the Eisteddfod, long-time friend and
Eisteddfod colleague, Allison Davies said: “We are terribly sad to hear this
news of John. He gave a lifetime of support to music and to our Eisteddfod. We
have only survived through some difficult periods because of volunteers like
John. He will be sorely missed by everyone and I know that his contribution to
the Llangollen Eisteddfod will be remembered for years to come. Our thoughts
are with John’s family at this time.”
Also paying tribute Tracey Jones, vice chair of Llangollen Operatic Society,
said: “I joined Operatic myself at the age of 18 and at the time was working at
The Grapes alongside the man who became to be known to me as John (4 Star) and
John The Voice.
“My second show with Llangollen Operatic was the phenomenal Show Boat. John
took a fancy to joining us all on stage for this. He was cast in the role of
Joe who sings the showstopper ‘Ole Man River’. John's performance really did
bring the house down. He went on in later years to take roles in Maria Marten
and the Red Barn, Hot Mikado and our centenary production of HMS Pinafore.
“John's cheeky fun persona will always be remembered, with his endless tales
and unrepeatable stories. I personally recall our trip to Waterford, Ireland
via bus and ferry in the autumn of 1997. We were competing in the Waterford
International Festival of Light Opera with our production of La Vie Parisienne.
With hilarious encounters in the soft play area on the ferry travelling out to
bursting into song in a Southern Ireland pub, so many jokes told during that
long weekend.
“We will miss him greatly and imagine he has already taken his place
alongside our friends on that Stage in the Sky. Rest well John.”
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