VALE ANGELA SMITH (2.9.1930 - 4.8.2021)

A Tribute to Angela

Angela and Geoff Smith settled in Wahroonga in the late seventies and, as Poms often do, went to search for the nearest community theatre. Voila, “Pymble Players”! They became active members who were involved in all facets of our theatre from then on.

Angela appeared on the PP stage in the very first Panto “The Worst Christmas Fairy Ever” (1980), followed by roles in “Alice in Wonderland” (1984) and “Humpty Dumpty” (1986): the latter was most unfortunate for her because she broke her ankle just before the opening Saturday so she couldn’t continue, fortunately, the director was able to step in to take the role.

At that time female roles at PP were difficult to attain so Angela auditioned at Westleigh Players and was successful. She was in many of their productions which include “All My Sons” and “Move over Mrs Markham.”

In 1983 Angela was given a role in “Breath of Spring”, perhaps one of the few times she and Geoff were acting in the same play at PP? Nanette, Patsy and Joy were also part of this wonderful cast and the young, inexperienced ASM was in awe of them. The next year Angela was in “Enter a Free Man” which had the most unusual set with plumbing above and water cascading from this, but the main claim to fame was the most unusual after-show party where the cast had to catch a boat to Bar Island and camp out. It is said that some alcohol was consumed.

Angela was in many PP productions but her roles in “A Letter from the General” (1986); “Lloyd George Knew my Father” (1989) and “That Christmas of ‘75” (1999) were most memorable.

In 2007, PPs 50th Year, Jennifer Willison directed “Waiting in the Wings”, set in a home for aging actors. Angela played one of the many residents living in this facility. It was a special celebrative production with a huge cast: Nanette Frew, Joy Shaw, Gretel Davidson, Robyn Williams, Pam Ennor, Christine Elliot, Jan Johnson, Desmond Smith, Keith and Barbara Swords as well as David Brown with his daughter, Gillian. Imagine the dressing room? Somehow Sandra van Dyke managed backstage and even appeared for a line or two on stage. This was Angela’s final acting role on the PP stage but not her last appearance.

Angela always supported everything at PP, and she keenly attended what was known as “Club Nights” where the activities varied from Port and Poetry to Theatre Sports and Trivia. She would do her turn at FOH and, as a nurse, was given the task of maintaining the first aid cupboard which she did for many years. Angela became our number one prompt as she totally understood what was required and was dedicated as well as accurate. There are many amusing stories about various incidents with her prompting which those who were involved will remember fondly - but not for general publication.

Angela and Geoff were original members of “The Travelling Troubadours”, a splinter PP group who performed at ‘Sobels’; a winery in the Hunter Valley but originally in Muswellbrook (1982). Over each long weekend in October, the group would entertain patrons with a review style programme with the main script cleverly crafted by Geoff Smith and Maurice Pepper. The final show about ten years ago marked the end of an era and the Sobels no longer own the vineyard. It has been said that “Angela can’t be recognised without a glass in her hand.”

When Angela wasn’t on stage, she spent time attending various other theatres most especially The Ensemble and she loved the Wharf Review.

There was more to Angela’s life than the theatre. She raised five wonderful children, Blair, Andrew, Russell, Tracey, and Candi. She was Brown Owl for the Wahroonga cub pack. In her working life, she was a nurse with her final employment at AGL as an onsite occupational health and safety officer.

Angela loved all animals, this included her fake Kangaroo, but most especially dogs. She had many signs around her front door about them; “A house is not a home without a dog.” Many of you will remember Noodley, Clio, and Bella her Aussie companions. She was so happy to know Andy and Michelle love Bella.

An avid traveller, Angela had been overseas on many occasions and Ivy reports that their European trip together was the “best holiday ever.” Angela also travelled with Jim who found it strange that she would be happier with her nose in a book than watching out of the train window. Unfortunately, the complications with Covid prevented her from taking a planned coach tour last year.

Angela was truly “Lady Lunchalot” as she always had a diary full of luncheon appointments in between her bridge, exercise, and poetry sessions. Her wicked sense of humour foiled many and she laughed with her eyes and delightful smile.

However, more important than all of this was her steadfast Christian Faith which we must hold on to as we grieve our loss.

Hellie summed it up with; “We have all had a lovely long relationship with Angela”.

Libby Huggett, Jan Johnson, Reg Lunn, Vicki Nield,
Jan McLachlan, Ivy Walker-Smith, Jim Steel and Hellie Williams

Click on the gallery to see individual photos. From top left:
Angela - Christmas Fairy
Santa (John Howitt) and Angela
L-R Jan McLachlan, Reg Lunn and Angela
L-R Angela, Sue Willis and Ivy Walker Smith
L-R Patsy Templeton, Nanette Frew, Geoff Smith, Joy Shaw and Angela
L-R Peter Wright and Angela
L-R Linda Young, Gretel Davidson, Jan McLachlan, Angela, Maurice Pepper, Barbara Coupe, Jim Steel, Helen Williams and Reg Lunn
Angela at home
Angela (left) - Opening Night