Tributes to Lancashire's 'stalwart of the stage' after his death at 91

Geoffrey Jackson with his ‘Curtain Raiser’ award for the most outstanding contribution to amateur theatre in East Lancashire from 1996 to 1997
-Credit: (Image: Family handout)


Tributes have been paid to a talented actor and chairman of an amateur operatic society who was well known for spreading joy and laughter across the Valley with his comedic performances. Geoffrey Jackson of Helmshore passed away from metastatic pancreatic cancer on October 15 at Royal Blackburn Hospital, aged 91.

He was chairman of Rossendale Amateur Operatic Society for many years and he helped form and lead the Rossendale Amateur Youth Society, now named X-RAYS, to encourage young people to join the arts and give them the opportunity to shine on stage.

His wife, Maureen, said: “Geoffrey had a sense of humour and he enjoyed everything about the theatre. He was one of the first amateur lot to do Half a Sixpence. Geoffrey had a good life.”

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He was diagnosed with prostate cancer around 11 weeks ago but after a fall prompted him to have a scan, he was found to have metastatic pancreatic cancer on October 9. Geoffrey joined the theatre between his 20s and 30s and continued to delight audiences with his stellar performances until he was 80-years-old.

The father-of-one to Victoria mainly got involved in musical comedies and took on many character roles including Fagin and Bill Sikes in Oliver Twist. He also performed as Major General in a modern version of The Pirates of Penzance at Bacup Royal Court Theatre and assumed the character Arthur Kipps in the musical comedy, Half a Sixpence and danced on stage.

He appeared on stage at King George’s Hall in Blackburn to raise money for the Red Brick Theatre.

Geoffrey was born and raised in Helmshore, attending Haslingden Primary School and then studied at Haslingden Secondary Modern School. He did a painting and decorating apprenticeship and after his time in the air force, he worked for Hamers in Haslingden as a painter and decorator, before becoming self-employed.

Geoffrey Jackson as Fagin in Oliver Twist
Geoffrey Jackson as Fagin in Oliver Twist -Credit:Family handout

He was awarded with a medal from the National Operatic and Dramatic Association for his service to the arts. He also won Lancashire Telegraph’s ‘Curtain Raiser’ award for the most outstanding contribution to amateur theatre in East Lancashire from 1996 to 1997.

During his youth he was a member of Haslingden Arts Club. He took part in Bacup Amateur Operatic and Dramatic Society shows and he was also involved with Rossendale Players at the Millennium Theatre in Waterfoot.

Geoffrey’s creative talents stretched beyond acting. He also helped with the scenery used in productions. Geoffrey’s first late wife, Anne worked in the make up department for shows.

Maureen and Geoffrey met through Rossendale Amateur Operatics and got married at Haslingden registrar. The couple of 37 years enjoyed many holidays together including trips to Cyprus, Cephalonia, America, Rhodes and Crete. They also enjoyed going to a restaurant called Zinlynna in Haslingden.

X-RAYS Rossendale posted a tribute to the actor on their Facebook page, which reads: “X-RAYS are incredibly saddened by the news of the passing of Geoffrey Jackson. Geoff was involved with a number of local societies, including Rossendale Amateur Youth Society and Rossendale Amateur Operatic Society, from which X-RAYS was originally born.

“A number of current members have performed in all three societies. Geoff played a large part in introducing X-RAYS members past and present to the stage from a young age and passed on his passion for performing, in addition to his valuable knowledge of stagecraft.

“Geoff will forever hold a special place in the heart of X-RAYS. Our thoughts are with his family at this difficult time. Always our Fagin … so long farewell thee well.”

Geoffrey Jackson as Major General in a modern version of The Pirates of Penzance
Geoffrey Jackson as Major General in a modern version of The Pirates of Penzance -Credit:Family handout

The Rossendale Players posted on Facebook: “It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Geoffrey Jackson. A true stalwart to the stage, not just at the Millennium theatre but in many other local societies also.

“Geoffrey’s dedication and creative presence to the Players will be remembered for years to come. Our thoughts and heartfelt sympathies are with his beloved wife, Maureen, during this incredibly difficult time.

“Rest in peace, Geoffrey. You will be missed, but not forgotten.”

Geoffrey’s funeral is due to take place on Thursday, October 31.

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