VALE IAN MILNES
The Howick Little Theatre is saddened at the loss of our long-time member Ian Milnes, who passed away last week, aged 60. Ian first appeared on the HLT stage in 1988 in a play called Habeas Corpus. That role was the first of over a dozen wonderful characters Ian created at HLT, and there were several more at Dolphin and other theatre groups and in the HLT’s drama classes.
Then there was Ian the Director. He directed seven plays at the HLT, beginning with Up’n’Under in 1998 and concluding with The Viewing Room in 2021. In between came Travels With My Aunt and Punch & Judy: The Real Story amongst others, the latter being a particular favourite of his.
And then there was Ian the Set Designer. He created no less than 18 wonderful sets for the HLT. Ian had an instinct for what would work well in the HLT space. He was economical in his concepts and was never into the décor side of things – “paint it how you like” was his usual response. But being an actor and director himself, he could conceptualise what would work in the play’s favour – what the set said for the actors and the audience.
Ian was a hugely talented theatre man, as well as a kind, considerate, witty and gentle soul. We were privileged to have known him and will miss him deeply.