Farnham Rep would like to pay tribute to William Whymper, who has died at the age of 85.  Bill was a major player in Farnham theatre for over 50 years.  On leaving the Guildford School of Acting he was invited by Ian Mullins to join the company at the Castle Theatre, making his debut in The Cat and the Canary in July 1971. Having appeared in 17 plays, in September 1972 he left to join the Leeds Playhouse, returning in September 1974 for The Royal Hunt of the Sun at the newly opened Redgrave Theatre.  In subsequent years he appeared at the Redgrave many times in parts ranging from the title role in Butley to Badger in The Wind in the Willows.

Bill worked in theatres throughout the country including several seasons with the Royal Shakespeare Company.  He was always proud of the fact that he had been in 16 Shakespeare plays and played 38 different characters.

His extensive TV work included The Mayor of Casterbridge, Hetty Wainthropp Investigates, Juliet Bravo, Fame is the Spur and Bruce Tomlin in The Collectors as well as Henry V, King John and Richard II for the BBC Shakespeare series.

He was an accomplished musician and director and directed the Farnham Shakespeare Company four times.  A supporter of Ian Mullins’ attempts to reopen the Redgrave, he appeared in several productions in the Farnham Rep marquee in front of the boarded-up theatre, notably as Mr. Micawber in David Copperfield and King Henry in Henry IV Part One.  He also directed She Stoops to Conquer and Quartermaine’s Terms. 

Loved by all for his gentleness and quietude, he will be fondly remembered. He is survived by his beloved wife Lesley.

Christopher Reeks.