We are extremely sad to announce that Gill Plumtree, CAODS’ President has peacefully passed away . Gill became a member of CAODS in 1975 and was our President for the last 19 years. She was very proud to say that between her and her husband John, there had been a Plumtree as CAODS’ President for around 50 years!

Gill represented CAODS at NODA functions and welcomed many a dignitary to the theatre to see our shows. In truth, there are not many people who were more dignified than our Gill-a beautiful lady, with a heart of gold and a very calm air about her. Gill supported the committee with many words of wisdom over the years. She always attended our Preview Mornings, Open Evenings and Coffee Mornings, as well as speaking at the AGM every year.

Gill will also be remembered for the many roles she played, such as Dolly in Hello Dolly, Aunt Eller in Oklahoma, Golde in Fiddler on the Roof and Bloody Mary in South Pacific. She had the most beautiful, rich singing voice, perfect for Mother Abbess in the Sound of Music, (“Climb Every Mountain”) and anyone who was lucky enough to share the stage with her in Carousel, when she played Nettie, did not have to dig too deep to find the emotion required for the scene, when she sang “You’ll Never Walk Alone”!

Gill’s last show performing with CAODS was Titanic in 2012. She played first class passenger, Ida Strauss, which was appropriate, because Gill was a first class lady on stage and off. We will miss her very much at CAODS. She was a very special person, a friend to many, and such an important part of the CAODS family. We are all very lucky to have known her.