Oxford Playhouse is deeply saddened to announce the death of our dear colleague and friend Ashley Bale, Technical Director and Head of Production, who passed away from cancer on Saturday 29 November.

Ash joined Oxford Playhouse in 1997 and, over the past 28 years, has been at the very heart of our organisation and every show that has played here. His extraordinary technical knowledge, passion for theatre, and dedication to his team helped to shape The Playhouse of today. His wisdom, humour, and kindness touched everyone who had the privilege of working or learning alongside him.

Over many years, he supported countless productions, student companies, and emerging practitioners - from main house and studio shows to tent tours and community projects. Perhaps his greatest joy was pantomime and having worked on 28 pantos here at Oxford Playhouse, he truly knew how to make the magic happen.

Ash, as a Lighting Designer, also worked for the Birmingham Rep, The Egg, Polka Theatre, Salisbury Playhouse, Bristol Old Vic, MAC Birmingham, and regionally with The North Wall, The Mill Arts Centre, and Creation Theatre, where he was an Associate Artist. His contribution to theatre extended far beyond our building and our city.

Ash trained at Bristol Old Vic Theatre School, where he met his wife, Sophie. Together they moved to Oxford and joined The Playhouse team. Family was at the centre of everything Ash did. Whilst his professional journey grew, so did his role as a family man - both sides of his life strengthening and enriching one another. The qualities that made him a loving, caring husband and father were the same qualities that shaped his pastoral care at work. His colleagues looked to him for knowledge, support and reassurance and they flourished under his guidance. The Playhouse was never simply a workplace for Ash - it was a home and an extended family.

Our thoughts are with his wife Sophie, their six children, and his wider family at this profoundly difficult time.

If you would prefer to leave a message of condolence on our social media channels, you can do so at Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.

Photography:

Cover photo: Ashley Bale lighting Oxford Playhouse pantomime, Cinderella, 2016. Photographer: Peter David Grant

Portrait: Ashley Bale at the Oxford Playhouse 80th Anniversary Gala, October 2018. Photographer: Geraint Lewis