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A Tribute to Blanche MarvinDateline: 3rd September, 2005Critics can be quite a catty bunch but, occasionally, it is necessary to acknowledge the efforts of a rival who goes so far beyond the call of duty that they deserve maximum publicity and approbation. Blanche Marvin is the editor of a privately published Theatre Journal and founder of the Empty Space ... Peter Brook Awards. She is also an 80 year-old who has recently recovered from shingles. Therefore, it is reasonable to be impressed by her ability to attend theatres every night of the week and several afternoons, in addition to writing up reviews and commentary. On Friday, it was no real surprise to see this St John's Wood resident a fair way from home at the Orange Tree in Richmond, a former winner of her award. She was on duty watching the first night of Deborah Brevoorts' Women of Lockerbie and no doubt she has trenchant views on that play as on every other. Blanche though had no time to wait after the final curtain fell, to the extent that one can talk of curtain calls when the production is in the round. She was catching the overnight coach to Edinburgh. After arriving at seven in the morning, she had a short break before a day watching the complete output of legendary Irish playwright, J M Synge (six plays) in the International Festival, before getting another overnight coach back home. People half her age are exhausted by a day's work and a trek out in Richmond. The British Theatre Guide would like to salute bionic Blanche - a truly wonderful octogenarian. Long may she flourish. Philip Fisher
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