I was asked to choreograph Fiddler on the Roof.  When we completed the auditions, Richard was the obvious choice for the lead role of Tevye and Louisa got the role of one of Tevye’s daughters, Hodel.  As rehearsals progressed, it started to become clear that Richard and Louisa started to build a strong friendship and were falling in love.  It was funny because they had to play father and daughter! However, as part of the production team, it was beautiful to watch their romance blossom.  I didn’t know either of them particluarly well and left the society shortly afterwards but through my mum, I heard news of their marriage and then the birth of twins and more latterly the sad news of Louisa’s illness. I will always have fond memories of a lovely, bubbly woman who we chose to play opposite a gentle giant and then fell head over heals while we watched from the wings.

Rest in peace Louisa,

Rowena Gaston xx