MTC honours founder

The Melbourne Theatre Company hosted a moving tribute to John Sumner, the theatre company’s founder, in October.

Mr Sumner was the founder and also Artist Director between 1953-55 and 1959-1987.

Family, friends, and many from the theatre world Mr Sumner inhabited attended the service.

Speakers included former MTC Artistic Directors Simon Phillips and Roger Hodgman, as well as actor and stage manager Malcolm Robertson.

Messages were read from a number of different people, including Barry Humphries, Graeme Blundell and Ann Tonks.

In his speech, Mr Phillips told guests it was John’s vision that led to other state governments establishing their own theatre companies around Australia.

“He was the father of theatre in this state,” Mr Phillips proclaimed.

“John had an extraordinary nose for the theatre animal. Many of whom are sitting in the audience today.”

John Sumner died in May. He was 88.