When Farnham's Redgrave Theatre closed in 1998, Helen Dorward and her husband Ian Mullins were so dismayed they formed a repertory company and even performed outside the closed theatre.

It was just one example of Helen's passionate connection with the town's theatre scene, which continued until the couple emigrated to New Zealand in 2006.

Helen, a stalwart of Farnham theatre who also enjoyed a long career on stage and television, died last week in New Zealand at the age of 93.

Helen Dorward with Peter Corey in Goodnight Mrs Puffin (1976) at Farnham's Redgrave Theatre.
Helen Dorward with Peter Corey in Goodnight Mrs Puffin (1976) at Farnham's Redgrave Theatre. (Michael Sargent Studios )

The Farnham Theatre Association and Farnham Rep have paid tribute to the actress, whose connections with the town lasted for decades.

Peter Hunter, archivist for the association, said: “She was one of the loveliest people I have ever worked with - always friendly and interested in what others were doing.

“We shared car journeys back to Farnham at weekends, and she had many fascinating stories.”

Born in Perth, Scotland, Helen worked extensively in regional theatre before coming to Farnham in 1970, when her husband became director of the Castle Theatre.

She appeared in several plays while also bringing up their two sons, James and Charles, at the family's home in Churt.

In 1974, the Redgrave opened to replace the Castle Theatre after Farnham's repertory company outgrew its former home.

Ian served as its first artistic director, and the new theatre opened with a production of Romeo and Juliet. Based on the site of what is now Brightwells Yard, it became an important part of Farnham's cultural life before financial difficulties eventually led to its closure in 1998.

Helen Dorward, with Joan Morrow and Liza Goddard in Three Sisters at the Redgrave Theate in 1972.
Helen Dorward with Joan Morrow and Liza Goddard in Three Sisters at the Redgrave Theatre in 1972. (Armand Gerrard)

Helen appeared at the Redgrave Theatre a number of times, including in Ring Around the Moon, Goodnight Mrs Puffin and How the Other Half Loves.

In 1977, the family moved to New Zealand after Ian was appointed director of the Mercury Theatre in Auckland. During their time there, Helen appeared in the television mini-series Children of Fire Mountain.

Three years later, the family returned to Churt when Ian became a director at the Haymarket Theatre in Basingstoke.

Helen and Ian remained closely involved in Farnham theatre, and the closure of the Redgrave in 1998 prompted Ian to form the New Farnham Rep in an effort to keep repertory theatre alive in the town.

The company staged several successful seasons at venues around Farnham – including a performance outside the closed theatre itself.

Helen was very much part of the company, appearing in productions including A Tale of Two Cities, Jane Eyre and David Copperfield.

She was also a familiar face on television, with her memorable roles including playing the dim-witted waitress Avis in the daytime soap Crossroads.

Her other television appearances ranged from Z-Cars and Doctor Who to Are You Being Served?, Hi-de-Hi! and Keeping Up Appearances.

Helen's extensive theatre career also included The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie with Patricia Hodge and Out of Order with Jeffrey Holland.

In 2006, Helen and Ian returned to live in New Zealand, where their sons had settled.

Ian died in 2014 at the age of 85. He was described in an obituary as “a kind, gentle man who was devoted and committed to theatre, rep in particular. He was loved and respected by all those with whom he worked.”