Emmerdale actor remembers ‘wonderful’ mentor Sir Patrick Stewart

He began his career in 1959 when he joined the repertory company at the Lincoln Theatre Royal, making his stage debut in Treasure Island.

The theatre’s current stage manager, Ian Marston, said it would have provided a “thorough training”.

“As well as performing he also worked backstage,” he said.

“The repertory company at the time was really very well thought of.

“Lots of household names began here. We were quite important on the rep scene.”

Meanwhile, Grimsby singer Michael Dore, who said he performed the music of British composer Nigel Hess with Sir Patrick a number of times, described him as a “lovely man”.

“I was in awe,” he said.

“I’ve been able to work with some great people, but he’s a hero. It was very special.”

In Hull, visitors to The Deep will be familiar with Sir Patrick’s voice.

The aquarium has used him as its narrator since it opened in 2002.

Visitor Debbie Gillett-Ware said: “As you enter here, you feel really calm because you can actually feel his voice.

“He’s such a big actor as well, but you can hear his voice right here in Hull.”

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