73 year old Graham Tubb from Seaford was awarded the NODA Diamond Bar last week at the Barn Theatre by ‘Keeping Up Appearances’ actress, Judy Cornwell and Steven Willox from Seaford Rotary Club, who sponsored the award.
The lifetime achievement award for over 60 years in theatre is rarely presented and Seaford Musical Theatre (SMT) were delighted to secure the honour for Graham, who is still actively performing and directing with them.
Beginning his acting career aged 6, in 1948, as a Junior member of the Seaford Operatic Society (later SMT) and trained at dance schools alongside Judy Cornwell and Elizabeth Power (Eastenders Mrs Hewitt).
His father was friends with the legendary Gracie Fields, so perhaps a love for theatre was inevitable for Graham. Working a season in the glamorous Astor Club in London before moving on to Music Hall, Graham would also work as a top window dresser between jobs in theatre – designing displays for Mary Quant and other top London designers.
Graham has performed for countless charity events leading to him being invited to attend the wedding of Charles and Camilla – whom he met at a charity function in London. Performing for the Seaford Rotary Christmas events each year and still performing and directing at the Barn Theatre, Graham sees no chance of retirement from the stage any time soon.