New fund in memory of tragic theatre director aims to help South Tyneside's aspiring actors

Jackie Fielding lost her life after suffering a brain aneurysm, last May, while working on her show The Man and the Donkey at the Customs House in South Shields.

More than £4,000 was collected at her funeral at her home-town of Barrow-in-Furness in Cumbria and at a special memorial event held at the theatre, down by the Mill Dam, last September.

The money aims to help young people to pursue their drama school dreams.

Customs House executive director Ray Spencer said: “In life often the saddest events can lead to a positive outcome.

“Jackie Fielding would be delighted to know that her friends and colleagues have raised this amount of money to help young people make their first steps towards achieving their dreams.”

Jackie had worked on many plays at The Customs House both as an actor and director and had won awards for her work across the north east.

She had a keen eye for spotting talent and encouraging actors to take the next step in their career and as a result family and friends wanted any funds raised to support emerging talent

in the region.

Last summer’s hit Geordie the Musical was dedicated to Jackie, who had been due to direct the show at The Customs House before her tragic death.

To apply to the fund please forward a CV of experience and supporting statement as to why you should receive funding to [email protected] entitled The Jackie Fielding Fund.

The shortlisted young people will be asked to audition before a panel of Jackie’s former colleagues.