HE has spent the past 40 years sharing his love of theatre with Winchester, but now he is bowing out.

Historian and activist Phil Yates said his final formal goodbye on Sunday after decades of devotion to the city’s Theatre Royal.

They held a celebration in his honour before sinking into the red velvety seats of the auditorium to watch the last pantomime of the season.

The 88-year-old was part of the original group of six men who rallied to save the theatre from destruction in 1974.

Together they raised £35,000, bought the old cinema site and refurbished it, ready to open as a theatre in 1978.

Mr Yates gave up his job at a solicitor firm to work at the theatre in 1983, and said it was “a dream come true after 40 years in the legal profession”.

“I have always been interested in theatre but never had a chance to go into it until I went to work there full-time,” he said.

“I have done every job except backstage! It has been very enjoyable, we have had a few crises with financial problems, getting grants and money together to build the theatre, but on the whole I have really enjoyed it.”

Mr Yates is such a familiar face that staff have joked he has an underground tunnel from his home in Tower Street – something which makes him laugh as he recalls his 40 years there.

“I feel sad in a way but I feel the time has come for me to go, I’m 88 and I don’t see well now. Therefore I cannot really do the work needed, I worry I will fall.

“I still hope to do an odd chore for them from time to time and help support shows.”

From interviewing the stars, telling ghost stories and sharing his passion for the building he helped save, Mr Yates is a character theatre chief executive Mark Courtice says will be missed.

“Phil has been a great member of our team for so long it will be difficult to get used to his retirement,” he said.

Daily Echo: The Theatre Royal

Winchester Theatre Royal

“We have so much to thank him for – his work to keep the theatre open, his contribution in almost every aspect of its running, and latterly as honorary archivist, while also helping us keep up to date with front of house displays.

“Everyone in the team can point to instances of his kindness, concern, interest and help over the years and while we will miss his daily presence we very much hope to continue to see him at first nights and special events over the years to come.”

The theatre has named a box after Mr Yates, which was unveiled at his leaving bash.