2019 is an important year for Ray Riches and the Little Theatre, as it marks 50 years since Ray started with the company. His contribution to the theatre spans more than half the existence of the Little Theatre itself (which celebrates its centenary in 2024). When this fresh faced, tall handsome actor first trod the boards in 1969, he probably didn’t realise how integral he would be to the theatre’s long-term success, as actor, director, and all-round mover and shaker. Ray continues to direct, and recently had a sell-out hit with The 39 Steps, and expects a similar reception for Theft, later this year.

We don’t have photos of his first play The Secret Tent, in 1969, but here he is with his wife Sue, and the rest of the cast of Boeing Boeing, in his second play, in 1970. Other highlights of his acting and directing career, are also illustrated. Check-out the archive, on the website (www.hblt.co.uk/images), for  many more memories of Ray’s glittering contribution to the Little Theatre.