Gary Power - A theatre treasure
The late Gary Power at the Theatre Royal back in 2019 for "A Night with Gary Power" Photo: Joe Evans.
Waterford's theatrical and art community has been left reeling with the terrible news of Gary Power's passing.
Gary was renowned across the Déise for his stellar work as both a theatre director and performer.
In 2019, he performed the legendary show 'A Night with Gary Power', at the Theatre Royal. His performance came soon after he suffered an accident that resulted in the loss of his leg. Gary's humour, spirit, strength and heart was clear to anyone who saw him on stage, and his performance has gone down in theatrical legend.
Gary died on Friday, March 7, only aged 60. The shocking news has prompted a wave of condolences from all corners of Waterford.
Water News and Star Arts Correspondent, Pat McEvoy, wrote a touching paean to Gary, calling him 'one of our own':
"Gary Power’s contribution to Waterford musical theatre was immense. Not only was he an exceptional actor and singer but he was also a talented director that always valued the talent of others.
"Gary just loved theatre and especially musical theatre. He brought that love of theatre with him everywhere and was happiest in the company of directors and performers. His larger than life personality made him a favourite with everyone and he was the life and soul of his many productions. He was a successful director who was in great demand around the country with other musical societies.
"Gary was a natural communicator. He had a gift for recognising up-and-coming talent and his productions of De La Salle College shows brought school theatre on in leaps and bounds.
"He was a star of Tops and Panto as well as many musicals over the years and will be sadly missed by all his friends in musical theatre in Waterford.
"God bless you, Gary. You were one of our own."
Theatre producer and friend, Bill Stafford, paid tribute to Gary, calling him an 'inspiration.' He wrote: "Gary was an inspiration to us all as we grew up in theatre in Waterford. An amazing performer and phenomenal director. I was thrilled to have met him back in October, at Garter Lane, and we had a great chat and reminisce. Thank you, Gary, for all you gave to Waterford and beyond."
One mourner wrote on rip.ie: "On and off stage his energy was addictive. He went on to achieve so much. Gary will be forever missed proud to call you a dear friend from a 20 year old taller then life with so many dreams. Gary that big stage in the sky has called you."
The tributes speak to a man who left everyone he met charmed by his talent, voice and kindness.
One person wrote: "I met Gary Power in 1991, and worked with him for three years, when I was Bunratty Castle Singer. He was not just an amazingly talented actor, singer and incredible castle butler, but truly kind too. You could hear a pin drop when Gary's dulcet tones washed over tables of international guests. He was different. He took them on a journey."
Wayne Brown, of Waterford Theatre Archive, commented: "The great Gary Power - and I use the term great. Most of my memories of musical theatre in my formative years came from Gary Power productions - or some shows that featured Gary Power on stage."
"God rest you Gary, we'll never see your kind again. Another true legend has left the stage for the last time. It's far too soon."
He is deeply missed by his mam Peggy, brothers Brian and Seán, sister Tammy, sisters-in-law Breeda and Mags and brother-in-law Mark, his nieces and nephews Megan, Luke, Thomas, Cole, Jude, Rhys, Nell and Brody, extended family, relatives, neighbours and friends.
Sympathy cards can be posted to Robert Thompson Funeral Directors, Barrack Street, Waterford. Funeral arrangements are to follow.
