THE theatre community has come together to pay tribute to a ‘talented’ thespian and a ‘warm’ friend to all.

Heartfelt tributes have flooded in for Barrow actor Bill Calvert who has sadly died.

Described as a ‘cornerstone’ of local theatre, Mr Calvert spent over 30 years at Abbey Musical Society in Barrow.

Mr Calvert leaves behind his wife Barbara and their family.

A spokesman for Abbey Musical Society described Mr Calvert as an ‘immediate friend to all’ within the acting community.

He said: “All at Abbey would like to pass on our condolences to Barbara, family and friends of our friend and cast member Bill Calvert who has sadly passed away. He was a cornerstone of local theatre and was warm, endearing and kind to absolutely everyone he met.

“He welcomed everyone young and old into our hobby and was an immediate friend to all. A superb dancer, singer and had the comedic timing bestowed to very few. One of his final roles was as the perfectly cast ‘Gus the theatre cat’.”

Russell Brown, director at Abbey Musical Society, shared the stage with Mr Calvert for many years.

“He loved raising others around him,” Mr Brown said.

“He had time for everyone in theatre, knew everybody by name and would greet everyone with the cheery ‘hi…and their name’.

“He was always pleased to be part of shows no matter how significant the role. He had a great sense of humour and comedic timing which very few can create on stage. He was a great dancer and could keep up with male dancers half his age. But it wasn’t only onstage that he thrived, he would support any theatre group, help build transport and create sets.

“Bill genuinely had local theatre running through him.

“His experience was unrivalled but his humble and appreciative attitude towards being onstage was contagious.

“There is no one who has worked with Bill on stage or watched his genius from the auditorium who will not miss him.”

Seamus Doran added: " I first got to know Bill about 30 years ago, when I joined Barrow Amateur Musical Society, and it wasn’t very long before we became firm friends. That was Bill - when he saw that a newcomer to the society seemed uncomfortable with the newness of their surroundings he would make it his business to welcome him or her and make sure that they soon felt at home.

"Not only was he welcoming, he would go out of his way to encourage any new member to became involved in the running of the society, thus making them feel a valued member.

"And that’s how it was with me. When I think back, I don’t think the societies in Barrow could have functioned as well as they have done without Bill Calvert.

"There are many adjectives to sum up Bill Calvert - top of the list being caring, warm, selfless and big-hearted. It was an absolute privilege to have been his friend. And it makes me sad to think that won’t see his ever smiling face again."