Worcester stage legend Doreen Pritchard, who had river steamer named after her

Her mother Bertha Huxter owned three river boats and when a baby daughter was born in 1925, the Duchess Doreen was named in her honour, becoming a favourite with thousands of pleasure trippers on the Severn. 

However it was for her many appearances on stage that most will remember Doreen. In particular, she nailed the thigh slapping role of principal boy, taking the part in numerous Kays Theatre Group Christmas pantomimes.

Fellow thespian Sue Wilson recalled: “Doreen was known for her immaculate stage appearance, especially as principal boy in the pantos. Later, when she became a member of the audience, and was made a life member, the word would go round backstage: ‘Best foot forward folks, Doreen’s in tonight!’ ”

Doreen as a young dancer. She was the youngest ever to appear on stage in Worcester

It was indeed best foot forward for Doreen, because at the age of two-and-a-half she became the youngest performing dancer to appear on stage in Worcester, when she took part in a St Barnabas Concert Group production in the Guildhall.

Doreen (right) preparing to go on stage as part of a chorus line

Her mother’s family lived at the Old Rectifying House, almost opposite the river cruiser landing stage, and she was educated at a private school in St John’s.

Doreen at Kays switchboard in the 1960s

Doreen’s first job was at a dental surgery, but in 1949 she left to become switchboard supervisor at the city’s mail order giant Kay & Co and this is what started her show biz career.

The largest private employer in the area, the company had decided to set up its own variety troupe and Doreen joined as one half of a singing and dancing duo called Kay’s Stars.

When the project expanded to Kay’s Theatre Group, Doreen was a natural and soon became a familiar figure as principal boy in the annual pantomimes. “She certainly had the legs for the part,” producer Pat Milton recalled.

Doreen pictured with Robert Wilson in the 1956 St John’s Players production of Someone Waiting

Doreen married her husband John Pritchard, who went on to become a BBC producer, in 1948 and both were much involved in the local am-dram and musical entertainment scene. They were founder members of the highly popular Midland Musical Theatre Group, and Doreen also appeared with other local societies such as St John’s Players.

Doreen at the annual presentation of the John Pritchard Award at the MMTG

She was subsequently made a life member of MMTG, while John left an annual award to the MMTG to support and assist the training of young talent, both onstage and theatrical.

Long after she had retired from performing, Doreen Pritchard, who lived in Lucerne Close, Worcester, was a familiar sight in the audience at her favourite shows and concerts.

Friend Caroline Badger recalled: “For the Christmas pantomimes she always took a huge bag of sweets to give out to the children. There are many Worcester people who will fondly remember her as the ‘Sweet Lady’.

“But that was Doreen all over. She simply loved children and she was a real sweetie.”