It is with great sadness that we have to inform you of the death of John Sabberton.

John was awarded 'Honorary President of the Trust' here at Blackfriars when he retired from the board after many years of service.

As many of you will know, John had a tremendous love and passion for Blackfriars and was very generous with his support for the theatre. It is no exaggeration when I say that without John’s support the theatre’s doors could quite easily have closed again following the 2008 closure.

John had a love for performing as well as being involved behind the scenes at Blackfriars. Many of us would call John a friend following his time being involved at Blackfriars. We will all miss him dearly.

Our love and deepest sympathies are with John’s wife Christine, and his daughter Claire and granddaughter Grace at this difficult time.

Funeral details will follow in due course.