Tasmanian theatre icon Marcus Bower passes away after lengthy cancer battle

A film critic for The Examiner for more than 25 years, Bower was an actor, director, drama teacher, theatre reviewer, writer, committee member, and mentor to many.

Bower worked with numerous Tasmanian theatre companies during his career, including CentrStage, Launceston Players, Three River Theatre, Old Nick Company, Encore Theatre Company, and the Launceston Musical Society.

Friend Jeff Hockley reflected on fond memories of Bower, who he described as a "vibrant person".

"I first met him when he played Friedrich as one of the Von Trapp children in The Sound of Music in 1974," Mr Hockley said.

"That was the first time I met Marcus, and in all the years I knew him I only ended up working with him on stage once.

"Perhaps my fondest memory of Marcus was in the Launceston Players production of Cabaret in 1987.

"He was such a fantastic director, a fantastic actor, but he absolutely insisted he couldn't sing. Yet he ended up performing the role of the narrator, which is a fairly big singing role," he said.

Marcus Bower:

Bower was also known for running annual revues at Launceston's Royal Oak.

"There were a lot of different shows happening at the Oak, and he was the one who consistently went every year and made the revue special. It was a tradition that you went to the show at the Oak the week before Christmas.

"Marcus was such a vibrant person, so keen for the theatre - he will so truly be missed."

President of the Theatre Council of Tasmania Petr Divis paid respect to Bower, who he described as selfless and humble.

"Selfless is the perfect word to describe Marcus," he said.

"There has been an outpouring of love for Marcus, all saying how intelligent, friendly and positive he was.

"He just had this ability to nurture a love of theatre and performing.

"He directed over 40 performances at Scotch Oakburn College, and had an impact on so many of his students, many who went on to work in the theatre.

"Marcus was one of those people who didn't restrict himself to the big roles to gain recognition, but worked hard behind the scenes.

"He helped out at countless organisations, doing the hard, back-breaking work that isn't always recognised but makes the whole sector better.

"Marcus was a very strong supporter of the Theatre Council, and in 2014 when we launched the first Tasmanian Theatre Awards he was part of making that a success.

"It's fitting that we were able to recognise him at last year's awards with a lifetime achievement award.

"His legacy is so wide-reaching. He always spoke about how generous people have been to him, and I want to share how generous he was to others.

"Everyone only has positive things to say about Marcus, and that is a testament to his character. Our hearts go out to his beloved wife, to his family and to his friends," Mr Divis said.

Friend, and secretary of the Launceston Players, Linda Madill, initially met Bower while she was working at Scotch Oakburn College.

"Marcus was my younger daughter's speech and drama teacher at Scotch," she said.

"He directed Oklahoma! as the school production, and [daughter] Catherine played Aunt Ella. I helped him with publicity, and we hit it off.

"Marcus loved the theatre. He had such a special character about him and everyone loved him.

"He had a great deal of theatrical knowledge which he was happy to pass on, some of which he did at Scotch Oakburn, as well as through his time working in theatre across Tasmania."

Bower joined the Launceston Players in 1974 as part of their production of The Sound of Music. He was on the committee from 1981-1988, serving as both president and vice president.

"Working with him during was such a highlight, he just had this way about him," Ms Madill said.

Encore Theatre Company president Belinda King said Bower was a mentor, who was known for his love of people and performing.

"When Encore first emerged he was forthcoming with honest reviews and knowledgeable critique, which helped to shape the company we've become," she said.

Committee member, and Launceston deputy mayor Danny Gibson also shared his condolences.

"Launceston and Northern Tasmania has been saddened at the loss of an outstanding theatre educator, theatre maker and friend," he said.

What do you think? Send us a letter to the editor: