My wife and I were both fellow students of Jack Carr in the drama department of Manchester University in the 1960s. Though at the time he went by the name of Wilf, he was definitely Jack the Lad, with a great stage presence. His rugged good looks entirely suited the newly emerging working-class plays of the period.
However, it would be incorrect to describe the department as “Stephen Joseph’s”. Adventurously supportive, creatively challenging and greatly appreciated as Stephen was, he was just one of the highly talented group of lecturing staff there. The sole and founding professorial chair was held by Hugh Hunt, brother of John Hunt, the leader of the 1953 Everest expedition. It was Hugh’s department that Stephen, the great theatrical pioneer, was thankfully asked to join.
