In the 1960s John Tovey managed the accounts at Her Majesty’s theatre, Barrow- in-Furness. Though he did not appear on stage, he was the most theatrical member of its small company: his manner was light-hearted camp (a word I learned only later). I had known him when a boy, and re-encountered him when painting scenery during the Christmas holidays. In the theatre and subsequently as a restaurateur, he lived his dream – twice.
