Tributes flow for Toowoomba theatre icon Gwen Hart after death

Tributes have flowed for a Toowoomba icon, with family, friends and former colleagues paying tribute to a legend of the theatre community. Read the touching words shared by loved ones here.

Described as a beautiful grandmother, talented theatre director and unforgettable character, Gwen Hart was one of a kind.

Tributes have flowed for the 87-year-old who sadly passed away on January 17.

Born in Yorkshire in 1935, Hart was trained in acting and directing in Leeds, before relocating to Australia in the 1970s with her late husband Harry.

Calling Toowoomba home for more than three decades, Hart made a significant impact on the local theatre scene.

Gwen and Harry Hart. Picture: Nev Madsen

Starting out as a driven and talented actor, she later moved into the roles of producer and director and showcased a number of productions for the Toowoomba Choral, Philharmonic and Repertory Theatre Societies.

But according to Toowoomba Repertory Theatre vice president Michael Taylor who had worked with Hart since the 90s, her 2004 Les Misérables show was a standout.

“It absolutely blew me away – many people said it was the best production of Les Miserables they’d ever seen,” Mr Taylor said.

“Gwen was extremely artistic, creative and applied herself to theatre with gusto … she was a tremendous talent and her strongest legacy lies within all the people she mentored over the years – she knew how to get the best out of people.

“You meet unforgettable characters in your life occasionally and Gwen was one of them – her age didn’t matter, she had the energy and bright personality of a 21-year-old.”

Gwen Hart pictured with the cast of Private Fears in Public Places – a play she directed which was performed at the Toowoomba Repertory Theatre. Picture: Contributed

After leaving Toowoomba in 2008 and relocating to be with their daughter Louise in New Zealand, the couple continued working in the theatre.

Daughter Bryonie Mills said her mother passed away two years after she first became ill and needed to have half her stomach removed.

“She was a very vibrant woman and did yoga right up until she became unwell, so it was really hard to see her get sick so quickly,” Ms Mills said.

“My parents had a big influence on a lot of people, were very passionate about their crafts and strived to bring out the best in people.”

Late Toowoomba theatre icon Gwen Hart. Picture: Nev Madsen

A mother of two and grandmother of three, Hart filled the role of adopted mum both at the theatre and for her daughter’s friends.

Married to Harry for more than four decades, Bryonie said their relationship was very special.

After the family said goodbye to Harry in early 2015, their daughter said she took solace in knowing her parents had been reunited.

“Mum loved her grandchildren very much … they were the light of her life,” Ms Mills said.

“I always remember her telling us in her Yorkshire accent to ‘brush your hair and keep it brushed’, ‘never leave the house without make-up on’ and ‘we’re going to sit around the table and have a coke float’ after a small family disagreement.

“She’s back in Dad’s arms now and that’s nice to know.”

The family plan to scatter Hart’s ashes during a private ceremony in New Zealand.