Pam Underwood Remembered For Decades Of Contribution To Isle Of Wight Theatre

A well-known figure in the Isle of Wight’s amateur theatre community has died at the age of 95.

Pamela Underwood, known as Pam, was born in Portsmouth in 1931 before moving to the Island with her husband John and their young family in 1954, after he was offered a job with Saunders-Roe.

She became heavily involved in amateur dramatics, joining the Newport Repertory Society in 1966.

Three years later, Pam and John became founder members of the Apollo Theatre in Newport, helping transform a former Methodist church in Pyle Street into a community theatre.

Pam performed in many of the Apollo’s early productions and also spent years working behind the scenes in the box office.

She was also a member of the Sandown Amateur Operatic and Dramatic Society, where she performed regularly and made many lifelong friendships.

Away from theatre, Pam worked at Plessey Radar as secretary to the Training School department before retiring in 1991.

Following John’s death in 2014, Pam moved into sheltered accommodation in Newport, where she became involved in activities and made many new friends.

She died peacefully on 31st August, surrounded by her four children.

Pam is remembered by her family and friends for her warmth, enthusiasm and resilience, as well as her lasting contribution to the Island’s theatrical community.

Her funeral will take place at the Isle of Wight Crematorium on Friday, 9th October, at 3pm.