Gorilla Theatre Producer/Director Aubrey Hampton Passes Away

Aubrey Hampton passed away yesterday afternoon, May 9, peacefully and after a short illness.

By founding and providing financial support for the Gorilla Theatre, Aubrey, together with his wife Susan Hussey, had a huge and wide reaching influence on the artistic life of our city; producing his own works (most recently Christmas Gremlins and Elizabeth and Edward) and a full season of exciting and thought-provoking plays, creating the Young Dramatists' Project to nurture new playwriting talent, and providing employment for countless theatre professionals.

An original and eclectic thinker, Aubrey always refused to be categorized. As a very private individual, many of Aubrey's contributions to arts and culture were made quietly and without desire for recognition. At the same time, he absolutely knew how to have a good time, and how to wear a good Saville Road suit. Thanks to Aubrey, champagne has always been a feature of the Gorilla Theatre's first read-throughs and opening nights. At this time, please raise a glass to Aubrey - a man we truly love and who has had such a profound influence on our lives.

Aubrey leaves a grown up son, Mitchell, who lives in Boston, and an eight year old son, Trevor, who lives in Tampa. Services will be held soon; details will be released as soon as possible.

You are invited to post comments and pictures on the Gorilla Theatre group's Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/home.php#!/group.php?gid=5083773835