STALWART Oldbury Rep chairman Doreen Bastable has bowed out after 38 years at the helm.

The 87-year-old, who joined the theatre 73 years ago, handed over the baton to Chris Smith at last week’s annual meeting.

Press officer Alan Wood described the occasion at the Barlow Theatre as “momentous” in the history of the group.

Mrs Bastable joined Oldbury Repertory Players in 1942 and was elected as registrar in 1947.

In 1957 she became the company’s business manager and was elected as chairman in 1977.

Mr Wood said: “As chairman she guided the company through many changes to the Spring Street site and worked closely with Sandwell Council and the Black Country Development Agency. “It’s true to say that the theatre has been her life and she has given selflessly of her time.”

Her late husband, Dan, was also a great supporter of Oldbury Rep and was instrumental in the conversion of the Spring Street Methodist Chapel into The Barlow Playhouse which was officially opened in 1956 by Sir Barry Jackson, the founder of Birmingham Rep.

In 1969 Mrs Bastable was made a Life Member of the theatre. In addition to her administrative roles, she has appeared on stage in 54 productions.

Her first show was in Cinderella in 1942 as part of the dance troupe and recently turned to directing, including Brief Encounter as part of the theatre’s 70th anniversary celebrations, in 2009.

Mrs Bastable said: “It’s been a great privilege to be chairman of Oldbury Rep and I would like to thank the members and Council of Management over the many years for their support.

“I will continue to support the company in any way I can and look forward to seeing an adventure that began in 1939 continue to grow and flourish.”

New chairman Mr Smith, aged 57, who was elected unopposed, has been associated with Oldbury Rep all his life, as his parents, Gwen and Philip, were both founder members of the company in 1939.

His wife and children are also members.

Mr Smith first trod the boards aged 12 in The Farmer’s Wife and since then has appeared in more than 40 main house productions.

He has undertaken many other areas of responsibility over the years including theatre warden, bar manager, company archivist and most recently company secretary.

He said: “I am very honoured and proud to be chairman and I am determined, with the continued support of its membership, to ensure Oldbury Rep produces first class theatre in the area while remaining friendly, open and welcoming as it has always been and to continue to build on the achievements of former chairmen.”