A prominent figure in the Isle of Wight’s amateur dramatics community and Apollo Theatre founder member has died at the age of 95.
Pamela May Underwood, known to all as Pam, passed away peacefully in Newport on 31st August, surrounded by her 4 children.
Pam was a prominent figure in the Isle of Wight’s amateur dramatics community, as well as being a much-loved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend.
Pam was born in Portsmouth in 1931. Raised by her mother, a single parent, she experienced a challenging childhood at a time when there was little social support available.
Her mother often had to leave Pam alone in their small flat while she worked to provide for them both. During the Second World War, Pam was evacuated several times, though her happiest memories of those years were spent in Malmesbury, Wiltshire.
After the war, she returned to Portsmouth. In her late teens, she met John, whom she married in 1951. The young couple initially lived with Pam’s mother and welcomed their first two children, Philip and Lesley.
In 1954, John was offered a position with Saunders-Roe on the Isle of Wight, together with a family home. The opportunity prompted the family’s move to the Island, where they would build a life and become part of the local community for decades to come.
Once settled, Pam became actively involved with the Women’s Institute and developed a passion for amateur dramatics. Their third child, Geoffrey, was born in 1959.
In 1963, the family moved to a new home in Newport, and in 1966 Pam joined the Newport Repertory Society. Four years later, in 1967, the family welcomed their fourth child, Catherine.
In 1969, Pam and John became founder members of the Apollo Theatre in Newport. Alongside their fellow founders, they worked tirelessly to transform the former Methodist Church in Pyle Street into what would become one of the Island’s most cherished community theatres.
A gifted and enthusiastic performer, Pam appeared in many of the Apollo’s early productions. She was equally at home behind the scenes and became a familiar face in the box office, where she welcomed countless theatregoers over the years.
Pam was also a dedicated member of the Sandown Amateur Operatic and Dramatic Society (SAODS), appearing regularly in productions and forming many lifelong friendships through her love of theatre.
Away from the stage, Pam worked for many years at Plessey Radar, serving as secretary to the Training School department, a role she thoroughly enjoyed. She retired in 1991, with John retiring soon afterwards.
Together, Pam and John enjoyed travelling and exploring the world. Among their many adventures, a trip to China remained a particular highlight.
Following John’s death in 2014, Pam moved from the family home into sheltered accommodation in Newport. There she quickly became a popular and valued member of the community, making many friends and enthusiastically joining a wide range of activities.
Even in February of this year, she was creating musical playlists and entertainment for fellow residents.
She leaves behind a loving family, many friends, and a lasting legacy within the Island’s theatrical community. She will be remembered for her warmth, resilience, enthusiasm for life, and the joy she brought to so many people.
The funeral will be held at the Isle of Wight Crematorium on 9th October at 3pm
