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Tributes have been pouring in from across the theatre and performing arts industry in Nelson Mandela Bay for the late Christopher Robert Eveleigh.
The much-lauded former Arts and Entertainment Editor for The Herald and The Weekend Post, affectionately known as Bob Eveleigh, passed away in the early hours of Wednesday morning after a short illness at the age of 86.
His passing was confirmed to Algoa FM by his niece Nici Lovemore, who is the current chairperson of the PE Dance Festival Committee.
Eveleigh was the Arts and Entertainment Editor for The Herald and The Weekend Post from 1980 to 2007.
Taking to Facebook Lovemore wrote, “I am very sad to announce the passing of my Uncle Bob Eveleigh late last night. Bob was the last remaining sibling of the 7 Eveleighs ( Bessie, Thora, Eddie, Hermione, Pam, Fay, and Bobby). He leaves his wife of 57 years, Glenda. Bob ( Christopher Robert Eveleigh), was a legend of Arts and Entertainment in Port Elizabeth. Well known and loved for his outstanding work as Arts and Entertainment Editor for The Herald and The Weekend Post from 1980 to 2007, Bob continued to write valuable reviews of countless theatre productions, right up to 2022.”
Lovemore goes on to extoll his “wealth of global show business knowledge” that was instrumental in the development of many a young musical theatre actor in the city.
She ended her touching tribute by saying, "His Showtime Awards have become coveted and prestigious acknowledgments of local theatre excellence. You shone a unique, extraordinary light Uncle Bobby. You will be greatly missed. There will be a small, private funeral for family only".
Little Cherub Dancewear wrote: “I, like many I'm sure, remember how we would all scramble for the paper to read his valuable reviews after opening night. He will definitely be remembered for his incredible contributions to theatre. Most youngsters will remember him for all the Showtime awards productions each year which was a great platform for up-and-coming performers”.
Natasha Tait Dance and Events said: “Heaven has gained another Legend of the Arts. I am very sad to announce the passing of Bob Eveleigh last night. He was the Arts and Entertainment Editor for The Herald and The Weekend Post.
Our senior dancers had the privileged of working with him on two of his annual Showtime productions”.
Acclaimed actress, director, and Drama Educator, Linda-Louise Swain wrote, "RIP, Bob Eveleigh. Thank you for the legend you have been to our Theatre World. Such an example of pure joie de vivre for the arts, energy and endless vision for the next project. You certainly leave an indelible footprint. Thank you for the many shows we worked on together, for instituting the Apple Awards, which later became the Showtime Awards and for being one of our early Leos Club Barneys Show MCs. Your many years as Arts Editor are a tribute to the dedicated journalist that you were. Fly free, special soul”.
Bob Eveleigh’s Showtime Awards became a highlight on the Bay’s social calendar, to win an award was a treasured acknowledgment from a man who really knew what it meant to 'tread the boards' ,and of course, to get a great review from Bob, as any actor in the city will attest to, was always a cause for celebration.
Algoa FM echoes the sentiments expressed by so many theatre stalwarts in recognition of a life dedicated to the arts. Our sincere condolences to Bob’s remaining family and wife of 57 years, Glenda Eveleigh.
May you RIP Bob.
