A light goes out: we say farewell to Polly Orr (1969-2020)

It’s been a desperately sad week here at Conway Towers as we process the news that our dear colleague Polly Orr has died following a short illness.
Polly was just 51 and leaves husband Matt and their son Isaac. Her death last weekend came just 10 weeks after a routine visit to her GP ended with the diagnosis of an aggressive form of leukaemia.
For her family and friends the loss is devastating. Polly was so friendly and fun-loving, the kind of person who brightened the lives of all who knew her.
She had worked for Clive Conway Productions for nearly 20 years, joining the rapidly expanding business of the theatrical producer and entrepreneur after answering a newspaper advertisement.  
She was soon at the centre of the creative action as Clive’s An Audience with… shows took off. With some 300 productions a year the pressure was often quite intense but Polly was in her element, combining the roles of office administrator, Girl Friday and  first point of contact for celebrities and sometimes demanding agents with enviable ease. Everybody loved Polly. Not only was she extremely good at her job but she could deal with wildly differing personalities - actors, writers, musicians, historians, politicians and sundry TV personalities - with the same gentle and reassuring demeanour. It came as no surprise to learn that both Tony Benn and Ann Widdecombe held her in equally high esteem.
Nothing will compensate for her loss but we take solace in the fact that, in the words of her husband Matt, “Her life was full of happiness and love.”
Our thoughts are with Matt, Isaac and the family at this difficult time.