Express & Star

Stars pay tribute to West Mids panto boss Ian Sandy

A leading figure in the world of West Midland theatre has died at the age of just 48, prompting tributes from a host of showbiz stars.

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Pantomime company manager Ian Sandy, who served Birmingham Hippodrome for more than 20 years, passed away at the city's Heartlands Hospital on Sunday after suffering a heart attack last month.

Standing 6ft 1in tall and weighing 20 stone, he first took to the stage aged 17, playing Billy Bunter but was best remembered for his work backstage in organising glittering festive shows.

Comedian Joe Pasquale and patron of Mr Sandy's BSS Showbiz Performing Arts School said: "He was a great company manager who will be sorely missed."

While Cannon and Ball star Tommy Cannon posted on social network Twitter: "God bless, rest in peace Ian Sandy."

Close friend and BBC WM presenter Ed Doolan said: "He was a gentle giant with a roaring sense of humour. All the artists would say how much they loved working with him."

Shortly before he died Mr Sandy, of Acocks Green, wrote a blog about his job.

He stated: "As soon as the producer, director and creative team have worked their magic, it's over to me to keep it on course. It never ceases to be great fun. I become an accountant, logistics co-ordinator, health and safety officer, doctor, father figure and confidant."

He chaperoned stars from Brian Conley to John Barrowman, Bobby Davro and Joan Collins, but was also an actor, director and producer in his own right.

His BSS Showbiz School for children was held at the Hippodrome for over ten years and it was so successful that he was planning to expand it to Solihull's Dovehouse Theatre from April.

His business partner Dan Chen said: "We talked about the future and it was Ian's dream that the BSS should continue and so that is what we will be doing in his memory from January 5."

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