Actor and writer James Pellow has presented a cheque for £1,000 to FORCE Cancer Charity, raised from his latest show at the Manor Pavilion Theatre in Sidmouth.

Profits from ticket sales for his 2023 performance, An Evening with James Pellow, were donated in memory of late Sidmouth theatrical stalwart Ken Davis.

James joined the Sidmouth Repertory Company in 2004 and has returned every summer since, bar one.

He said: “It was in the early years that I got to know Ken. He was one of a great group of locals who volunteered 'front of house' during the summer season, selling programmes and showing people to their seats.

“Ken was a keen supporter of FORCE, raising money through his own theatrical ventures and, following his death earlier this year, I decided I would support FORCE, in his memory, and because, like so many, I too lost a very dear friend - a soulmate - to cancer.”

Because of the summer season work with Sidmouth Rep, and with the support of the Manor Pavilion and its manager Graham Whitlock, James has staged some of his shows.

As well as five one-man plays he has written and performed himself, he has put on a number of shows featuring monologues, songs, sketches and anecdotes.

“I often say it, but yes, Sidmouth has become a second home for me. I have made long-lasting friendships along the way and worked with many great people, on and off stage,” said James, who lives on the Isle of Wight.

He visited FORCE, which offers free support to local people affected by cancer at its centre in Exeter and at Ottery St Mary Hospital, to present the cheque.

He said was 'thrilled to bits' to support FORCE.

“My thanks to Janet Farrow, Tony Hill, Gillian Coley and Mark Rose for the part they played in the show and to Graham Whitlock and the staff at the Manor Pavilion Theatre – and to everyone who came along, supporting the show and, therefore, FORCE, particularly in memory of Ken,” he said.

Chloe Richardson from the FORCE fundraising team said: “We can’t thank James and everyone involved enough for such generous support. It means a great deal to us and to the people who need our help at such a difficult time in their lives.”