Our dear friend John Beecher passed away on Wednesday morning, 12th December.

John was a major force in making Underground Venues happen and has worked with us every year since 2006. His grace, intelligence and sense of humour were key in making our venue work and he was forever going out of his way to make the experience more enjoyable for performers, audiences and staff alike.

We have many many wonderful memories of John and, judging by the messages we’ve already received, so do the hundreds of people who’ve met or worked with him at Underground over the years. The thoughts of all of us are with his family at this time.

If anyone has memories or messages they would like us to pass on to the family do please contact us on Facebook, this blog or by emailing hello@underthefringe.com We can also pass on details if anyone would like to send a card.

Other ways to honour John’s memory include giving blood, being vegetarian and becoming a socialist (you know, or giving some money to a cancer charity – that’s probably what he would have done).

We are deeply sad to see John go, but glad that we were able to enjoy his kindness and humour – and his contribution to so much of Underground and Three’s Company’s work.

Here’s a photo of John on the box office with a small dog – probably before having to announce a show with a name like “Penetrator” in the Fringe Bar…