91-year-old Exeter resident organises charity concert for Royal Devon Hospital

An Exeter theatre promoter who has spent a lifetime in showbusiness is continuing to organise concerts and raise money for the local NHS at the age of 91.

Gordon Bess, who was born in Sidmouth in 1935 and now lives in Exeter, is currently promoting a fundraising performance by the New Jersey Boys at Woodbury Village Hall on Saturday, March 7. 

The event will raise money for Royal Devon Hospital Charity’s Super Theatre Appeal.

Mr Bess first developed an interest in theatre as a teenager, attending performances at Sidmouth’s Manor Pavilion Theatre. 

Although he appeared on stage as a young man, he said his main interest lay in writing and producing.

“My older cousin was a film and theatre director and his close friend was film actor Donald Sinden,” he said. 

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“Donald reminded me that unemployment is high in the acting profession and his influence led to my growing interest and enthusiasm in the arts, especially in writing and producing for theatre.”

During his National Service at Topsham Barracks, he wrote and produced two variety shows featuring fellow servicemen. 

He later spent 30 years working as a marketing and sales manager for Unilever, while remaining active in amateur dramatics and producing charity revues and musical plays at Exeter’s Northcott Theatre in support of Save the Children.

In 1985, aged 50, he left the food industry to establish GB Promotions with his late wife, Diana. 

The couple organised shows across the West Country, including at Exeter’s Northcott Theatre and the Great Hall. 

Mr Bess also became manager of AJ’s Big Band, a 17-piece ensemble that continues to perform swing and jazz music more than four decades after it was formed.

Mrs Bess, who died in 2022, served as Mayor of Exeter from 1989 to 1990. 

Through their involvement with Exeter Rotary Club and other community organisations, the couple supported a number of local causes.

Mr Bess began fundraising for the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital in 2010, initially donating to the Bramble Children’s Ward. 

After later undergoing heart surgery himself, he said he felt motivated to support the NHS more directly.

“It is a pleasure and very rewarding, whenever practical, to support a local charity such as Royal Devon Hospitals Charity,” he said. 

“Being able to bring artistes, audiences and the hospital charity together is a gesture of appreciation to those NHS staff who continue to care for us all.”

Recent shows he has promoted include tribute acts such as the New Jersey Boys, the Vox Beatles and ABBA tribute band Take a Chance on Us.

Debbie Allen, Community Fundraiser for Royal Devon Hospitals Charity, said Mr Bess continued to make a significant contribution. 

“He’s a real inspiration to us all and it’s simply brilliant to see him supporting our local NHS while bringing so much joy to so many people through the shows he promotes,” she said.

Tickets for the New Jersey Boys concert at Woodbury Village Hall on March 7 cost £23.85, including booking fee, and are available through the Royal Devon Hospitals Charity website.