I started thinking about our October post towards the end of September. I wanted to tell you about all of our fans who have purchased t-shirts and remind you all to take pictures with your English teachers or other English nerd friends and post them on our Facebook page. I wanted to tell you about the excellent food on Octoberfest Weekend, the fun we had with Henry V on Pirate weekend. How we will miss performers who finished their season with us and how excited we are to welcome our friends Coyote Run, Rising Regina and Tera Serpentis. I wanted to thank everyone for coming to visit us this past Saturday when we had record attendance.
And then Sunday morning happened.
We received news that Lorraine Sullo, who has portrayed Duchess Sussex at PARF for many years, passed away during the night of Saturday, October 8.
Lorraine means a lot to a great number of people. She was a great friend, teacher and coworker. Lorraine was one of the people who taught us that playing a Noble was impossible without the support of the peasants. She encouraged us to embrace who the character is. We also learned a lot about Elizabethan life and culture from her, allowing us to put finishing details in our characters. Working with her was always a pleasure, knowing that you would be challenged and entertain the audience. The shire of Mount Hope will never look the same. Lorraine was responsible for the signs on site. Most people probably never think about the creation of the sign they’re reading, but Lorraine made sure that each sign not only conveyed information, but added to the ambiance. She was a staple presence on grounds and she will be missed.
It is hard to summarize what one person means to many. If you have any memories of Lorraine or Duchess Sussex that you would like to share, please do.
The Mad Mechanicals will never be banished to Belgium by a nicer person. Rest in peace Lorraine, you will live on in our hearts and minds.
