Tributes have been shared as a long-serving theatre manager at the Muni retires after working there for more than 35 years. 

Tony Dodd has retired from The Muni Theatre in Albert Road, Colne – an iconic Edwardian theatre which opened in 1902.

The Muni is bidding farewell to Tony who joined the company as a caretaker in 1988 before being promoted to manager almost two decades ago.

As theatre manager, it was Tony’s job to making sure the operations of the theatre and programme ran smoothly and has been consistently praised by customers for his professionalism and friendly service.

Describing what he liked the most about working at The Muni last year, Tony said: “The best thing is the team that we have here, and also seeing the customers leaving the venue happy and with a smile on their face.”

In a statement announcing his retirement, a spokesperson for The Muni and Pendle Leisure Trust said: “After over 30 years of managing The Muni, it is now time for us to say goodbye to Tony Dodd as he transitions into a well-deserved retirement.

“Tony has served The Muni and Pendle Leisure Trust for decades, starting as a caretaker and working his way up to Theatre Manager.

"He will be greatly missed by all of our staff - and many customers - who have all got to know the wonderful Tony over the years.

“Yet, it is not a ‘goodbye’ but rather a ‘see you later’ as we hope to welcome Tony back to the theatre as a customer when the Muni reopens in January 2024, for our pantomime Jack and The Beanstalk.

“But for now, thank you for all you have done for the theatre and the community. Your efforts and commitment have excelled the Muni’s position within the community, and our staff (and surely customers) are forever grateful to you.

“We wish you all the best!”

Nick Rowley, an employee with Pendle Leisure Trust said: “It has been a pleasure to work with this local legend for all these year.

“He’s a good man with a good heart, learn a lot from Tony and he will be missed but not forgotten as his presence will last at the Muni for some time to come.”

Another friend of Tony’s said: “Absolute legend, I worked with Tony over 25 years with soul music and he took the trouble to figure out what we needed to make a success of the events.

"I'm sure we tried his patience sometimes, but he dealt with things in the calmest ways. Wishing Tony the happiest of retirements.”

Kathy Titterton, administration manager at Pendle Leisure Trust wrote: “He is a great friend and colleague, missing you already Tony!”