Suffolk theatre CEO dies

Karen Simpson has died two-and-a-half years after receiving an incurable cancer diagnosis. Simpson, who was CEO and Artistic Director of Theatre Royal Bury St Edmunds for six years, annnounced in December that she intended to resign in Feburary to spend more time with husband John Kelly and daughters Sammy, Kate and Jenny.

A statement released by the theatre said that Simpson's health had "declined more rapidly that expected", leading to her untimely death on 4 January. Theatre Royal Chairman Roger Quince said: "This is indeed an extremely sad day for myself, Adrian Grady and all staff, volunteers and cast at Theatre Royal. Karen will be sorely missed as both a colleague and a friend. Our deepest sympathy and thoughts are with Tony and the girls."