Rick Clarke

Sound Designer Rick Clarke sadly passed away on 10th of July 2016 after a prolonged period of complications from cancer.

Our deepest condolences go to his wife Jenny, daughter Emilia, and son Ben.

Rick - one of a rare breed of people – a truly gentle man with a spirit that soared, a mind that enquired and an ear that was golden. One of the most modest of men, he nevertheless made a mark on musical theatre that leaves an incredible legacy.

Above all, Rick was someone prepared to try something new and to teach, to take risks in terms of advancing sound quality and adopting new technology – he never tired of getting behind a new idea, testing it out until he was satisfied that it provided something uniquely new and interesting. That is a rare quality in our industry – particularly from such an unassuming yet totally adventurous player. He relied on his ears – not statistics nor figures – Rick was always vocal that the best measurement devices in the world were given to us for free – and the great news is we were given two!

Rick had so much experience. Experience he never kept to his chest – experience he enthused in passing on to others. The list of names who “are where they are” and “he gave me my first job” is so long – he supported and touched so many engineers lives in a way that is rare and priceless.

We will miss you terribly; we will miss your golden ears.

“Never trust someone whose television is bigger than their bookcase”
Rick Clarke, January 2016

Obituary by Chris Hedlam