Central and the Unicorn Theatre Announce The Captain's Fund

The Royal Central School of Speech and Drama (Central) and the Unicorn Theatre are pleased to announce the establishment of a memorial fund in honour of the late Petrus Bertschinger.  

At the request of Petrus’s family, donations are being sought for The Captain’s Fund which will be split between the Unicorn Theatre and Central’s Technical and Production Management or Stage Management courses.

Petrus Bertschinger (1961 – 2015) was a long-standing member of the Central community from his time as a student in the 1980’s to his most recent role as Senior Lecturer in Technical and Production Management at the School.  Petrus graduated from Central in 1984 and had 32 years professional experience as a stage manager, production manager and theatre consultant including Production Manager for Matthew Bourne’s Adventures in Motion Pictures.  

He also spent ten years with the Unicorn Theatre, first as Production Manager and then as Planning and Operations Manager, and he later oversaw client liaison with the design team for the new Unicorn Theatre built on Tooley Street.  This past year, the Unicorn Theatre celebrated 10 years in their purpose built home at London Bridge which Petrus was instrumental in making happen.  

“Petrus was at heart, a storyteller.  He captained many ships for storytellers, and lit up imaginations across the world.  He was generous with his time and energy, and inspired everyone he met in some way.  He was truly and genuinely kind.  He offered advice without judgement but, ultimately, was always there to give a great big hug.

There are few people in this world who seem to have had such a profound impact on the professional and personal lives of others.  Petrus’s charming smile and caring words will be remembered by many.”

-Etta Murfitt and Isabel Bertschinger

Donations of any size are welcomed.