THE CURTAIN was brought down on Saturday on over a decade of selfless service to blind theatre-goers in Perth.

Bob Benzies, from Coupar Angus, was one of the original audio-describers who volunteered to provide the service at Perth Theatre in 1992.

Since then he has completed 58 descriptions, giving patrons a chance to “see” the productions which they would not otherwise have had.

After completing his final descriptions of the pantomime Aladdin, Mr Benzies decided to call it a day and his dedication was rewarded with a dinner and presentation on Saturday evening.

Special performances of each show are laid on for blind customers, with volunteers like Mr Benzies, from a box in the auditorium, describing scenery and costumes as the action continued.

It meant Mr Benzies had to watch each show several times beforehand to get his timing right and ensure he did not talk over any dialogue.

The theatre’s Jen Hoey said, “Bob just loves the theatre and is a subscriber so he will still be around even though he has retired.

“It is all voluntary and we are so grateful to Bob and all the describers, without whom, people could miss out on our productions.”

Another describer is in training to augment the team of 10 doing the job but Jen said that more volunteers were needed and that anyone wanting to become involved in audio- description should contact the theatre.