On eve of Marlborough awards, past winner shares experience

Although acclaimed for performances, Bob Tapp sidesteps the spotlight. As he explains, “I’m not big on putting myself forward too much. I prefer to be in the background. I don’t like being put on the top of a pedestal. I prefer to be one of the ordinary blokes.”

Last August, the Marlborough Community & Volunteer of the Year Awards pulled him out of his comfort zone. Volunteer Marlborough recognised Bob as the Awesome Arts winner for more than a half-century boosting Blenheim Musical Theatre.

The 2026 ceremony is Wednesday evening (24 June) at Whitehaven Theatre. Nominees across 13 categories will be in the same position – albeit not the same seat – Bob was in before hearing his name called.

What did the moment mean to him?

“Well, I’ve been involved with the organisation for 60-odd years,” Bob reflected last Friday. “Now, all of a sudden, something coming out of the blue was really quite memorable.”

Humble advice

Bob, who turns 82 in August, joined the troupe as a 19-year-old, performing in productions for six or seven years. He moved backstage and since then has filled roles such as stage manager, production manager and organisation president.

For the recent run of “Matilda” at the same venue as the awards, Bob served as the backstage doorman.

Asked for advice to share with this year’s winners, he suggested that “they stay within themselves. There are a lot of very good people around, so they shouldn’t get over-excited about it.

“Be thankful for the nomination, for sure, and acknowledge that the nomination is [a reflection on] the organisation they’re with. Don’t get to the stage where expectations are beyond where they should be.”

Marlborough Community & Volunteer of the Year Awards

Where: Whitehaven Theatre

When: 24 June, 6pm

Details: volunteermarlborough.org.nz