Devastated staff say they have “lost a legend” following the death of the man who ran St Albans’ popular theatre and music venue.

Frank Leclezio first started working at The Alban Arena in the Civic Centre 18 years ago and was appointed general manager between 2008 and 2010.

Frank, who had been treated for a terminal illness in the past few months, is credited for transforming the venue from a seated auditorium into Hertfordshire’s “premier entertainment venue.”

The Alban Arena regularly attracted top comedians, including Michael McIntyre and John Bishop, along with singers and bands such as Gorillaz and Jools Holland.

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A statement from The Alban Arena said: “Frank was a wonderful character, larger than life with a heart of gold.

“His sense of mischief was always apparent and he will be sorely missed by all of his friends at The Alban Arena.

“We may have lost a legend, but his spirit will live on inside and beyond the theatre that he loved so much. Rest in peace, Frank, we miss you with all our hearts.”

A spokesperson at 1Life – which deals with marketing at the venue – added: “Frank had worked at The Alban Arena for 18 years, and was appointed general manager in 2008.

“The Christmas Pantomime had always delivered growth year on year and Frank was instrumental in the audience figures to see well over 40,000 people attend each year.

“Frank’s contribution to The Alban Arena for the last 18 years has not been u n not iced a nd he w i l l be sorely missed both on a personal and professional basis.”

  • We would like to hear your tributes to Frank Leclezio. Email chief reporter Rachel Russell at rachel.russell@london.newsquest.co.uk

St Albans & Harpenden Review:

Flowers are to be family only at the funeral but there is a memory giving page set up by the funeral directors for donations to either Pancreatic Cancer UK or Alzheimer’s association charities which can be accessed here: www.memorygiving.com/frankleclezio

Alternatively, people can make donations by contacting Neville Funeral Service on 01582 490005 and saying they want to donate towards Frank Leclezio’s charities.