Tributes have been paid to a “kind-hearted” and “incredibly talented” actress who has lost her two-year battle with cancer.

Lisa Pollard, 48, was a staunch supporter of Brentvvood Theatre in Shenfield Road and had ­appeared in numerous productions including Elegies for ­Angels, Punks and Raging Queens.

She was also the driving force behind amateur dramatic society Ad Hoc Players, serving as chairman and directing and performing in a number of productions.

Mrs Pollard died on September 14 after suffering from a rare clear cell sarcoma. Her funeral will be held today (Fri) in Suffolk, where she had moved a few years ago with her family.

Her dad John “Ginger” Halstead, also a Brentvvood Theatre supporter, said: “Lisa was a fantastic wife, mother and daughter, with her vibrant beauty, wit and intelligence.

“All who knew her, for her radiant smile and her generosity of spirit, will miss my daughter.

“I would like to thank all the hundreds of people who have paid tribute to her courage and inspirational attitude towards adversity, which she met with courage and great humour.”

The theatre’s bosses said that they were sorry to hear about the “death of a great actress and king-hearted lady who never lost her smile”.

“The seriousness of her illness and passing was a huge shock to us here,” they said.

Friend Wendi Sheard, co-founder of Ad Hoc Players, said: “She was incredibly talented and was highly respected and loved by all who met and performed with her.”

She said Mrs Pollard was a “devoted wife” to Tony and mother to three daughters Katy, 22, Zoe, 20, and Hannah, 18. She also ran a computer programming business.

Ms Sheard added: “But no matter how busy, Lisa always made time for her friends, of which there are many. To say she will be sorely missed is an understatement.”

Dave Ross and Terry Abbott, from the Queen’s Theatre, said: “Lisa was a brilliant actress who shone in everything she did.”

They added: “She was a lovely, bubbly person with an incredible sense of humour.

“She believed everyone should have theatre in their life.”