School Plays 1960-64
1960 Tom Sawyer
After last year's highly successful production of a serious play (The Queen and the Rebels) this year's light-hearted double was a refreshing change. The junior members of the school gave a delightful performance of a Musical Comedy - Tom Sawyer
The story is simply one of two discontented schoolboys who run away to an island and meet Huckleberry Finn. The boys return to find that a memorial service is being held for them in the village church, and rejoicing follows as two of them are reconciled with their friends.
There was a great variety of scenes and Mr Burnell must be congratulated on his effective settings. The music was directed by Miss Evans and she too is to be congratulated on the high standard achieved in this musical venture. Peter Marsh played the mischievous Tom Sawyer, and full of self-confidence, he delighted the audience, especially with his typical schoolboy expressions and accent of the deep south. He was aided and abetted in his mischief by David Orange (Huckleberry Finn) and Stephen Moody (Joe Harper). The impishness of these characters, together with their colourful costumes, helped to make the production go with a swing. The fight between Tom and Willie Mufferson, the new boy, (Richard Baxendale) was perfectly timed and the absence of bruised eyes was remarkable. Tom was well supported by his friends from the village who were played by Paul Orange, John Heyes, Keith Shelley, Colin Yoxall, Geoffrey Wright, Stephen Ellis and H. Brook, Susan Ash, Christine Longfield, Susan Taylor, Kathleen Brown, Janice Hanwell and Margaret Beaumont. The voice of Susan Ashmole (Aunt Polly) was sweet, pleasing and clear, and with Jean Bentley (Miss Harper) she was angry and sorrowful as the occasion demanded. The schoolmaster and the minister were played well by Linda Deacon and Raymond Dyson. Jacqueline Scott, Celia Brunt, Margaret Wigham, Ruth Horn, Susan Holder, Kathleen Appleton, Rita Sykes, Kathleen Lowe and Denise Sell played the village women and choristers.
The future for school productions appears to be very bright, for these promising actors and actresses are in the junior school and many were appearing in the stage for the first time.
1960 The Man Who Married a Dumb Wife a
Back Row L-R: 1, 2, 3, Wray Vamplew, Vivienne Toft, 6, Patricia Snow
Front Row L-R: Theresa Cosgrove, Mr. Kennedy, Peter Kaye
The seniors lived up to their reputation with a really humorous play excellently performed. The producton was a presentation of a medireview French farce by Anatole France, which had been adapted by Ashley Dukes.
It is the tale of a judge who married a dumb wife. After hiring a physician to loosen her tongue he quails at the torrent of words when she is able to speak and in order to find peace again, he has himself deafened. The humour of the play is obvious and the actors made the most of the dialogue. As Botal the judge, Peter Kaye gave a remarkable performance. He played for the laughs and even when he was silent his gestures and expressions (and his orange tights) got them for him. He really got inside his part and showed what an accomplished actor he is.
He was well supported by his wife Catherine (Theresa Cosgrove) and her torrent of words in Act II. Her portrayal of the wife, though a difficult part, was brilliant. Alan Lascelles was excellent in another difficult part as Master Adam Fumee, the scheming barrister, who hopes to marry Mademoiselle de la Grandiere, an orphan, who was played by Patricia Snow. Colline the physician (Peter Dickens); Maugier, the surgeon (Terence Donohue) and Dulaurier (Wray Vamplew) comprise a sinister trio who in addition to restoring speech, can ensure deafness. Good performances were also given by Keith Twigg (Boiscourtier, the secretary to the judge) and Vivienne Toft (Alizon, a maidservant). The whole performance was very polished.
Special mention must be made of Mr. C. Owen and his assistants, Messrs. K. Sale, G. Knox, W.J. Leonard, Mrs Bistis, Mrs. Whittaker and Miss Musgrave for the make-up which transformed familiar schoolfriends into scheming old rogues.
The performances ran smoothly in the capable hands of the stage managers Messrs. Gregory and Atack, assisted by Messrs. Booth and Parkinson (lighting), Michael Taylor, Alan Brooke, Jeffrey Richards, Kenneth Marsh, Brian Stead, Alfred Walshaw, Kenneth Kidd, John Brailsford and David Haigh (stage assistants), Mr. R.M. Whittaker and Miss K. Ward (properties), Margaret Bromley, Ingrid Beresford and Michael Harrison (property assistants), Gordon Bond, Roger Toft and Michael Cuthbert (prompters), Miss E. Tate (wardrobe), Enid Ford, Ellen Toulson, Pat Lockett, Jean Merrington, Frances Harrison and Margaret Curran (wardrobe assistants). Thanks must also be extended to Mr. Hassall for being a most conscientious business manager.
Above all, Mr. Kennedy deserves our congratulations for producing two highly successful performances, and our thanks for the many hours of work which he devoted to providing our entertainment in a production of which the school can be proud.
Patricia Cockburn LV1A
1960 The Man Who Married a Dumb Wife b
Mr. Owen getting Wray Vamplew ready for his part as Dulaurier in the 1960 School Play "The Man Who Married a Dumb Wife". The result is at the top of this page.
1961 Thor, with Angels
Photo provided by Keith Twigg. Thank you, Keith
The identified actors are Keith Twigg, Alan Lascelles and Theresa Cosgrove.
This year's production of Christopher Fry's 'Thor, with Angels' was rather an unusual choice for a school play, and presented a challenge to both producer and actors.
The story is about a Jutish chief who, to the horror of his family, returns home from battle with a prisoner. His brother-in-law and son urge him to kill the Briton to enable them to return to favour with their gods. Cymen, unable to explain his unwillingness to do so, finds the solution when he is introduced to the idea of Christianity, but he is too late to prevent the members of his family 'sacrificing' the prisoner.
Keith Twigg played the role of Cymen, the chief who found himself torn between duty to his family and his conscience. Although this was a lengthy and exceedingly difficult part, he played it with confidence and sincerity, and showed himself an accomplished actor. His wife, Clodesuida, was played with equal brilliance by Theresa Cosgrove, who brought to her acting all the feeling and understanding that her role demanded.
The parts of Quichelm, Tadfrid and Osmer were well played by Alan Lascelles, Adrian Cole and Raymond Dallywater respectively, and all gave the impression of fierce Jutish warriors who ardently believed in their heathen gods. Peter Marsh gave a good performance as Hoel, the prisoner, and showed that he is able to play a serious role as well as he played a light-hearted one last year.
Martine, the daughter, was excellently played by Rita Sykes, who shows great promise as an actress. The centuries-old Merlin was played by David Williamson, whose unusually melodious voice made a large contribution to his splendid performance of a difficult part.
Colgrin, the doddering old servant (Terence Donohue), and Anna, his nagging wife (Gillian Wass) provided some delightful comedy which helped to relieve the tension.
However good the acting, much of the effect would have been lost had not the costume, make-up, scenery and lighting come up to the same high standard. Messrs. Owen, Kennedy, Burnell and Parkinson must be complemented on their work here, as well as Miss Tate and Miss Metcalf. All put in many hours of hard work and thought which does not go unappreciated. We are also indebted to Miss Ward, Miss Couperthwaite and Mick Harrison for their handling of the properties and to Mr. Hodson for being a most efficient business manager. Above all, we must thank Mr. Reed for his hard work, patience and understanding during the rehearsals, which served to make this a most successful and memorable performance.
Nova Websdale VA.
1962 The School Variety Show
Departing from the traditional practice of presenting a straight play, this year the school put on a highly successful variety show, containing such contrasting items as choral harmony and jazz. This transformation was mainly due to the long-nourished ideas and tireless work of Mr. Kennedy, the show's producer-cum-choreographer-cum-songwriter. His success, indeed the show's success, is shown in the fact that although performances were given on four nights, instead of the usual three, all tickets were sold.
As the school was searched for talent and ideas, and rehearsals began, it soon became apparent that the show would be a mammoth production. It was - involving one-hundred and four actual stage performers, twenty members of staff for make-up, scenery and so on, and twenty off-stage workers. Rehearsals were strenuous but the advice and ebullience of Mr. Kennedy were a spur to all, and for weeks before the actual performances, the school vibrated with enthusiastic activity. Mr. Burnell, in co-operation with Messrs. Williams and Gregory, producing colourful scenery, Misses Mctcalfe and Tate procuring, or actually making, costumes and Miss Ward protecting her properties, to give a few examples.
When opening night arrived all was as desired. The enterprising formula for the show was a strong musical basis and three short plays, spiced with a dash of slapstick. The senior Girls' Choir, singing with surprising zest and vigour, opened and closed the show. The musical flavour was perpetuated by the "H.G.S. CALYPSO", a well-aired theme put to music by Messrs. Burnell and Kennedy, and three American songs shyly rendered by the first form choir. The producer's influence was manifest in an item of Scottish Dances and Songs, the latter ably sung by Susan Ashmole, (The dancers were Ruth Horn, Kathleen Appleton, Susan Bristow, Andrew Coope, David Fearnside, Stephen Moody). The season's influence 'was apparent in "Jolly Wat", a Christmas Pastoral, featuring the school recorder group, Angela Deighton, Susan Bristow, Catherine Greasley, Kay Styring, Geoffrey Thompson); and a section of the choir. (Wat, a shepherd, Alan Tingle Mary, Susan Knapton; Joseph, Adrian Cole).
Of the three plays presented one was a comedy sketch, one acted entirely in French, and one a fantasy. The comedy sketch was a senior production entitled "Waiting for a Train", in which Jean Bentley excelled herself. (Cast: Rita Sykes, Peter Asquith, Raymond Dallywater, Nova Websdale, Fred Johnson, Jean Bentley, Adrian Cole). The French play directed by Mr. Reed and Mr. Palmer was also a senior production in which some new talent was to he seen. (Cast: Jennifer Brewin, Elizabeth Jones, Stephen Moody, Denise Sell, Peter Asquith, Michael Fairclough, Geoffrey Thompson, David Shaw). The fantasy, "The Thistle in the Donkey Field", directed by Mr. Crompton, was the junior production. David Baxendale emerged from this play showing great promise for the future. (Cast: Evelyn Raine, Janet Bonds, Jeffrey Rowbotham, John Covell, Dora Middleton, David Baxendale, Louvain Coxall, Graham Lockwood).
The slapstick was provided by Ron Newitt and his Troubadours and in the sketch P.T. Capers. The troubadours were in fact the school jazz group, led by Mr. J. T. Smith, who were featured in two well received numbers. (Jazz Group: Raymond Dallywater, Adrian Cole, Andrew Hudson, David Clarke, Neil Pead, Reginald Bancroft, Alan Bray, Trevor Roberts, Geoffrey Thompson). Three dancers, Janet Turton, Jean Bentley, and the effervescent Carol Fletcher, were also featured in this act. In P.T. Capers, Raymond Dallywater took on the unenviable task of being a PT. Mistress, supervising a typical H.G.S. male gym class. Although the essence of the sketch was comedy a fine gymnastic display was given, especially by Oxley, Coope and Beddows, which had the audience on the edge of their seats.
Praise must be given to Rita Sykes who commered the show, and also acted in the comedy sketch. We are most grateful to Miss Evans and Mr. Coar who not only held the audience's interest during scene changes, by their piano playing but directed the more serious musical items.
To conclude it must be said that the variety show revealed many hitherto untapped sources of talent which contributed enormously to the success of this epic production. Let us hope that these talents will be further nourished in order that they may flourish in the years to come.
I. Colpitts, U6A, Midgley, M. L6S
1962 The School Variety Show Scottish Country Dancing a
L-R: Kath Appleton, Steve Moody, Susan Bristow, Andy Coope, Ruth Horn, 6
Photos and names from Susan Bristow. Thank you, Susan.
1964 The Play of the Royal Astrologers a
This year's school play by Willis Hall was in a similar light-hearted vein to the variety show of last year. The story is about a Father Mole-Cricket, one of the two laziest subjects of Indera Maya - the other being his son - who decides to become an astrologer, thinking it an easy way of earning money without any physical strain on his part. His plan backfires however, for he is appointed by the Emperor, followed by his faithful Chancellor, to find his four stolen chests of gold in four days or face the Royal executioner. In search of the gold, Father Mole-Cricket and his son meet with robbers and pirates and even run away to sea but there is the usual happy ending. The gold is retrieved and Master Mole-Cricket marries the Emperor's bad-tempered daughter.
Leading a praiseworthy cast were Geoffrey Thompson who was magnificent as the doddering old Chancellor, and Peter Asquith who gave a convincing performance as the Emperor. Alan Tingle showed himself to be a very a very accomplished actor in his role of Father Mole-Cricket, the Astrologer, and we expect great things from this young actor in the future. David Biggs, who played his son, also seemed quite at home in his part. Susan Ash gave a quite pleasing performance as the nagging wife of Father Mole-Cricket.
The Emperor's daughter was excellently played by Elizabeth Jones who seems to be quite a promising young actress, while Michael Fairclough played a rather forgetful palace messenger.
Comedy was provided exceptionally well by the pirates and thieves. John Covell gave a very convincing performance as the fiery Captain Beanfast, and Raymond Dyson and Graham Lockwood excelled as sailors Fred and Henry. The First Mate was played by Ronald Dyson. Christopher Stephens, Louvain Coxall and John Beaumont played the thieves with Frank Poulton as their leader.
Supporting roles were Susan Smith and Lesley Hall as villagers, Kenneth Channer as a wizard, and Roger Poole and Andrew Hudson as palace guards.
The performance ran smoothly in the capable hands of the stage managers Messrs. Gregory and Twigg, assisted by Mr. Parkinson, M. Midgley and B. Thorpe (lighting), T. Bartle, A. Bridgewater, B. Cookman, R. Elsworth, P. H. Hirst, P. Hryschko, P. Smith and J. Tate (stage assistants), Messrs. C. H. Owen, D. B. Kennedy, D. W. Burnell, G. Knox and Miss P. Evans (make-up), Misses M. Metcalfe, E. Tate and Christine Doughty and Carol Savage (costumes), Miss K. Ward, Margaret Wigham and Stephen Moody (properties), Mr. D. W. Burnell (decor and costume design) and Jacqueline Scott (prompter). Thanks must also be extended to Mr. R. Warren for being a most conscientious business manager.
Above all, Mr. Reed, who has now taken his many talents further afield, deserves our congratulations for producing a highly successful performance and to him we extend our thanks for the many hours of work which he devoted to providing our entertainment in a production of which the school can be proud.
Anne Williamson, L.VI.A
1964 The Play of the Royal Astrologers b
Middle Row L-R: Dave Biggs, Louvain Coxall, Peter Asquith, 4, 5, 6, Roger Poole
Front Row L-R: 1, 2, Graham Lockwood, Ron Dyson, Frank Poulton