A COUNTRY GIRL - MAY 1952

Up to now, the weather had played quite an important part in our shows, and helped considerably in making it possible for large audiences to attend, and also in the helter-skelter of our running feats between the dressing rooms and the stage, fine weather was a great asset.

But "A Country Girl" will be most remembered for the cold, squally weather, and just before curtain-up at one performance a terrific thunderstorm burst upon Feltham, and torrential rain flooded the stretch of ground we had to traverse. Oh how we longed for an underground passage. In macintoshes, wellington boots and a strange assortment of head-gear we stood at the door of the Parish Hall, made-up and in costume, hoping the rain would ease up a little, but all in vain. Suddenly there was a noisy commotion in the car park, and to our immense relief several friends started a car shuttle service from dressing-rooms to stage-door, which kept most of the girls dry. An assortment of boots and macs was hastily dropped inside the doors, and immediately an Act ended, there was a hasty scramble to find one's own footgear; the last one off was quite likely to find none left, and had to paddle cheerfully through the puddles.

During the final dress rehearsal for this show, we had all mutinied against wearing Empire Line dresses which had been sent for Act 2 (in which some of the girls resembled ironing-boards) and at the last moment these were changed for an assortment of Fancy Dress in which we were photographed. One of the memorable choruses was "Hither from Burlington Arcady Straying" in which four shepherdesses and four farmer's boys executed a complicated dance on the long thin stage. Other songs were catchy and tuneful, especially the duet sung by Phyllis Knight and Angela Jenkins.

DORIS SEAMAN

EDITOR'S NOTE

This was the first appearance of the Society under the name of "Hatton Operatic Society".

Several of the shows performed in the 1950's are unfamiliar to present day audiences but appear to have been very popular in their time. "A Country Girl" by James T Tanner with music by Lionel Monckton and Paul Rubens was first performed in 1902 at Daly's Theatre where it ran for 729 performances. The play is set in a Devonshire village at the turn of the century.

EXTRACTS FROM PRESS NOTICES

I

Hatton Operatic Society's popularity in the Feltham district is growing very rapidly and the fact that 2000 people attended their latest production "A Country Girl" last weekend at the Playhouse Cinema, Feltham, proves that the society is providing entertainment which attracts residents and keeps them "at home"

The performances on Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights and Saturday afternoon received tremendous ovations from the large audiences. Over 200 members from local Darby & Joan clubs attended the matinee in the afternoon. On Saturday evening, through the cooperation of the management, one old lady, a semi-invalid, was able to enjoy the show in comfort as she brought her own wicker chair which was put in her row in place of the cinema seat which had been specially taken out to accommodate her.

As to the production of this operetta, it did not quite reach the standard of "Old Chelsea" In parts it shone, especially when there was time for the quaint country characters to show their paces, and also in the smaller scenes, but in the crowd scenes the pace seemed to droop like a fading flower. The chorus did not seem at all sure of themselves. Their singing was not at all strong or clear.

With a stronger voice Herbert Robinson would have made an excellent Geoffrey Challoner, the returned sailor son of the former Squire. His performance was only marred by the fact that at times his singing was not clear. This might be overcome by shaping his words more deliberately. He was very well supported by Yvonne Blaze in the other leading role of Marjorie, his childhood love. Her singing was first class. The only criticism of Marjorie was the fact that she had a serious expression throughout instead of breaking out occasionally into a gayer mood.

For sheer enthusiasm, gaiety and vitality, Alfred Smith and Phyllis Knight as Barry the petty officer and Nan the flirt deserve a certificate of merit. Alfred seemed to be enjoying every word and action and excelled in this comedy part especially in the last scene when he changed sex and attended the ball as a "lady guest" Phyllis too put plenty of energy into her acting and with her clear-toned singing she was an admirable choice for the part.

With special mention for the excellent singing of Daniel McConnachie (Rajah) and Angela Jenkins (Princess) and the laughable characterisation by Derek Knight of Sir Joseph Verity the Squire and by Joseph Payne of Granfer Mummery, it can be said that the other characters were admirably portrayed.

II

Hatton Operatic Society can count "A Country Girl" staged at Feltham Playhouse last week as its sprightliest and most satisfying production to date. The stage with its colourful scenery and rich assortment of gay costumes and uniforms looked attractive, vocal and choral singing was bright and natural, the acting was sufficiently sincere to give a semblance of plausibility to James Tanner's incredible tale, the dances, cleverly arranged by Doris Appleby, were fresh and varied, there was plenty of fun and knock-about comedy, and Derek Knight's fast-moving production overcame the handicap of a stage possessing length without depth, went with a swing and liveliness that ensured an entertaining show.

Casting, too was good, except possibly in the title role, for Yvonne Blaze in the part of the country girl who becomes a "distinguished London singer" was always in danger of having her vocal thunder stolen by Angela Jenkins (Princess Melaneh) and by Phyllis Knight as the pert Devonshire lass.

Herbert Robinson (Geoffrey Challoner) made a handsome lover and could sing a sentimental trifle like "My own little girl" as though he believed it, and the richly comic part of Barry was in the safe hands of Alfred Smith. Belle Barker (Sophie), Daniel McConnachie (Rajah), Derek Knight (Sir Joseph), Joseph Payne (Granfer) and Peter Littledale (Lord Anchester) gave excellent support.

A competent theatre orchestra completely housed in a sunken pit played agreeably under Reginald Curtis who conducted with an easy, secure style and nicely adjusted the orchestral tone to the requirements of the stage.

"KEYNOTE"

Thames Valley Times, 7 May 1952

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