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THE GYPSY PRINCESS (MAY 1954) |
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When we first visited Lafone School, Feltham, we thought we had indeed reached Elysian heights in our career as an Operatic Society, for here was a very impressive foyer where banks of flowers could be arranged, where photographs could be displayed to advantage, and modern decor which gave an atmosphere of welcome to our greatly increased following. From open-air performances on air-raid shelters, draughty halls, small square stages and long narrow ones, we had now achieved what would at one time have been thought quite beyond the Society's scope - a lovely hall with excellent acoustics, and a large stage equipped with wings and curtains such as we had never had before. |
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We were the first organisation to use this hall, and we soon became familiar with the vast space provided, and very many happy rehearsals and shows have been staged there. A great amount of credit must be given to the caretaker, Mr George Saint, who has always been willing to throw open other rooms in the building for our use during performances. |
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The Selection Committee were anxious to choose a show which would completely fulfil the demands made possible by larger premises and it was somewhat out of tradition that "The Gipsy Princess" was decided upon. It was more musical-comedy style than our usual type, and was mainly in modern dress, but the audience thoroughly appreciated it, and we look back upon it as being one in which youth was given a chance. Angela Jenkins had already had a few minor singing parts, but now as Sylva (the cabaret star) she had a principal role, which she played with poise and exceptionally lovely singing; she was fortunate in having as her partner Dick Andrews who, as her young lover Prince Ronald, sang with earnest devotion and sincerity. |
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DORIS SEAMAN |
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EXTRACT FROM REVIEW IN LOCAL PAPER |
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This popular operetta with tuneful music by Emmerich Kalman, tells the story of the romance of a gipsy singer and a prince. Large audiences enjoyed some excellent solo and chorus singing though the acting was a trifle stilted and economy on costumes appeared to spoil the effect of some scenes. |
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The singing of the heroine and hero, Angela Jenkins as the cabaret artiste and Richard Andrews as her prince Ronald, was quite exceptional, so much so in fact that it was perhaps too much to hope that their acting would rise to the same high standards. |