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THE VAGABOND KING - REQUEST REVIVAL (APRIL 1955) |
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The vast improvement in our environment at Lafone School prompted the revival of one of our most exciting shows. This gave the producer an opportunity to exploit to the full the lively, riotous first Act and to bring in many ideas which the limits of Staines Town Hall had made impossible when "The Vagabond King" was first staged in 1949. |
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The beautiful singing off-stage of the Te Deum, where stained-glass windows of the church gave an added effect of solemnity, was a highlight of each performance, and Robby as King Louis made an impressive and realistic character. |
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Although at first some of the cast were a little apprehensive about repeating this show, it was agreed the extra dressing-room space and larger stage not only added to the ease with which entrances and exits could be accomplished, but greatly enhanced each vivid scene, and none of us will ever forget the thrill of marching forward across the whole width of the stage as we sang with full heart and voice "Sons Of Toil And Danger" One critic even proclaimed that the singing of the chorus had improved ten-fold which praise naturally gave even greater incentive to do better in subsequent shows. |
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DORIS SEAMAN |
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Extract from the review referred to above:- |
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Audiences at the Lafone School this week have been delighted by the singing of the Hatton Operatic Society in their latest production "The Vagabond King" Getting the best from his cast, the producer and musical director, Reginald H Curtis, made the presentation sparkle. It had pace and richness which held the audiences to the last curtain. Particularly pleasing was the fact that the singing of the chorus had improved ten-fold. In previous productions this had at times been scrappy with little lustre. In this production the large chorus showed an intelligent understanding of the music and excellent variation. |
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One of the highlights of the show was the singing backstage in the last scene. As the curtain went up, the audience saw a gallows dominating the set. In the background were the coloured windows of a church and there came the gentle, almost angelic singing of the choir rising in perfect harmony. There was a professional touch about the way this scene was handled and it was an impressive ending greeted with spontaneous approbation by an appreciative audience. |
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Angela Jenkins as Katherine de Vaucelles and Daniel McConnachie as Francois Villon worked in perfect unison and had confidence in each other's ability. Both have exceptionally fine voices and their acting ability leaves little to criticise. Phyllis Knight also possesses a clear sonorous voice which gave pleasure to the listeners. She made an attractive Huguette, girl friend of Francois at the rogues' tavern.She was almost too attractive amidst the rabble of the tavern, her neatness, clean face and well-combed hair being out of place amongst the rags and tatters surrounding her. |
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The comedy department was left to Victor Randall (Guy) and Alfred Smith (Oliver) together with some of the taverners. Their acting was above reproach but their singing voices needed to be stronger. It was the same with Harold Watson (Noel). The orchestra almost drowned some of the songs. It would have been ideal, if possible, if only the piano and part of the string section had accompanied them. Herbert Robinson's acting as King Louis was excellent for this frail character. His make-up was good too. |