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CINDERELLA (JANUARY 1959) |
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What memories can be imprisoned within a few short weeks of winter. Memories of hard work, of concentrated effort to learn words, action and music in three months; of having songs scrapped almost at the eleventh hour owing to copyright infringement; of hasty telephone calls to find an understudy within eight hours, and of the finishing touches necessary to the very handsome cover of the 'Book' in which the pages of the story were turned. |
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This, our second pantomime, revealed new talent among our members and much of the credit of its success was due to the parts of Buttons played by Geoff Brooker, Araminter by Esmond George, and a last-minute take-over by Anthony Beseke as the Farmer. The book was written by our Producer, Ken, which proved his skill at providing a play - much of it in verse - within the capabilities of our Society, and gave so much scope to test and prove the ability of new principals. At each rehearsal, he would introduce a new slant on a scene, a different interpretation of a song or an entirely unheard-of twist to a dialogue. All this gave an added incentive to Wednesday evenings because we never knew what idea he had thought up since our last rehearsal. But the finished performance was one of solidarity and co-operation. The delightful costumes and very attractive scenery made this colourful show one of our best, and Ken must have experienced the satisfying joy of creative achievement. |
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An innovation at this Pantomime was that for the first time the programmes were produced by the members at a great saving - even a profit - of several pounds. 'Art Classes' were held on three occasions to colour the covers, and very enjoyable entertainment this proved to be. So enthusiastic was one artist that she painted Cinderella's legs red by mistake. This of course was due to Cinderella having scorched them by the flaming red log fire on the open hearth, fireguards not having at that time been compulsory. |
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One of the best musical numbers was "Old McDonald's Farm", probably because of its unexpectedness. The audience had just witnessed a rather touching scene between Buttons and Baron Hardup when from each wing, two lines of villagers marched simultaneously downstage singing this well-known chorus. The precision of movements synchronising with the words and music was a triumph of patience for Reg who so untiringly conducted the many repetitions at rehearsals. |
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This Show gave us many things to remember, but one of the loveliest was the appearance of the fairy coach to take Cinderella to the Ball and the touch of grandeur given to her departure by the arrival of the elegant footman (Ron Hengist) and the six dancers as attendants. In complete contrast, the advent of Buttercup the cow provoked much hilarity as the agility of this handsome beast scattered the villagersafter a very complicated milking scene. |
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In a recent advertisement in "The Stage" a plot of land is offered for sale, complete with the skeleton of a witch reputed to be between three-hundred and five-hundred years old. We are now eagerly awaiting Ken's next brain-child to know if he has taken advantage of this prodigious offer, and also who will be cast as the witch. |
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DORIS SEAMAN |