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JACK AND THE BEANSTALK (JANUARY 1963) |
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One's first outstanding memory of this Pantomime was of the intense, solidifying cold weather we experienced throughout the whole of this show. In the bitterest blasts and densest snow Britain has had for 100 years, we battled against all odds to put on a really bright, brisk, heart-warming performance. I just don't know how we did it. Rehearsals were cancelled because of freezing fog and hazardous ice, then when first night arrived, we high stepped laboriously along snowdrifts, lashing winds whipping away our breath into the darkness. Like a lot of shaggy she-sherpas we arrived at last, stamping snow from our boots and flicking icicles off our noses. |
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The roads leading to Lafone School had not been cleared of snow; cars got ice-bound in the car park, and because we were forbidden to use the kitchens, we had to share two small dressing rooms with the men - I mean, we nobly gave up one of ours to them. In the bone-freezing draughts we changed amid piles of woollies, stacks of snow-sodden overcoats and pools of wellington boots. Now I am a great believer than men should wear the pants and girls the crowns, but on this occasion nearly all the girls wore pants, tights, jeans, denims, to keep out the cold; some looked as if they had been sprayed on. |
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With the loss of Kenneth Newell as author and producer of previous Pantomimes, Robin Aldworth carried on the torch and held it high, for this was his first attempt. With the valuable assistance of Michael Bartlett performing all sorts of beautiful lighting effects, and Don Goodman proving some outrageously sinister sound effects, the show was a panorama of colour, sound, movement and singing. |
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The test of endurance depends a great deal on how one copes with the misfortunes of life. This Society has taken a good many blows by the loss of valued members, and now this is Robbie's last stage appearance with us. He has been held in high esteem for many years, and I have so often doffed my hat to him, that he surely owes me a new one. Have you ever noticed he is always known by just one name - 'Robbie'? For the accolade of a great artist is to use his surname only - Gigli, Kreisler, Moiseiwitsch. And now Robbie. |
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Several new innovations were introduced by Robin. A village cricket match, Morris dancing, a growing beanstalk and many Nursery Rhyme characters. This gave an opportunity for many of the chorus to have solo parts, and a chance to prove their versatility. |
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Altogether a Pantomime to be remembered - if only for the bitter C O L D! |
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DORIS SEAMAN |