BLOSSOM TIME (1948)

The Society now felt the urge to spread its wings. There is no doubt that each new production was improving in technique; it was getting a reputation for the class of entertainment not before seen in the Feltham district, and more suitable premises were required at which to stage the next Operetta. Longford School had served a very good purpose, but it was a little un-get-at-able excepting for those living in the immediate neighbourhood, though most especially convenient for Reg who lived almost opposite the School gates. Little wonder if he had been willing to stay put.

A few more members had joined the chorus and were under obligation to pass an audition before being officially 'In'. The Committee did not just accept anybody who wanted to dress up - their principals had proved themselves worthy of a good supporting cast and it was not intended to lower the standard of productions. In fact, it had always been Ken's ambition to gather together all the amateur societies of the district into one glorious band to perform a "Spectacle of History", colour and movement, in the Glebelands area, but so far this has never been achieved.

The status of some of the members was fast becoming exalted. When rehearsals first started, one could almost assess the number present by the rows of bicycles propped outside Bedfont School, as each one hastily stripped their machine of pump and lamp which were a favourite target of local youths. But now there was a new vehicle standing in superior isolation, a little apart from the common two-wheelers. It was a cycle with a motorised back wheel, and could be heard chug-chugging down Hatton Road in the breathless stillness of a starry night. It has become legendary that a Treasurer stays with the Society only until he has 'fiddled' enough out of the funds to buy something he or she particularly coveted. First - Joan's fur coat. Now Bob Halls was Treasurer, and this speedy mechanical contraption was his latest acquisition. Subsequent members who held this office had the garage built first before ordering a car. It must have been a pretty sight to watch Reg and Edith Curtis mounting their cycles at the kerb (Reg having tied his music stand on the cross-bar) followed by three or four others, as they rode gaily over the two humped bridges in Hatton Road, skimmed round the corner sharply to a chorus of cyclebells.

Whilst waiting for rehearsals to begin, we used to gather round a big old-fashioned black stove which was either barely warm enough to sit on, or was so hot that chestnuts would have roasted on top - had we been allowed to. This was also a favourite corner where the knitters gathered, and it was ten years before I found out that a very intriguing piece of knitting which the Producer was doing was a pair of bedsox for the Church Bazaar, though I have never asked his wife if he actually wore them.

We had acquired the use of Staines Town Hall for this show, its greatest asset being the huge rooms backstage where we could make tea, iron dresses, hang up costumes, hats, wigs etc with enough elbow-room for changing. The stage was somewhat small but the addition of an 'apron' was much appreciated. It was during the first act of one of these performances that Reg rocketted to stardom as a singer. The Dancing Master missed his cue as the curtain went up; there was a brief moment of panic among his pupils, when across the edge of the footlights a voice sang the song right through, whilst the girls carried out their instructions to the letter. Reg - still conducting - had filled in the breach and the audience had no idea that anything was amiss.

This was also a show to remember. Just before the start of the show all the lights fused. Groping around in the darkness the men collided with each other in their efforts to find either the fusebox or the caretaker; girls in a state of partial undress huddled together in delicious anticipation. Reg was busy arranging the music and fiddling about with bare wires in the orchestra pit, when suddenly someone found the main fuse and SWITCHED ON. Reg was also very nearly SWITCHED OFF - for good! The curtain went up almost half-an-hour late, but never have we been so near to performing without a Conductor.

The acoustics of the Town Hall, though far from perfect, could not spoil the beautiful mezzo-contralto solos of Marjorie Brace, a dignified and lovely Archduchess. When floral bouquets were distributed to the principals at the close of the last performance, Alf Smith (the comic Wimpassinger) was presented with a bunch of onions, carrots and radishes.

DORIS SEAMAN

TEXT OF A LETTER ADDRESSED TO THE PRODUCER

My dear Mr Newell

Travelling home after the show on Saturday we were all agreed that with "Blossom Time" your Society has once again completed something well worth while. The applause at final curtain was certainly earned and truly merited. Congratulations!

Whilst full of praise, one or two suggestions of, shall we say, possible means of improvement, crept into our conversation; as regular followers of the Society's activities we would even dare voice them. Passed to you for consideration. By the way, we really do mean them to be constructive, and trust that you will not find them objectionable.

ORCHESTRA - Pray rid yourself of "Mr Harry James" in the corner - or suggest some improvement. Violins - the word is 'practise'...

CHORUS - Please do not let your eyes and attention wander, as difficult as it might be at times

MR NEWELL - Dear sir, do try to keep tight strings on time where the distribution of bouquets is concerned. Some of your appreciative audience were, we noticed, inclined towards being restive. Suggestion was also made that despite a tip-top performance, no one person should be overladen with flowers to the detriment of the others of a keen, hard-working Company.

Continuing from this last point we feel that not to give a floral token of appreciation to "Baroness Theresa" (hers was an understanding performance) and to the girls of the chorus and dance, would be indeed wrong. A bouquet and posies will be delivered to your address as soon as can possibly be arranged - could you please arrange to distribute them.

Looking forward immensely to "Vagabond King"

Yours very sincerely (signed)

"John and Mary"

[Shortly afterwards, Ken Newell received 18 sprays and a bouquet of flowers and made the presentations at the first rehearsal of “The Vagabond King”]

For several years after this, the Society's programmes contained the following note:

“Floral bouquets etc will be presented in the Green Room after the final curtain and patrons are requested to cooperate by not passing them over the footlights. All friends of the Society are cordially invited to witness the presentations”

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