DRAMA CONCLUDED - STEWART PERIOD.
In 1955 the Dramatic Society restarted under the leadership of Mr.
Leslie Stewart, the new Senior English Master, and his second-in-command
Mr. R. G. Northam.
Oscar Wilde's"The Importance of Being Earnest" was the play
chosen - rather a drastic change from our previous long run of Shakespeare
and Shaw productions. But the choice proved an admirable one ushering in not
only a new regime but what was to prove to be the first step in a completely
new approach to school plays. The"Stewart" era was, unfortunately
for us, to be brief and yet his influence - as his co-producer and successor
would be the first to agree - was enormous. Following the previous formidable
team it was obvious that the task of even maintaining such a standard would
be prodigious. Yet it was soon clear that Mr. Stewart was not only a man of
first class ability bur astonishing industry and the plays he produced certainly
maintained the high standard to which we bad become accustomed. Besides his
efficiency and dedication he also had a quiet charm and keen sense of humour,
without which surely no producer can hope to survive. Indeed his parting gift
to the school was to produce an amusing skit on the sacred subject of cricket.
But to return to his first production: the casting was excellent, with Brian
Lewis as John Worthing, John Walding as Algernon Moncrieff, Pat Morris as Lady
Bracknell, Mary Cumberlidge as the Hon. Gwendoline Fairfax and Vivien Warner
as Cecily Cardew. The were all very good but I trust the others will forgive
me if I pick out John Walding as being quite outstanding in a part tailor-made
for him. Admirable support was given by Robert Freckle ton (another master
stroke of casting) and Gina Gifford. D. H. Howells provided a wonderful set
in the garden scene of Manor House, Woolton, with stone walls and trailing
roses. Miss W. M. Moseley made some new stage curtains and Miss Euncie Cowler,
helped by Jane Adams, took good care of the wardrobe. The audiences on both
night were large and highly appreciative and clearly enjoyed themselves, as
did the players.
The next productions came in March 1956 with Richard Brinsley Sheriday's"The
School for Scandal". For this there was a large cast of twenty, containing
six who had had vital experience in the previous year's play. For criticism
of this I am indebted to Joan Trenam, then a pupil of V1 Arts B. She wrote"William
Riches played Sir Peter Teazle and was perfectly in character. He played him
as a forceful personality yet just and likeable, though sometimes mistaken.
Janet Richards gave an excellent performance in a difficult role, Michael Chamberlain
was a very polished and charming Charles Surface, being as facile and natural
in the role as if it had been written for him. His brother Joseph, chief villain
of the piece was played by John Walding in a suitably plausible manner. Others
providing excellent support were Vivien Warner as Maria, Gillian Whereat as
Mrs Candour and Maurice Woldridge as Sir Benjamin Backbite, who greatly amused
the audience. All the other subsidiary players contributed to an excellent
performance which was to be the last play which Mr. Stewart was to produce
at L.G.S. Once more Mr. R. G. Northam was his co-producer and Dr. H. Howells
took care of the excellent scenery and furniture with the usual magnificent
support from behind the scenes from Miss E. M. Cowler and Messrs. Ken Winspear
and A. W. Barlow and their numerous assistants. Had the cast known that this
was to be Mr. Stewart's last production, no doubt they would have exerted
their combined forces and made this retiring producer take a well-deserved
final bow.
THE FINAL BOW
Let me now turn to the work of the last producer of the Lydney Grammar
School Dramatic Society, namely Mr. R. G. Northam. He chose for his
first production"The Admirable Crichton" by J. M. Barrie,
with David Shuker in the name part. Others besides Shuker did remarkably
well, such as James Cooke, Judith Lowe, Angela Bradley and Pat Fryer
amongst a large cast of 25, of whom 23 were on the stage at one time.
He tells me that this was by far his most difficult production with
four changes of scenery, and singles out for special mention the magnificent
island rustic furniture produced by Mr. Gordon Jones. Here I quote
- with permission - a letter written by Dr. J. C, M. Brambell (whose
son Christopher took one of the supporting roles) to the producer.
He wrote"All the actors were remarkably good and played their
partw very well. The outstanding feature, to my mind, was the manner
in which they all spoke up. I am sure the people in the back of the
hall could hear every word, which is a rarity in these days of microphones
and one frequently reads of the inaudibility of professional actors
nowadays, so it was all more commendable I have done a good deal of
amateur dramatics in past years and know only too well the enormous
amount of work involved. You must feel justly proud that your efforts
were crowned with success.".
Need one add more? Perhaps just two points: Mr. Northam added that a measles
epidemic in the Spring Term caused a postponement until the Summer term; and
the moment of anxiety when - in searching for property in the loft - Bernard
Sims put his foot through the ceiling of one Form room and nearly made a surprising
entrance. These are the things a producer can smile at in retrospect, but were
very worrying at the time.
In 1960 came"Arms and the Man" by G. Bernard Shaw. The principal
characters were played by Fay Hotchkiss (Raina), with Robert Morris (Captain
Bluntschli) and Robert Gwilliam (Major Saranoff), with Pearl Page as the maid.
A delightful criticism of the play was written by Vivienne Laycock (then in
the Second Form). She wrote"the School Hall was packed on both night
with friends and relations who applauded heartily at the end of each scene.
The play appeared to me most aptly cast and produced. Raina played the part
of a frightened girl very well but she was soon willing to help her ‘chocolate-cream
soldier!" Vivienne went on to add"all four main parts were very
well portrayed with the lesser parts being equally convincing." The local
press described the part of Captain Bluntschli as a gem of a part to play and
said that"Robert Morris made an excellent attempt in this role playing
it with a quiet charm", whilst they described Fay Hotchkiss as"quite
enchanting as the fair Raina. Robert Gwilliam was a handsome Major Sergius
Saranoff and he was successful in getting over the character of this flamboyant
inflated hero".
In this excellent production Mr. Northam had the assistance of Mr. P. Lawrence.
The former recalls especially the difficulty of producing the sound of distant
gunfire. As Diana Bateman wrote in the School magazine"It was manufactured
simply by a starting pistol and an agile Latin Master running down the corridor".
The last mentioned was Mr. Ken Winspear who has handled the lighting for many
years.
I end with a quotation from Mr. A. B. James (Head of Lydney Junior Council School
and himself an experienced producer and actor). Writing to express his appreciation
he stated"The production was excellent and the acting superb, particularly
in view of the lack of years of those taking part. An observation made by many
was that it was well cast. This is almost always a sure indication of good acting
and good producing". He went on to mention what he called"perhaps
the most important essential - clarity of speech coupled with the quality of
good interpretation - this was of a high standard indeed".
As by this time agreement had been reached with the Musical Society to put on
plays and concerts (or musical plays) in alternate years the next play was"Dandy
Dick" by A. W. Pinero in 1962. Here again Mr. P. Lawrence assisted Mr.
R. Northam in the production. The"Lydney Observor" described"thd
dialogue as witty, the sequences well acted and far above the standard most people
expected from young actors". Leading parts were taken by Sylvia Graham,
Elizabeth Biddle, Susan Reissner, John Green, and Spencer Thomas. Jennifer M.
Phillips played Hannah Topping for the first performance then unfortunately had
appendicitis then Susan Bradley stepped in to fill the breach. She did so remarkably
well tha unless the audience had been told of the substitution no one could have
suspected it.
The play was exceedingly well received and Sylvia Graham wrote in the magazine"Each
night we had three curtain calls and those final seconds were the proudest moments
of my life for I knew that we had done well and had done our best". How
right she was! This play was placed second in the County Competition amongst
schools, The producer tells with amusement, tinged with admiration, of the extreme
calm shown by John Green as the Dean. With barely a couple of minutes to go,
Mr. Battersby - stage property manager and usually extremely efficient - mislaid
the vital key for the handcuffs that Green had to take on stage. The key was
found with just two seconds to spare!
Two years later in 1964, came the immortal classic"She Stoops to Conquer" by
Oliver Goldsmith. Jennifer M. Phillips (from Berkeley) played Mrs. Hardcastle,
Norman Beale was her husband; John Howells played Hastings with Norman Taylor
as Marlowe and these two did particularly well to represent 18th Century young
gentlemen. Fred Worgan as Tony Lumpkin and Jennifer A. Phillips (from Lydney)
as Constance Neville completed the principal characters. The producer has particular
praise for the striking garden scene created by Mr. Stuart Perkins of the Art
School. The play was given an enthusiastic reception by the usual large audiences.
In 1966 came"Charley's Aunt" by Brandon Thomas. Sandra Preston
was Donna Lucia the real aunt and Jane Rosser took the part of the girl the fuss
was all about and both did very well. But unquestionably the fhief honours went
to Julian D'Aubyn who took the principal part as Lord Fancourt Babberley.
His performance was estimated by the producer as the best individual performance
in aby play he produced, because he was such a ‘natural' for the
part, which indeed could have been written for him: yet at the same time Mr.
Northam names Norman Beale the best all-round actor of his day.
The next production was"The Magistrate" by A. W. Pinerso in April
1968. It was given on three evenings to packed, appreciative audiences. The"Lydney
Observor" said"the demanding part of the magistrate was played by
John Biggins, whose demonstrations of righteous indignation contrast vividly
with his moments of agitation and anxiety. Kathryn Laycock was admirable as Agatha
Poskett, his wife. She hanles her husband with firmness and has the elegance
and dignity of the young widow who charmed Mr. Poskett. David Phillips, as her
son, gate a lively performance, conveying the enthusiasm for clubs, champagne
and music mistress that is at odds with his official 14 years. Helen Capps, as
the music mistress, was his attractive partner in a portrayal of young love.
Anne Northam, as Agatha's younger sister Charlotte, was charmingly bewildered
over her brokedn engagement to Captain Horace Vale, played most enjoyable by
David Kelsey. His fellow officer, Colonel Lukyn, played by Christopher Williams,
reminded us of the Indian Army man, whose unique combination of languor, dignity
and sense of duty are no longer seen." Besides the excellent supporting
cast more that 50 other pupils were working in teams supervised by the Staff.
These all made invaluable contributions with none of the limelight. The play
called for three sets (including a new ‘Monarch of the Glen) and were complete
in detail, They were changed with remarkable speed. Mr. Gordon Jones was responsible
for the sets; Mr. S. Perkins for the designing and painting, each with the usual
willing assistants, whilst Mr. W. D. Ogden was the assistant producer of a play
that clearly maintained the usual high standard, the girl's costumes were
all made in the school by Miss M. E. Lancastle.
Unfortunately Mr. R. Northam then had a serious illness and even on his return
to school was clearly unable to produce a play yet. However the V1th Form prevailed
upon him to guide them in the choice of a play that they could do for themselves.
According to the"Lydney Observor" they"successfully enthralled
large audiences on both evenings of their production of Agatha Christie's"Ten
Little Niggers". The critic went on to sat"The remarkable thing
about the performance - involving in all about 50 pupils - was that all the mystery
and suspense so often confined to the stage actually crossed the void to the
audience. Suspense is difficult enough to accomplish for professionals but round
and about the audience in the school hall programmes and the clue-revealing verse
were often read to try and establish who would be the ‘next to go' or
who was committing the foul murders. It was an intensely exciting, invigorating
performance ably produced by Celia Manson who was given the fullest co-operation
of the players. There was hardly a pause for forgotten lines and after slight
traces of nervousness in the first act the pace quickened and the whole plot
revealed itself as delightful, well presented drama. If one had to single out
the best performer the Roger Goode as Sir Lawrence Wargrave would take an Oscar
but all deserve praise for outstanding effort.
All considered and particularly taking into account that the production was entirely
pupil motivated, Lydney Grammar School's Sixth Form can take a bow for
providing the best piece of dramatics to be seen in the Forest this year".
High praise indeed but well deserved and what better tribute could the pupils
pay to the School which had nurtured them, and one which felt great pride in
their achievement.
Later on in the same year, December 1970, Mr. R. Northam felt strong enough to
break himself into harness once more by producing the first Staff play, for which
he chose"The Ghost Train", by Arnold Ridley. Dr. H. Howells, Mrs.
A. Riddy, the Misses Margaret Bayliss, Margaret Davies, Norma Collins and Messrs.
D. Hall, A. Riddy, A. Laycock, D. Lovibond, J. Morris, D. Ogden and H. Pitt all
played their various parts very well. Dr. H. Howells has had a vast experience
in amateur theatricals and he gave, as expected, the outstanding performance
as the Stationmaster. Nevertheless it was the excellent team work which made
the greatest impression in a thoroughly enjoyable production that was well attended
and warmly received.
The next play was given almost exactly a year later and was a combined Staff
and School effort in"Thark" by Ben Travers. Here, Quoting once more
from the"Lydney Observor", the critic wrote"All the thirteen
members of the cast were well fitted for their roles with the two main characters
Sir Hector Benbow, Alan Riddy, and Ronald Gamble, played by David Ogden, having
a strong supporting cast". The farce was a variety of dramatic entertainment
which was well applauded by large audiences on all three nights. Robert Hume,
Margaret Riach, Susan Tyrell, Anthony Handcock, Lynne Jones, Gillian Fordree,
Valerie Reeks, Graham Fox and David Gwilliam all played their subsidiary parts
very well.
In 1972 came the final Lydney Grammar School Staff play for which Mr. Northam
chose"Wanted - One Body" a farcical chiller by Raymond Dyer. The
success of this really began from the moment the producer ended his usual thorough
search for a vehicle to suit the actors he had available. In this he succeeded
admirably for it was primarily a completely successful team effort in every respect.
All the back room boys and girls did their very best, especially with the make-up
of the undertaker played - with macabre delight and to the intense amusement
of the audiences - by Mr. Arthur Laycock. Miss Margaret Bayliss conveyed clearly
the difference between two equally unpleasant twin sisters, whilst Norma Collins,
Miss Anne Chapman and Mr. David Lovibond (in especially difficult part) played
excellently in supporting roles. Mr. Douglas Hall and his Junior partner Mr.
Alan Riddy probably had the most difficult and entirely contrasting parts which
they managed superbly well. It was also pleasing to see that the union between
L.G.S. and the Lydney Boy's Secondary Modern School had already started
because Mr. Barrie Murgatroyd, on the Staff at the Secondary School, played his
part very well. The audiences were large and rightly enthusiastic on each of
the three nights.
Before concluding this story of the dramatic work I think it only proper to pay
tribute to all the work done behind the scene by various invaluable helpers.
In this last play for example Mr. Richard Wills painted and designed the sets
with the help of the Lower V1th boys and girls, as his predecessors Mr. Alan
Sands and Mr. Stuart Perkins had done in previous years. All of these maintained
the very highest standards. Mr. Gordon Jones has constructed the sets for many
years whilst Mr. Ken Winspear has been in charge of the lighting and Rev. A.
W. Barlow looked after the make-up for over 20 years each with their own band
of willing, but ever-changing helpers. In recent days Mrs. Margaret Wilcox has
looked after the costumes and Mr. R. Battersby followed by Mr. Chris Collins
the hand properties which, as to my story has show, is not the simple job it
may seem. Recently too Mr. Dewi Howell has taken care of the special effects
and every play has had its invaluable - though scarcely ever needed-prompter.
Amongst these are Elizabeth Pitt, Jane Thompson and Elizabeth Macaskill.
The School Secretaries of their day have always helped most generously and I
recall principally Miss Aline Hatter (now Mrs. Cadwallader) and our present secretary
Mrs. A. Jones.
The front of the house has been in various hands but Mr. Arthur Laycock and Mr.
Gordon Phillips have done invaluable work here.
But there must be many who deserve a mention and I trust no one will be offended
if I have forgotten to pay tribute to their work.
Finally, I hope no one has got the impression that impression that every play
L.G.S. put on was invariably first class. The producers (like the Sports Masters
and Mistresses) have always been limited by the talent available. All those I
saw (and between 1931-73 there were only one or two I had to miss) were a credit
to the school and made me feel intensely proud. I believe it would be impossible
to overestimate the value to the pupils of being involved in any capacity with
a dramatic or musical production. One could see the pupils grow in stature and
confidence as their personalities developed. What has never ceased to amaze me
is the way in which pupils have found the energy to take a leading part in a
play or operetta, then enter fully into the sport, and still get fine examination
results.
As far as the Staff is concerned, what a debt Lydney Grammar School owes to men
and women like Miss R. L. Cleaver, Miss Sybil Buckley and Miss Alice Higgs, with
Mr. Frank Dixon, Mr. Philip Edmonds, Mr. Leslie Stewart, and Mr. R. G. Northam.
The latter wishes me to add to his own special thanks to Mr. Peter Lawrence and
Mr. David Ogden who were his assistant producers.
To all of these, both pupils and staff would wish me to offer grateful thanks.
J.H.
I am grateful for the considerable help given to me by Mrs. P. Lamb
(formerly Helen Dixon), Mrs. G. Leach (formerly Cicely Jones) and Mrs.
Iris Watts in connection with the period up to 1931.
The producers themselves willingly supplied all the assistance my memory required
subsequent to that time.
J.H.
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