Cast
- Mary Meldon
- Daisy Rowe
- Ann Meldon
- Joan Deedes
- Olivia Meldon
- Rosalie Smeeth
- Ned Meldon
- Reg Edgecumbe
- Topsy Richards
- Carmen Manning
- Enid Martley
- Winifred Windatt
- Tony Martley
- Edward Muddeman
- George Linsitt
- George Preston
- Alice
- Evie Hard
- Mr Nicholas
- William Windatt
Production Team
- Stage Manager
- Julian Deedes
- Music
- Arthur Manning
- Assistant Stage Manager
- John Piper
- Effects
- Ernest Catt, L Collins
- Furnishings
- Alice Vickery
- Costumes
- Phoebe Stanton
- Lighting
- Julian Deedes, William Cranch
- Prompt
- Elizabeth Knapman
- Bookings
- Alice Vickery
Programme
Reviews and Cuttings
From the Totnes Times
THREE-ACT CHRISTMAS COMEDY
Enjoyable performances at South Brent
A bright production
What the South Brent Dramatic Society’s production of FL Cary’s three act Christmas comedy "but once a year "lacked in technical polish, it made up with the bright and wholehearted fashion in which the members of the cast tackled of their parts. They clearly intended to enjoy themselves thoroughly – and they did – communicating their enjoyment very effectively to the large audiences which saw the play at the Church Hall, South Brent, on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday of last week.
The arrival, on Christmas Eve, of the mysterious "Mr Nicholas" (William Windatt) at the Meldon homestead, scene of domestic and romantic strife, pours oil on the troubled waters and smoothes the course of true love, via some amusing complications.
As young sister Anne, Joan Deedes gave a light-hearted performance that acquitted naturalness as the action progressed. Edward Muddeman, as Tony Martley, used a dry and witty manner to good effect with what crisp lines the dialogue afforded him.
The most convincing acting was displayed by Winnifred Windatt, as Tony's mother, Enid. Reginald Edgecumbe blasted commendably as a pompous uncle Ned. Highly amused at his "typical British traits" was American cousin George (George Preston), whose infectious laugh was realistic enough to grace a professional stage. Carmen Manning squeezed vinegar out of her portrayal of a sour, fault-finding Aunt Topsy. Mary (Mrs) Middleton was played by Daisy Rowe, her eldest daughter, Olivia, by Rosalie Smith, and Alice, the maid. by Evelyn Hard.
At the society’s invitation, 14 old people from the Avondale Home, South Brent, attended the opening performance on the Tuesday evening. The play was also presented last Tuesday evening to patients and staff at Moorhaven Hospital, Ivybridge, when the society was thanked on behalf of the patients’ social club by Mr RW Hampshire.
The play was well produced by Joy Carnochan. Stage manager and assistant stage manager were Julian Deedes and John Piper. Interval music was provided by Arthur Manning. Other helpers included: Effects, Ernest Catt, assisted by L Collins; stage furnishings, Alice Vickery; Wardrobe, Phoebe Stanton; Lighting, Julian Deedes and William Cranch; Prompter, Elizabeth Knapman.
From the Western Morning News, 11 December 1951
CHRISTMAS PLAY FOR PATIENTS AND STAFF
A Christmas comedy "But Once a Year" was presented by the South Brent Amateur Dramatic Society to an appreciative audience of patients and staff at Moorhaven Hospital, Ivybridge.
The cast included Daisy Rowe, Joan Deedes, Rosalie Smeeth, Reginald Edgecombe, Carmen Manning, Winifred Windatt, Edward Muddeman, George Preston, Evelyn hard, and William Windatt. Production was by Joy Carnochan.
The society was thanked on behalf of the Patients' Social Club by Mr RW Hampshire.