Dick Whittington

Reviews and Cuttings

South Brent has 58 in home-made pantomime

South Brent village turned out in force on Wednesday night to watch the annual pantomime – entirely home-made and presented in the Church Hall.

This year the choice was "Dick Whittington." With a cast of 58 it was an ambitious – almost heroic endeavour. But although weak in parts, enthusiasm, good work by the comedy section and the clear strong voices of the principal boy and girl carried it (and the good ship Belle of Bigbury) safely through.

FINE CHORUS

Harry Westcott as Idle Jack showed a more than ordinary appreciation of comedy for an amateur, and he was ably supported by George Preston as the alderman, and George Salter as the dame.

Both the juvenile leads were pleasant to watch and their singing was clear.

Visitors might be surprised by the chorus. For its size South Brent appears to be very well-off for charming young ladies.

The book and lyrics were by Hugh Butler, who, with Joan Deedes produced the show. The music was written by Ann Butler, and the choreography was by Sheila Winzer.

1 IN 30 INVOLVED

Perhaps the most impressive part of the show, however, was the scenery. This was painted by Mr Butler and involved more than half a dozen beautifully executed back-cloths.

The show was a family affair almost, as far as the village was concerned. One in 30 of the inhabitants are involved one way or another. Strangers may forgive certain jokes which could only be intelligible to a native.

Costumes were designed and made by members of the cast. The show was repeated last night, and will be given again tomorrow night.

SOUTH BRENT AMATEURS IN ‘DICK WHITTINGTON’

Record attendance at Pantomime

AMUSING SKITS ON LOCAL PEOPLE

South Brent Amateur Dramatic Society’s choice of pantomime this year it was “Dick Whittington” which was presented by a good cast two full coats houses quotes last Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday. The attendance was it, in fact, a record. It was a very enjoyable entertainment.

The book and lyrics were by Hugh Butler, and contained many amusing skits on local people and places and on current topics, the music was by and Butler, while Joan Deedes, who devised the pantomime was a co-producer, with Hugh Butler and also took the part of Tom, a cat.

Christine Preston and Elizabeth Perraton were outstanding in the principal parts of the Dick Whittington and Alice fits Warren, they're singing and acting gaining much applause. They were ably supported by Pam Andrews (Fairy of the bells), Jane Andrews (Quentin the Quarterdeck, a semen), Anita Perkins (00 – Queen of rattle and), Margaret O'Shea (Polly Perkins – idle Jack's mother), Marjorie Bearns (Pauline pending – a passenger on the quotes a bell of bigger Bigbury"), And Joan Deedes (Tom, the cat).

GOOD COMEDY

Comedy was a great feature, and George Preston (Alderman fits Warren), George Salter (Dame at Perkins), and Harry West Court (idle Jack – one of fits Warren is apprentices), what all in good form.

Good performances were also given by Rosalie Smeeth (Popsie), Alma Preston (Maralyn), Evelyn Hard (Sadie), and Michael Wright (Hank)-American Tourists; Maurice Anning (Silas P Stollheim – a courier), Henry Perraton and Mollie Chulke (Customs Officers), John Salter (Jaffir-bin-Gaffir – a pedlar), Russel Chulk (a slave), Reg Wright (Sultan of Morocco) and Mollie Chulk, Pamela Smith, Esther Rogers, Margaret Perraton and Sally Stevens (Sultan’s wives).

A delightful display was given by the speciality dancers – Sheila Winzer, Pam Andrews, Ines Smeeth and Jean Uren. The choreography was by Sheila Winzer. The accompanist for the pantomime was Rose Luggar while Molly Walke accompanied the ballet and hornpipe, and Jean Soper the children's tap dance. South Brent Hand-bell ringers also took part.

THE CHORUS

A chorus of apprentices, sailors, Moroccan girls, rats etc consisted of Gillian Badge, Jill Cole, Jonquil Deedes, Paula Hannaford, Melba Hard, Dorothy Hill, Betty Mortimore, Joan Mortimore, Nano O'Connell, Mary O'Shea, Margaret Perraton, Pamela Smith (who played the part of Sultan’s fourth wife), Jennifer Truan, Delores Trundle, K Trundle, Anne watts, Rose Watts, Sheila Watts and Diane Wright. Pupils of South Brent School of dancing in the show were Patsy Gigg, Joan Goss, Eileen Joint, Gerald Langdon, Marilyn Langdon, Wendy Luker, Pam Moore, Doreen Northley, Elizabeth Parker, June Richards, Gloria Soper and Avril Trundle.

The costumes and properties were designed and made by members of the cast. Hugh Butler painted the scenery, and other credits go to Alice Vickery (secretary and treasurer), John Piper (stage manager), John Durbridge (box office) and Alan Perkins and staff (specialities in prologues).

PRESIDENT’S THANKS

At the conclusion of Saturday’s performance the president, Dr R Creasy, thanked to all who had taken part in the programme, especially Mr and Mrs Butler, Mrs Deedes, Mrs Winzer, Mr Durbridge, Miss Luggar, Mr F Wood and Mr N Hard (orchestra), the handbell ringers, and, back stage –Mr Deedes, Mr W Cranch, and Mr Piper; Miss M Preston and all who assisted on the floor.