www.buxtonoperahouse.org.uk Hay Fever Home Chat is the newsletter FREE TO NCS member Jim Schneider is directing Hay Michael Feinstein of The Noël Coward Society MEMBERS OF Fever at Circle Theatre in Forest Park, For those who wholly owned by Noël Coward Ltd. which is THE SOCIETY Illinois just outside of Chicago. It is running enjoy Michael’s part of the charitable trust: Thursday through Sunday from June 25 to work - he is a The Noël Coward Foundation. August 3rd. noted singer, JUNE 2008 - THE NEWSLETTER OF THE NOËL COWARD SOCIETY Price £2 ($4) President: HRH The Duke of Kent, KG, GCMG, GCVO, ADC Circle's address is: 7300 W. Madison, Forest pianist, music Officers of the Society are: CHAT Vice Presidents: Tammy Grimes • Penelope Keith CBE • Barry Day OBE • Stephen Fry Park, IL 60130. Telephone is: 708-771- revivalist, and an Chairman: Barbara Longford 0700. interpreter of, and Secretary: Denys Robinson Oh Coward! anthropologist Treasurer: Stephen Greenman North American Director: Light Opera Oklahoma (LOOK) and archivist for TAMMYGRIMES the Great Ken Starrett LOOK’s cabaret season returns in 2008 with Representative for Australia: American Oh, Coward! Robert Wickham NEWVICEPRESIDENT ‘featuring the Songbook - you will want to know that Representative for France: he U.S. membership of The Noël Coward Society is sassy and he is appearing at The Shaw theatre in Hélène Catsiapis delighted that Tammy Grimes has accepted the smart songs of Euston Road, London from September invitation of the Committee to become an Honorary Noël Coward. 18 through September 20. Unless otherwise stated all images and text are copyright Vice President. In accepting the position she said. The Sail Away to NC Aventales AG “This will be an adventure for me. I feel very close to embodiment of Broadway veteran Penny Fuller will star All correspondence to: Noël. He was largely responsible for my success. Therefore, it elegance and in the next NCS The Editor, T gives me deep pleasure to be Vice President along with wit, Noël theatre visit to 29 Waldemar Avenue,

Penelope Keith, Barry Day and Stephen Fry.” PHOTO : Milton H. Greene Coward’s Noël Coward's Hellesdon, Norwich, It all started one evening in 1959 when she was singing in a writing evokes 1961 Broadway NR6 6TB, UK small New York club called ‘Upstairs at The Downstairs’. Her jazz-age musical Sail johnknowles@noëlcoward.net unique style was particularly appealing to one member of the attitude with Away, revived at Tel: +44 (0) 1603 486 188 sensuous dances, lush melody and rapid-fire the Lilian Baylis Editors: patter.’ Theatre at “This will be an adventure for me. John Knowles and Ken Starrett Each one-of-a-kind performance of Oh Sadler's Wells as Design and Production: I feel very close to Noël. Coward! opens with a short cabaret part of the 18th John Knowles He was largely responsible presentation designed by Andrea Leap and season of Ian Publication and Distribution: members of the 2008 LOOK ensemble. Marshall Stephen Greenman (UK) for my success...” ‘Light Opera Oklahoma’.Main Street, Tulsa, Fisher's Lost Ken Starrett (US) OK Sundays: June 5, 22, 29, July 6 Musicals series. Music Correspondent: audience... Noël Coward. He had been brought by Roddy Web: www.lightoperaok.org Sail Away will Dominic Vlasto McDowall to hear her, and instantly offered Tammy Grimes a be presented for seven performances Contributions are invited from role in his next play. Very shortly she would be making her only, Sunday afternoons at 4:00 pm SAGA Offers the members of the Society. Broadway debut in the starring role of Coward's play between June 15 and July 13, with Tammy Grimes The editor reserves the right Look After Lulu. She would win a ‘Theatre World Award’ for ‘...timeless melodies additional evening performances at 7:30 to edit all copy, images and her performance. of Noël Coward...’ pm July 6 and 13. decide on inclusion of items. Born in Lynn, Massachusetts, Tammy knew early in life 1976 hit comedy California Suite, she starred in the 1980 Details included in With thanks to that she wanted to be an actress. She most likely arrived at this smash hit musical 42nd Street. Tammy Grimes’ busy and varied ‘What’s On?’ are as received, Geoffrey Houston Grand Opera decision when she dressed up in her great grandmother’s career has also included work in some 15 movies and Skinner for with our thanks, from: 'Brief Encounter' Samuel French UK and clothes which were stored in the attic. She attended Stephens performances on radio. In 1982 she hosted the final season of pointing out On An Opera in Two Acts Canada (Play Publishers and College in Columbia, Missouri, after which she came to New CBS Radio Mystery Theatre. In 2003 she was inducted into the The Lighter Side Author’s Representatives), York and studied acting at the prestigious ‘Neighborhood ‘Theater Hall of Fame’ at the Gershwin Theatre. four musical by André Previn and John Caird Houston Grand Opera presents the world Ken Starrett (US), Playhouse’. She made her first New York appearance in May Recently, she embarked on a new career appearing in a nights in Alan Brodie Representation premiere of 1955 in an off-Broadway production called Jonah and the highly acclaimed cabaret act entitled Miss Tammy Grimes. Bournemouth (Professional Productions), André Previn’s Whale. This was followed by another off-Broadway Audiences were enormously pleased with her presentation of including the NCS members and appearance in Ben Bagley's The Littlest Revue. In 1958 she songs including those by Noël Coward. The magazine, ‘Time- Brief Encounter, theatre companies. music of Noël Coward performed by Liza would appear at the Stratford Shakespearean Festival in Out New York’, voted her act one of the ten best cabaret acts of

a selection of forthcoming productions with details - see www.noëlcoward.net and www.noëlcoward.com for more... based on David Hobbs and Michael Chance. For more details Canada in King Henry IV and The Winter's Tale. the season. She will be continuing her engagements of the act see: www.saga.co.uk and look for ‘Special Lean’s classic For details of rights for professional productions: Her next appearance on Broadway in 1960 was the starring later this year. Interest Holidays’. film adaptation of a play by Noël Alan Brodie Representation role in the hit musical, The Unsinkable Molly Brown for which Considering Tammy Grimes’ close friendship with Noël Coward. Brief www.alanbrodie.com she won the coveted Tony Award as Best Featured Actress in a Coward, it was especially meaningful when in December of Ivor and Noël in Concert Encounter stars For amateur productions Musical. In 1964 she would again be reunited with Noël 2003, in celebration of his birthday, she placed flowers on his Samuel French Ltd. Coward when she starred in the Broadway musical that statue in the Gershwin Theatre. This was the first time the Douglas Gordon has sent in details of this Elizabeth Futral www.samuelfrench.com or Coward directed called High Spirits. This was a musical flower-laying event was held for the Society in the U.S. gala concert at the Buxton Opera House that and Nathan Gunn as Laura and Alec, the www.samuelfrench- version of Coward's play Blithe Spirit. 1966 found her starring She has also delighted audiences with her appearances in opens the 3rd Festival of Ivor Novello and is couple torn between love and honour, london.co.uk in her own television series, The Tammy Grimes Show. In the the annual Coward Cabaret Evenings in the Oak Room at the presented by the Present Company on and Kim Josephson as Laura’s For publishing rights: 1960s she also recorded two albums for Columbia Records. Hotel Algonquin. Monday 25th August at 7:30 pm. Later in the bewildered husband; Patrick Summers Methuen Noël Coward would again be an important figure in her life Tammy Grimes has a significant presence in the Noël week Glamorous Nights is performed on conducts. Based upon the play Still Life www.methuen.co.uk when she starred with Brian Bedford in the 1969 revival of Coward story and we are happy that she is a new Vice Thursday 28th and Saturday 30 August at and the screenplay to the film Brief For music rights: Warner Chappell Private Lives. For this performance she would win her second President of the Society devoted to his memory. Ken Starrett 7:30 pm. For more details see: Encounter. WHAT’S ON? www.warnerchappell.co.uk Tony Award as Best Actress in a Play. Following Neil Simon ‘s 12 Stephen Greenman the Society’s Treasurer has a growing collection of Forthcoming UK Events Coward items including this 1936 edition of Theatre World featuring AGM • Annual Flower-Laying & Lunch at The Garrick Club Gertrude Lawrence and Noël Coward in a signature photograph. This magazine occasionally appears on the ubiquitous eBay and contains Marvellous Party - A Noël Coward House Party detailed articles on Tonight at 8:30 with an array of photographs that are Annual General Meeting, Annual Noël Coward became a member of the Garrick in October not seen elsewhere. Heralded in a special supplement as ‘The Play of the 1966. His Moment’ it is hard to underestimate the impact that this new approach to Flower-laying and Lunch portrait, by theatre received. Nine one-act plays performed three each night (there Edward were originally ten but Star Chamber was dropped) on three consecutive Brian Seago nights. In recent years there have been acclaimed revivals at the Saturday 13th December, 2008 hangs in the Chichester Festival and Antaeus Theatre Company in North Hollywood. club and Still Life went on to become one of the top ten favourite films of all time Continuing our tradition of holding the AGM on the they also as Brief Encounter. Three of the plays were filmed as a compendium in Saturday nearest to Sir Noël’s birthday, members, particularly own a small Meet Me Tonight and Fumed Oak and Red Peppers are amongst the most those living outside the UK, might appreciate early notice of oil painting popular titles for amateur productions. the date, Saturday 13th December, for their diaries. The AGM by Coward Another interesting piece from the Stephen Marshall collection is a will take place at The Noël Coward Theatre, St. Martin s Lane, of a beach series of extracts from supplements contained in Modern Woman, issued from 10.30 am and the flower-laying ceremony at the Theatre scene in one Christmas, boldly claiming that they contained ‘hitherto unpublished Royal, Drury Lane, at 12 noon. Jamaica, poems by Noël Coward’. The poems did of course all end up in Noël’s We have a very special treat in store this year because which they published works but this through the kindness of Sir Donald Sinden, CBE, The Garrick acquired in was their first Club is opening on a Saturday exclusively for members of the 1996. publication - The Society to meet and have lunch. Sir Boy Actor, Letter The Garrick is, of course, the most famous theatrical club in Donald From The Seaside, the world. It was founded in 1831 by a group of literary Sinden, who Reminiscence, gentlemen under the patronage of the King’s brother, the has an Nothing Is Lost, A egalitarian Duke of Sussex. They announced that the Club extensive Question of Values, A would be a place where actors and men of refinement and knowledge Lady At A Party [sic] Noël Coward by Edward Seago education might meet on equal terms. of the and Honeymoon 1905. The club was named after the eighteenth century actor, paintings at Stephen Greenman David Garrick. Many of the great literary personalities of the the Garrick, will be our host and also our Guest of Honour on sent us a sheet of contact nineteenth century were this occasion. prints of photographs members of the Garrick Further information and a booking form will appear in a taken during the and the club was the later edition of this magazine, but please could any members filming of Our Man scene of a famous quarrel from overseas, who may be making their travel plans soon, let In Havana - the role between perhaps two of Barbara Longford know of their interest so that their places can that confirmed to the the greatest - Dickens and be reserved in advance. public at large that, with Thackeray. Other his furled umbrella and members of the club Marvellous Party - a Noël Coward Homburg hat, he was the included writers such as very essence of the Englishman abroad. In the photographs below Noël, Trollope, Captain House Party at the Burgh Island Hotel, Alec Guiness and Carol Reed can be seen both on and off camera. Marryat, Meredith, J.M. Bigbury-on-Sea, With thanks to the late Stephen Marshall and Stephen Greenman. Barrie, Pinero and W.S. South Devon, England. Gilbert and actors such as Macready, Charles Friday 12th - Sunday 14th Kemble, Charles September, 2008 David Garrick Mathews, Irving, Tree and Forbes-Robertson; Star Guest of Honour: composers such as Elgar and Sullivan and artists such as Mr Steve Ross, from New York Millais, Leighton and Rossetti. Today the club has about 1,300 members which include This event is fully booked by 48 members who will be many of the most distinguished actors and men of letters. It using the hotel exclusively, consisting of 24 exquisite suites. possesses an important theatrical library with a valuable Further information about the event will be sent by post to collection of play-texts and tens of thousands of playbills and those attending as the months progress. At the next Committee theatre programmes. Meeting of the Society, on 19th June, the Society’s Secretary, The collection of theatrical memorabilia includes David Mr Denys Robinson, will draw out names from a hat, to select Garrick’s chair from the Drury Lane Theatre, his powder puff the fortunate couple who will be allocated the Noël Coward and fly-fishing rod; the ring worn by Henry Irving as Charles I; Suite. Photographs from ‘Our Man In Havana a Lalique lotus flower worn by Sara Bernhardt as Ixeil; the dog There is a waiting list for this event, so please contact me if collar worn by Charles Kean’s Saint Bernard and, last but for you would like your name to be added to it. us certainly not least, Noël Coward’s perfume ioniser. However, the greatest treasure of the Garrick Club is its Barbara Longford collection of theatrical paintings and drawings, much the ([email protected]) largest and most comprehensive in existence. 2 11 THE VORTEX, MARLENE NOTES FROM NEW YORK AND OTHER BRIEF ENCOUNTERS n March 21st at the ‘Paley Center for Media’ in Ken Starrett and Keir Dullea A report on recent Society events New York City was a screening for Society Members of the 1935 film, The Scoundrel. The Vortex and Supper at Kettners them it This film is rarely shown commercially or on On Saturday 5th April, 36 members attended the matinee was their television. Seeing a young Noël Coward in his performance of Peter Hall’s production of The Vortex at the first first major film brought a surprised and enthusiastic reaction Apollo Theatre, Shaftesbury Avenue, which John Knowles Society Ofrom many of the members. Most people are only aware of the occasion. perceptively reviewed in the April edition of Home Chat. image of Coward later in his life. Included in the audience were Interestingly, he made no mention of the stage sets, which were They were all Tammy Grimes and Iva Withers (who had been in High Spirits indeed unmemorable and rather disappointing, particularly for given a warm with Tammy Grimes) television star, Joyce Randolph, radio a West End show. Most of the members to whom I spoke welcome, Barbara Longford personality, Joe Franklin and Keir Dullea and his wife, actress, afterwards had greatly enjoyed the production, but some had beginning with & Samuel Joseph Mia Dillon. Keir Dullea presided at our annual flower-laying one or two words of criticism. The least effective part, in my Dave Williams, ceremony in December of 2004. This was the largest audience view, was the staging of the dancing sequence, at the beginning from New ever to attend one of our screenings. of Act II, which appeared false and clumsy; with couples York and visibly awaiting their cues. Also, although Annette Badland At the ‘American Academy of Dramatic Arts’, each year gave a virtuoso portrayal of Clara Hibbert in Act I and indeed Connecticut. students are presented in several examination plays. These are Our provided most of the fun, I felt that humour inherent in the Stephen Greenman full productions during which the students are graded on their lines written for Pawnie and Helen was diluted by the uneven Scarlet Oliver & Avril Vellacott performances by members of the faculty. This year two of the & Andrew Raymond and slightly erratic delivery of Phoebe Nicholls and Barry Barnes plays were Hay Fever and Present Laughter. Two students Stanton. But these are minor quibbles; the central performances from this year's class had been chosen to receive awards from Coward. Tour packages journeying through Scandinavia and of Felicity Kendal and Dan Stevens were very fine and almost an organization known as the ‘Episcopal Actors' Guild’ of Russia will continued through July 6th. For information, magical in their truth. Each time Nicky (Dan Stevens) which Ken Starrett is a member. Ken was invited to see the contact Cunard Lines at 1-800-7-286273. approached the piano and began to mime playing it, one could Barbara Campbell, Brian Horley plays and talk to the students following the performance. Most instantly picture the young Noël really playing the piano and were being exposed to Coward for the first time. It was exciting ‘The Acting Company’ was founded in 1972 by John the role. As John Knowles commented, Dan Stevens & Pat Annable to see their enthusiasm at this discovery. This is indeed a step Houseman and Margot Harley. Alumni members of this “underplays the arrogant, hedonistic personality of Nicky” and toward future generations knowing the works of Noël Coward. organization include such performers as Kevin Kline and Patti I would add that he gives it a different interpretation which has long-standing LuPone. In addition to a regular season which includes plays perfect psychological precision. member Andrew Raymond ‘Food for Thought’ continues to present the plays of Noël here in New York plus tours of classic plays across America, One of the members attending had actually met Noël Barnes was visiting, from Coward at The Players Club on Gramercy Park in New York four times a year they present a series of play readings. These Coward, Mrs Carol Barzilay, we learned, was at the Actors’ Oslo and new members City. On June 17th they will present Fumed Oak with NCS from the UK were Mrs readings are generally lesser known or infrequently performed Orphanage during the time when Noël was the President. She Scarlet Oliver Teresa Williams from member, KT Sullivan. Performances of that play will continue plays by notable authors. On May 19th they presented Noël had met him on several occasions. Her mother was one of Patrick Longford in the Fall. For information call 212/362-2560 Coward's Fallen Angels. The capacity audience was delighted Cochran’s ‘Young Ladies’ and her father Harry Lester, of Harry Wimbledon, London, Pat & Linda Oliver by this play. The two leading roles were wonderfully performed Lester and the Hayseeds. I hope that Mrs Barzilay will be kind and Frank Annable from NCS member Barrington Brown is appearing as an by distinguished Broadway actresses, Harriet Harris and Lisa enough to share her memories and photographs with us for a Boumemouth. Sara Bum entertainer on Cunard Lines’ magnificent new luxury liner, Banes. future article in this magazine. Edwards and Avril Vellacott ‘The Queen Victoria’. At daily performances he cheerfully Ken Starrett At six o’clock we made our way through a crowded and - both from Noël’s delights his audiences with the words and music of Noël rather inelegant Shaftesbury Avenue towards Kettners birthplace, Teddington, Restaurant in Romilly Street. Kettners is one of London’s Middlesex, The Oliver family oldest and most famous restaurants, founded in 1867 by - Lynda and her children, Auguste Kettner, a former chef to Emperor Napoleon III. Scarlet and Silver, from COWARD SCRAPBOOK Yvonne Thomas informed us that Kettners is mentioned in a Cheltenham and Gillian ver the past two years we have received numerous short story by Saki and indeed in its heyday it was a Tarrant, from South photographs, images and text from members fashionable venue. In the basement can be found signs of an London. The occasion that somehow never seem to get into underground tunnel, which is said to have given access was a very special one Home Chat. Here then is a sample for new members Sandra Yvonne Thomas between Kettners and the Palace Theatre just opposite. & Stuart Griffiths from that collection that may be of Apparently, Edward VII entertained the actress, Lily Langtry, and Brian Harley, from interest.O These items are from the Stephen Marshal who was playing a leading role at the theatre. The exterior is a Bromley in Kent, as they were Collection and Stephen Greenman. Let us start with row of fine Georgian houses. We ate in the long and elegant celebrating their wedding the photograph opposite taken of Noël as he Blue Room with its perfectly proportioned Georgian windows. anniversary and Edgar disembarked from a British European Airways (BEA) Although the restaurant is now owned by a pizza chain, much Astaire invited us all to raise plane. It was part of the collection of the late Stephen of its period decor and style have been retained. our glasses in a toast to Marshall who was the editor for the BEA house magazine. As we approached the dining room, member Samuel Joseph them. Stephen was a member of the Silver Wing Club (London) was already in situ at the piano and he treated us to some well- This was a very Drama Group the BEA staff drama society. They staged This happy and successful known Coward music. Samuel is resident pianist at ‘The Frank Annable & Marilyn Worship Happy Breed with Stephen in the role of Frank Gibbons. Noël Dorchester Hotel’ and formerly at ‘The Savoy’ prior to its occasion. Special thanks to Mr sent a signed message to the cast, closing for refurbishment and he was introduced to the Society Silver Oliver for taking the photographs “All my best wishes to the BEA Drama Group for a great by Steve Ross. and to our Treasurer, Stephen Greenman, for the success with this production, ‘This Happy Breed’, Noël Coward” Thirty members joined us for Supper and for several of design and production of the commemorative bookmarks and place cards. Barbara Longford 10 3 Lunch With Marlene associated with them plus a few others. This time Kate was noticeably much shorter than Marlene though she put over at the New End Theatre in numbers in a similar way. Frank had some of Noël’s gestures NCS Committee Vacancies in the UK Hampstead and did his songs very well. Neil Macdonald who played the waiter very well was also the accomplished accompanist for the We are currently seeking interested members to volunteer for two, or possibly three vacancies on the Committee. As a member of cabaret. the Society s Committee you would have the opportunity of helping us shape the Society and all its activities and would have an Ken Sephton reviews the NCS theatre visit to see the Chris Burgess who wrote the show used many lines actually influence upon decision-making. Also, Committee membership entitles you to occasional special invitations, for instance play written by Chris Burgess and spoken by the stars in books and interviews while Stewart Cameron Mackintosh s opening party for the Noël Coward Theatre. Here are the details of our two existing vacancies. directed by NCS member Stewart Nicholls Nicholls directed it all splendidly. An enjoyable show which it The Membership Secretary Publicity and PR Officer is to be hoped may go on to another theatre. This role is vital and rewarding because it represents the (two volunteer members might share this role) Having seen Noël and Marlene sing Ken Sephton voice of the Society and is the first point of contact for The responsibility of this role is to raise the profile of the Society, together at one of the midnight members in all parts of the world, except North America, especially amongst younger people, and to increase the membership. Night of 100 Stars at the Palladium Brief Encounter where our North American Director, Ken Starrett, deals in the early Fifties I was intrigued Kneehigh Theatre Company with the administration of the membership. The duties of the role are as follows:- to see this show. As I recall they The Cinema, Haymarket To be aware well in advance of forthcoming Coward productions, sang ‘By Land, Sea and Air’ and The duties of the role are as follows:- through Alan Brodie Representation and Samuel French Limited, and wore straw boaters - I believe this It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a single man in To maintain and update an accurate database of members to liaise with the theatre managements regarding publicising the was the only time they ever sang possession of ... an appetite and a restricted income should go (including those in North America). Society, using leaflets and/or display boards. together. Lunch With Marlene was to ‘The Stock Pot’ - well at least one of the Stock Pots that dot To despatch Welcome Packs to new members. To establish a mailing and e-mail contact list to relevant publications, very well staged at the tiny New the West End (apologies to Jane Austen). Barbara Longford To request renewal payments in January and July each The Stage, Evening Standard, etc and the regional press, when End theatre in Hampstead. The first tells me that the future may be dim for these wonderful little year for all members. applicable and to send them press releases. Act had them meeting for lunch establishments - that mirror in a small, and rather British way, To work closely with the Treasurer, ensuring that he To make personal contact with the press and other publicity outlets with Marlene airing her current the famed ‘Bouillion Chartiers’ of Paris - as leases run out and receives cheques and credit card details speedily. over specific NCS events. landlords seek to quadruple their fortunes. 11 NCS members To write to the banks of those members wishing to pay To try to raise the Society s profile in universities, colleges and drama Kate O’Mara as Marlene met upstairs at the version in Panton Street between Regent by Standing Order. schools. Street and the Haymarket just south of Piccadilly Circus. The To be pro-active and to advise the Committee of possible PR Noël and Marlene food was simple and excellent and incredible value. (I recall The Membership Secretary will be provided with an opportunities. one dark night when Ken Starrett and I struggled to find NCS laptop and printer and may claim expenses, such as problems; a lack of money somewhere to eat in the West End and wandered into a well- stationery and telephone calls. He/she will be given The Publicity and PR Officer may claim expenses, such as stationery and getting old. Kate O’Mara known chain of steak houses where our overpriced meat was training and guidance and will be required to attend, and telephone calls and other expenses with the prior agreement of made a convincing Marlene, clearly taken from animals that had been traumatised on the whenever possible, Committee meetings in central the Committee. He/she will be required to attend, whenever possible, though her wig was too thick. way to the abattoire)! London. These take place six times each year at 4.p.m. Committee meetings in central London. These take place six times Frank Barrie was good as From the simple pleasures of The Stock Pot we made our on Thursdays. each year at 4.p.m. on Thursdays. Noël, though a trifle way around the corner to The Cinema and joined three other exaggerated and he had too members for an interesting theatrical experience... but for that The person we are seeking will have the following The person we are seeking will have the following attributes:- much hair. you should read my review on page 5. attributes:- A professional, persuasive and warm manner, on the telephone and in Also I don’t think Noël Thanks go the Stephen Greenman for arranging the theatre Sociability. A person who enjoys meeting and person. would have flirted with the outing and to Barbara Longford for introducing all of us to the contacting new people. Charm and tact. waiters! delights of The Stock Pot in the past and for this enjoyable Charm, tact and a professional manner. A good working knowledge of the plays and music of Noël Coward. The sceond Act had them revisit! John Knowles The ability to use a database and to pay great attention to Some previous experience in this field, or a related one. in cabaret, singing works detail Please would interested members contact, in writing, either by letter or e-mail:- Mr Denys Robinson, Secretary of the Noël Coward Society, Auction of the STOP PRESS! 4, Parkside, Vanbrugh Fields, London SE3 7QQ Noël Coward in Two Keys e-mail [email protected] Stephen Marshall Noël Coward in Two Keys is a late change at the Berkshire (For further information about either vacancy, please ring Barbara Longford on 020 7603 7399) Theatre Festival in Stockbridge, Massachusetts - directed by COWARD’S ROUTE TO THE ‘PICCOLA MARINA’REOPENS Collection Vivian Matalon as the fourth any thanks to everyone who took part in the With thanks to Dominic Vlasto for discovering the with the cliff-face. Described as “a work of art” and only Main Stage production, running auction phase of the distribution of the following in the press: 1,420 yards long, it leads from the Gardens of Augustus to the August 12 – August 30. Noël Stephen Marshall Collection. Michael Mason, “One of the world’s most beautiful footpaths - the Via Krupp Marina Piccola. Coward in Two Keys (1966) was Stephen’s partner has asked me to thank you as in the island of Capri - is to reopen after 30 years. The path, cut The path will reopen next month and is part of a plan to Noël Coward's final stage work we move to the lottery phase. into a vertical cliff in 1902 by Friedrich Krupp, the German boost Capri’s in the US. It is composed of a Most of the signed items have now been sold although there munitions baron, has been closed since a landslide in 1976. tourism over the pair of one-act comedies, Come Mare a few left that will form part of the lottery items. All those But a £5.5 million reconstruction project has restored the summer. into the Garden, Maud and A people who opted for the lottery will go ‘into the hat’ during the route to its former glory and secured the area against falling The island Song at Twilight. Vivian Matalon directed Coward himself in next month - postage costs will need to be covered by those rocks. Marino Lembo, the deputy mayor, said: “It is an outrage has been badly the work's London premiere of Suite in Three Keys, as well as members as the lottery will need to be self-funding. that the path has been closed for this long.” hit by the fall-out the two-play 1974 Broadway version that featured Hume After the lottery has been drawn a letter will be sent to Authors, including Jean Paul Sartre, Thomas Mann and from the rubbish Cronyn, Jessica Tandy and Anne Baxter. Performances are everyone asking whether or not they are happy to accept the Pablo Neruda, were enchanted by the route. It was so popular crisis in nearby Monday through Saturday evenings at 8pm with 2pm matinees selected item and pay for ‘post and package’. On acceptance that even when closed tourists would slip under the barriers to Naples.” on Thursdays and Saturdays. Tickets range from $23 to $68. the item will be sent. see it and large gates had to be erected to keep them away. Daily For tickets contact the BTF Box Office at 413-298-5576 or John Knowles Designed by Emilio Mayer, a Neapolitan engineer, the path Telegraph visit www.berkshiretheatre.org is a series of elegant hair- ) pin bends, arranged in harmony 4 9 boy, would bring along a team of fellow actors but best of all, small plot to cultivate), my vegetables being judged the best. he would bring his wife, Evelyn Laye. She was so very The food being so much better now there was no need to steal Brief Encounter in the Haymarket beautiful and I would follow her everywhere. She would from the kitchen garden. Growing my own just filled the bill n a dear little cinema remote and obscure... well not quite action begins. Action that is supported by expertly managed organise the teas in the marquee, helped by dozens of ladies and I developed a taste for raw vegetables that remains with me but in the imaginatively revamped old West End cinema - and imagined digital effects - to describe them would spoil the from the London stage. It was one huge party for all those today. originally a theatre then a cinema and now a theatre again, surprise. Sufficient to say that at times players drop in and out connected with the theatrical profession who had given their We were very lucky orphans; Noël Coward and his mirroring the Coward of film and live action with time and money for the benefit of the orphanage. It was a committee were doing wonders. The real treat for me each year classic itself - The huge effect and that the glorious day in the calendar, with actresses everywhere, was the visit to London to see the latest Ivor Novello show. He Kneehigh Theatre company are problem of showing moving summer dresses and of course, leather on willow. would meet our coach party and tell us all about the drama, Ipresenting their own version of trains on stage is achieved The cricket was very serious and a good game always joining us backstage afterwards for tea. He was such a Brief Encounter. This mannered with real aplomb - at one point developed, our pitch being one of the best in the district. Boys delightful man, I remember, and he would fuss about us all the revival, that is almost a making the audience jump in would dread the call “All on the roller”; it was a huge one time arranging for chocolate and ice cream during the interval. musical, owes much of its their seats (unlike another requiring the efforts of at least fifteen of us, consequently the The dramatic stage effects, and of course the music were right theatrical style from influences production where smoke from actors considered ours the best wicket they played on during up my street. If my heart strengthened, perhaps I could get as diverse as Cabaret, the the station scene hung around the summer. I enjoyed the cricket which was always of a very involved when I grew up... there were lots of other coach -trips British music-hall and perhaps, and played over the pipe of high standard, as many as two hundred and fifty runs would be during the year to museums and historic places. without being too far-fetched, Fred in the sitting-room scene scored in an afternoon’s play. I especially enjoyed Rex The Reverend Ruegg, the new headmaster, was far more the pastoral comedy interlude making even the actor laugh). Harrison and Hugh Williams asking me to bowl to them in the liberal than his predecessor, most probably on the instructions from The Winter's Tale, yes that An effective set provides nets, but best of all, I guess was Evelyn Laye serving the tea. from Noël Coward and the committee. It was pleasant to be is too far-fetched - but shelter for the ‘band’ and Another really good cricketing day was When C. Aubrey Smith able to mix freely with the girls and it was not now considered definitely the Cornish seas that those of the ensemble who are came with his team; there was no marquee but plenty of to be cissy to play tennis with them, or just to sit on the grass surround the creative home of not in the action, its metal visitors and tea in the pavilion. and chat. The Reverend relaxed the long-standing rule the Kneehigh Theatre company - whose success with touring gantries and staircases taking on various guises as the Noël Coward had his own big day in London - the concerning visiting on Sundays, and any child wishing to go productions in recent years has brought both praise and awards. architectural furniture of the railway station, tea room, variety Theatrical Garden Party, organised by him to raise funds for the home on Sundays could do so after church, or parents could Compared with the controversy caused by Declan Donnellan's theatre, boating lake and suburban sitting-room. Video orphanage. There was always a huge turn out and he would visit. revival of Hay Fever in 1999 this revision of Cast and Creative: projection plays on the backdrop with the make sure any famous film star in town would attend and sign The Reverend only taught religion but would spend a lot of a Coward classic survives the process - and Laura - NAOMI FREDERICK leitmotif of crashing waves echoed in the autographs. Older children from the orphanage would help on time wandering around the classes, peering at our work. He for many will be seen as an undoubted West Myrtle - TAMZIN GRIFFIN movements of the actors themselves the stalls and my brother Paul would act as a special runner, developed a nasty habit of standing behind me and twisting my End treat! Beryl - AMANDA LAWRENCE emphasising the desire to free ‘the self’. being at Noël Coward’s side at all times. The Duke and ear until my eyes filled with tears, doing the same to other boys However somewhere deep inside I felt Stanley - STUART McLOUGHLIN As ever the simple power of Coward’s Duchess of Kent were friends of Noël Coward and they opened as well. I think it was after the summer holiday when I had slightly offended - I guess this may be Ensemble - JESS MURPHY words and the intensity of the emotions the 1937 event. been ‘gated’ for a Saturday, for some minor misdemeanour, and because we know the work so well we feel Musician - ADAM PLEETH come through, especially in Act 2, and Laura Whilst the Actors’ cricket match was the big event of the had given my pocket money to another boy to buy my weekly we own it, so change naturally offends, Ensemble - ADAM RANDALL and Alec are well-played by Naomi summer, at Christmas time it was the children’s’ pantomime. supply of gobstoppers. ‘how dare they!’ Let me explain - I felt Musician - IAN ROSS Frederick and Tristan Sturrock. Tamzin We would be coaxed and encouraged by professionals from The boy went to the village shop and on returning through shocked within the first 10 minutes and Alec - TRISTAN STURROCK Griffin and Andy Williams score in every London and we put on a very good show, mainly for parents the gate, he bumped into Reverend Ruegg who enquired what getting ready to be ‘Disgusted of Tunbridge Fred/Albert - ANDY WILLIAMS sense with Myrtle and and Albert in what is and local people. I enjoyed acting but Matron thought it might was in the bag. “They’re gobstoppers for Granville” replied the Wells’ when, rather irritatingly, it started to a rather crude representation of working- strain my weak heart so it had to be ushering instead. This was boy, “I have spent his pocket money”. The Reverend took the grow on me. The jury was still out at the end Adapted and directed by Emma Rice class seduction and love-play. For my money an enjoyable way of helping, showing visitors to their seats and bag and instructed the boy to order me to report immediately to of the 1st Act but by the end of what seemed Designer - Neil Murray the performances of Amanda Lawrence, in receiving a penny tip for doing so. I had never been so rich. the headmaster’s study. He gave me a severe dressing down to be a more cohesive 2nd Act I felt real Lighting design - Malcolm Rippeth several roles that includes Beryl - in an The 1937 pantomime was the twenty-first and proved to be the stating that if one is ‘gated’ one doesn’t give pocket money to affection for this cast who all seemed able to Projection design - Jon Driscoll and enhanced station tea girl role - and Stuart last, the biggest and the best. My brother played a leading role another boy for the purchase of sweets. “That must be a brand play several parts and musical instruments at Gemma Carrington McLoughlin as Stanley her chocolate-selling and at sixteen he was the eldest of the cast. Noël Coward was new rule” I said, “that’s insubordination - take down your the same time and use every available space Original music - Stu Barker beau and multi-talented musician, singer and very pleased indeed with the show and together with Leslie trousers and bend over”, he responded, furiously. in this tiny theatre to great effect. accompanist to boot are the best. They bring Henson arranged for the second year running, three special After a few strokes of the cane, I stood up and snatched it, Director and general factotum for Kneehigh, Emma Rice the ‘enhanced’ comedy and ‘new’ musical moments to life. I matinee performances at the Gaiety Theatre in The Strand. The hitting him as hard as I could several times before grabbing the sets out her vision for this revival in the programme, drawing a cannot but believe that we will be hearing a lot more of Lord Mayor came to one bag of gobstoppers and running from his study. He did not precise picture of her intentions for the production - ‘the Lawrence. Sadly the moment that really ‘clangs’, as loudly as performance and come after me or call me back, nor even mention the matter bargains that human beings make’ set in the context of the folk the warning of the approaching express later in the play, is hers afterwards to the dressing again, but he did write to my mother. He did not know, he tale. She recalls the Scottish tale of the Selkie - seal women. with a rendition of ‘Alice Is At It Again’ - one of several ‘in rooms. He was so pleased wrote, how Paul could be so good and I so naughty. When I Seals who can take on human form but long to return to the sea. front of the curtain moments’ that didn’t really work. The with the show he invited next saw my mother she seemed to think I deserved the caning, She describes the bargains we make that suppress our own subtle sexual innuendo of the ‘Alice’ lyrics were sadly rejected all the children to tea at but my brother was non-committal. I was extremely hurt by needs for the sake of others - the essence of what Coward so in favour of burlesque. the Mansion House which this and wrote to Noël Coward but did not post the letter. As often applauds as Britishness that lies at the heart of the The second and final Act does more to retain the was a marvellous time went on it became obvious the Reverend Ruegg was decisions Laura and Alec make before ending their affair and significance and emotional tension of the original and offers the occasion. misbehaving; another child wrote to Noël Coward, this time parting. only moments that are true to the play and the film. Noël Coward enjoyed posting the letter. From the moment of entering it is clear that these actors are This encounter is a very modern take that tourist and home a close association with The Reverend was dismissed. As 1938 progressed rumours ‘ensemble - do or die’ as the cast grab the cinema motif and act audiences will either love or hate. For those new to Coward it the Lord Mayor in 1937 were plentiful concerning the orphanage moving to Chertsey in as the perkiest of usherettes tirelessly showing patrons to their does offer The Master’s famed work, his music and a lot of and they both attended Surrey and sure enough, after the summer holiday we all seats, chatting as they move around the aisles and later (the visual humour but ‘subtle it ain’t’. The mixed media approach prizegivings at the reported to Silverlands on Holloway Hill. revival of an old theatre tradition) passing sandwiches around seems absolutely right in a building that has been a theatre and orphanage that year, the at the interval. Somewhere at the back a quartet of trumpet, a cinema! The fact is that this work does not need to make up Lord Mayor giving the Next time: the move to Silverlands and evacuation to America mandolin, banjo and bass start to play and as they make their its mind if it’s play, a film, a musical or a burlesque. It is all of prizes. I won first prize during the War Years. With our thanks to Granville Bantock, way to the stage are joined by a fifth in close-harmony them and it can certainly attract sizeable West End audiences! for gardening (interested who is the nephew of the composer Sir Granville Bantock, for renditions before the unique opening of the drama where a John Knowles children had been given a allowing us to use these extracts from his chronicle. couple sitting in the front row of the stalls start to argue and the 8 5 the first of a series of articles sparked by NCS member Carole Barzilay who attended the Actors’ Orphanage at Silverlands and the memories of Granville Bantock who attended the Actor’s Orphanage at both Langley Hall and Silverlands and during its evacuation to America in World War II. hereLUCKY are times when the tabloid press take ORPHAN delight in attempting to destroy the reputation of past or current actors and actresses when one or both parents had died, or for homeless sounded so we quickly dressed and assembled in the courtyard. We were not heroes of the entertainment world. The posthumous Noël Coward that most of us know is no exception. So it children of the stage if born out of wedlock, and where there were no quick enough so the exercise was repeated. Mr. Mowforth was addressing us was with a growing sense of joy that we read Granville Bantock’s chronicle of his life between 1930 and 1947 means of financial support within the family. In 1915 the orphanage when the very elderly Mr. Austin came into the yard. A verbal battle royal and discovered the largely unsung work of Noël, his friends and contemporaries who did so much for the moved to Langley Hall where, during the following years, additional started, with the two men going at it hammer and tongs. Mr. Austin instructed the well-being of orphaned children. Part of the recent Coward Exhibition at The National Theatre gave details of buildings were constructed to provide everything possible for the benefit headmaster to call off the exercise and continue with classes, but the older boys his work at Langley Hall and Silverlands and it is this personal testimony from those orphans that strikes home and and well being of the children. The President was Gerald Du Maurier. T Noël Coward There were about thirty boys and thirty girls at the orphanage aged makes us realise the consistent concern and care that and Marlene from six to sixteen; the educational and living arrangements were strictly Noël showed to the young of the less fortunate of his Dietrich at the segregated, even at meal times. Langley Hall, a fine old building built in profession. Actors’ 1628, had been added to and there were many other buildings in the Over the next few editions of Home Chat we will be Orphanage including the memories of Granville and NCS member grounds. A theatre stood below the girls’ classrooms which could be Carole Barzilay who both attended the orphanage quickly converted into a gymnasium. There was also a sanatorium and including extracts from Granville’s chronicle. In this chemistry laboratory. first piece Granville sets the scene for his placement at In the several acres of grounds there were cricket and. football Langley Hall and provides extracts from his research on pitches for the boys, and netball and tennis courts for the girls. The boys’ the formation of the orphanage and the early days of end of the grounds also included a large kitchen garden and orchard and Noël Coward’s involvement. our whole area was separated from the girls by a high brick wall and metal railings. The boys had two classrooms and two dormitories, each A LONG SUNDAY divided into age groups of six to eleven and twelve to sixteen. The girls were divided in the same way. For sporting activities, the children were It was summer 1930. I was four and a half years old divided into two houses; the House of Austin and the House of and my brother, Paul, just nine and a half. My father, Nettlefold. Mr. Austin had once been The Bursar and by then a very old Leedham Bantock, had died two years earlier leaving man, he lived in special accommodation in the main building. Mr. very little money, by now it had all gone and my mother Nettlefold was a committee member and had been very generous was pondering our future. Our small semi-detached providing some of the additional buildings that made the orphanage self- house was, luckily, paid for so she was determined to contained as a home and school. keep it as our home, but without income the situation At four and a half I was the youngest orphan and it must have been a decided to mutiny and boycott his classes. They prepared a plan to beat up Mr. was desperate. My Uncle Granville was visiting us and I considerable shock to be taken away from my mother and a comfortable Mowforth and throw him in the village pond just outside the main gate. Mr. vaguely remember grown-up talk in the living room He home, to be left in such a large establishment with so many complete Howells, the other master, heard about the plan and forbade it, but the older boys and his younger brother Leedham had been very close, strangers. Matron decided I was too young to be put with the boys so I did not attend classes. News of the disturbance quickly reached Noël Coward so much so that I was named Granville. He was very lived with the girls. I was given a bed in the younger girls’ dormitory who dropped everything and came to see us. He was very cross and assembled us concerned for our future and tried to persuade my where I was to remain for at least a year. I was not to be the youngest for in a classroom. The lecture on behaviour lasted an hour, or so it seemed, and mother to let him provide for us, but she would not long, however, for soon another boy joined me in the dormitory aged when finished he demanded that we all return to our classrooms. He did, agree to such a burden on him only two. A regular pattern of behaviour had developed in our dormitory however, listen to an older boy’s grumbles and was shown a very bruised hand My father’s last position was General Manager of after-lights out, and when all was quiet in the building; the girls would caused by Mr. Mowforth’s cane. When he had gone I felt very ashamed, hoping the Lyceum Theatre in London. All his life he had been pair up, sharing one bed. After a while the odd girl out, who was just five that he would stay as President. We younger boys had not been involved in the an actor and playwright and had written the last few and a half came into my bed. We cuddled for some time before she and mutiny, the older ones saw to that. My brother too had not been involved pantomimes for the theatre up to his death. He had been the others returned to their own beds. I would look forward to bedtime although he was an older boy and so became unpopular for a while and was a good friend of the Melvilles who owned the Lyceum Noël Coward and Marlene Dietrich and cuddles with Jenny, for most probably, this was the vital factor that much bullied. and it was they who suggested to my mother that Paul at the Actors’ Orphanage enabled me to adjust to the orphanage in the absence of my mother. With the coming of Noël Coward, Langley Hall changed; it seemed all of a and I should be sent to the Actors’ Orphanage where we which I was not to see again for almost a year and took the sudden but actually it was gradual. Suddenly, though, I enjoyed the dinners, there would be well looked after and educated. It was number sixty-five bus to Ealing Broadway station, from were no more cold baths and boys and girls could mix in complete co-education. decided, with Uncle Granville’s approval, that when Later in the text Granville describes the first visit by where we caught the local G.W.R train to Langley, Bucks. A new headmaster appeared, the Reverend Ruegg, and a new headmistress, Miss term started in September my brother and I would go to Coward to the orphanage... The orphanage was just five minutes from the station so King. There were additional masters and mistresses, yet our darling Matron the Orphanage; the Melvilles had made the we walked, soon coming to a high brick wall which we remained. She had no qualifications but years of experience which was probably arrangements. I vividly remember Noël Coward’s first visit to the orphanage to see followed until we came to a large wooden gate in which worth much more. She had just one treatment for all aches and pains ... senna My mother knew that with her two children out of the children: he came into our playroom with a box of Mars bars, one for was set a small door. pods, we would dread reporting sick! Every summer evening we would watch the way she could earn money by taking in lodgers. She each of us. We couldn’t believe it - it would have taken us a whole A sign read: her from our dormitory window, pristine in her uniform, walking the school dog had agreed with the orphanage to provide all our clothes month’s pocket money to buy one. He spoke to us and sat down at our Paddy around the walled garden. She was a grand lady, loved by all, who helped and to make a yearly contribution towards our keep. Our LANGLEY HALL old honky-tonk piano and played - it sounded terrific. me considerably during the early years at Langley Hall. house in Richmond was ten minutes walk from the He came to see us whenever he could, sometimes accompanied by THE ACTORS’ ORPHANAGE I enjoyed playing games, there were cricket and football for the boys and station which she considered an advantage in attracting very glamorous ladies. He once came with Ivor Novello and three lovely We entered through the door and walked to the main tennis and netball for the girls, also the girls had a badminton court, but then ... a the right type of paying guest. She was thirty-eight years ladies of the stage who were in beautiful dresses and large hats. They entrance to be greeted by Mr. Mowforth, the headmaster, new boy, Gerald, arrived at the orphanage and brought with him a rugby ball and old and a very practical person, having come from a might have been Evelyn Laye, Diana Wynyard and Mary Ellis. and Miss Gardiner, the matron. Our luggage had been sent a pair of boxing gloves. large family in Norfolk where her father was the village Not long after Noël Coward became President there was an incident in advance. After a while, my mother said goodbye to us, Mr. Howells the sports master decided that the boys would play rugby and rector. She was eighteen years younger than my father in the boys’ end. Mr. Mowforth the headmaster was becoming very promising to come and see us on the first visiting day, box each other during the coming winter season. It was not a success. I hated whom she had met when she was a Gaiety Girl on the unpopular with the older boys. He was a strict disciplinarian and would always the last Sunday of every month. I must have both activities and so did most of the boys, so these sports were dropped. London stage. cane on the hand even if school work was poor. On this particular day he howled when she left. At Langley Hall, another sporting highlight in the summer was the cricket I remember the first Sunday in September when my decided to test the fire alarm system. At two in the afternoon he sent all The Actors’ Orphanage was founded in 1896 in match against the Actors’ eleven and we all anticipated a great day from the mother took us to the orphanage. We left our house, the boys to the dormitories and told us to get into bed. The alarm bell Croydon, Surrey, to provide a home for the children of moment the marquee went up several days beforehand. Frank Lawton, an old 6 7