Taylorian Productions presents

A musical celebration of the lives of Flanagan & Allen and The Crazy Gang

23rd August 2007 to 1st September 2007 Gaiety Theatre, Isle of Man

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Performances from 21st December 2007 to 5th January 2008 Tickets on sale from 1st September 2007 with family tickets (2 adult 2 children) available from £45 Taylorian Productions presents

A musical celebration of the lives of Flanagan & Allen and The Crazy Gang

Written by , and in association with

Directed and Staged by John Cumberlidge

Musical Director – Julian Power Assistant Director – Emma Gleave Lighting design by Paul Seed for PSC Productions Sound Design by Alex Linney

The Amateur rights for this production given by arrangement with Josef Weinberger Ltd. Wash and Go Window Cleaners Professional, reliable and friendly service

All island coverage Domestic and commercial work undertaken Conservatory roofs and internal windows cleaned All work fully insured Tel: Aaron 305835

SESSION TIMES 9AM TO 1PM MONDAY TO FRIDAY

CHILDREN AGED 2 TO 5 YEARS WELCOME

WILLASTON PLAYGROUP TELEPHONE 493435 or 420918

OPEN ALL YEAR ROUND INC SCHOOL HOLIDAYS & BANK HOLIDAYS

ST JOSEPHS CHURCH HALL SNAEFELL ROAD WILLASTON & CHESNEY ALLEN The East End had to put up with plenty during World War II. The Blitz, families being carved up and evacuated to far-flung locations, young men and women risking their lives to fight for their country. But as well as the servicemen and women there was another army, doing an invaluable job of keeping up spirits on the home front. While the bombs were falling, kept a sense of humour, and much of it was down to a cockney comic called Reuven Weintrop ... better known to us as Bud Flanagan.

Bud was born in near Whitchapel on 14 October 1896, where his parents ran a Fish and Chip shop. A Blue Plaque marks the spot today, above the present-day Rosa’s Cafe.

The young Bud studied at the Free School in Bell Lane but his future was to lie neither in academia nor in the purveying of fried fish ... he was headed for the stage. Like a myriad other Jewish artists he took a more Anglo-friendly name, and Bud Flanagan was born.

Bud made a good living on the music halls being a talented comic and songwriter. He was to become well-known for sentimental and comic songs delivered in his gentle cockney tones. And he really sparked when he teamed up with Chesney Allen. Three years Bud’s senior, Allen came from Brighton, and was the perfect foil to Flanagan. Their comedy featured quick-witted, back-and-forth banter. The songs tended to feature Bud singing the melody line while Chesney spoke his words, often slightly behind Bud: the result was relaxed and friendly, and enormously popular on the halls.

World War II saw their peak and kept churning out the hits, including Run Rabbit Run, Underneath the Arches, Shine on Harvest Moon and We’re Gonna Hang Out the Washing on the Siegfried Line.

Flanagan and Allen and the Crazy Gang moved into television in the fifties. And in 1963, Bud Flanagan appeared in his own TV sitcom: Bud. Flanagan was now a wealthy man, having invested his showbiz cash in betting shops (having shrewdly seen that his style of humour and dance was on the wane). The new show employed a format used many time since, with the comic appearing as a fictionalised version of himself: think Garry Shandling and Seinfeld. Old friends such as Chesney Allen, the Crazy Gang’s Charlie Naughton, plus and Jack Hylton and Monsewer Eddie Gray all appeared, and delighted a new audience.

Chesney Allen was to retire shortly afterwards, putting his health before work (and he was to live until 1982). Bud Flanagan, though, kept working until his death. His last job, recorded in 1968, was a pastiche of those old wartime hits, called Who Do You Think You Are Kidding Mr Hitler. The writer was a young talent called , looking for atmosphere for a new sitcom he was writing with David Croft. The show was Dad’s Army and the rest is history ... there can’t be a person in Britain who doesn’t know Bud Flanagan’s voice. THE CRAZY GANG The members were: Bud Flanagan, Chesney Allen, Charlie Naughton, Teddy Knox, Jimmy Nervo, Jimmy Gold and occasionally ‘Monsewer’ Eddie Gray. Essentially the gang comprised three double acts; Flanagan & Allen, Naughton & Gold and Nervo & Knox (with some input from Gray).

The gang appeared first Back row left to right: Bud Flanagan, Chesney Allen in George Black’s stage Front row left to right: Charlie Naughton, Teddy Knox, shows ‘Crazy Weeks’ and Jimmy Nervo and Jimmy Gold. ‘Crazy Months’ at the , which later became their adopted home, and as they grew older they became a national institution. They presented a gorgeous rag-bag of old jokes and sight gags, interspersed with knowing winks to the audience.

To the Crazy Gang nothing was sacred and they even played on royalty. When Queen Elizabeth II made her first appearance in the Royal Box following the birth of Prince Charles, Jimmy Nervo appeared on stage with a rocking horse and said “Here you are missus, here’s something for the nipper!”

They all had their own styles and brought different things to the performances, Teddy Knox was very dapper and the brains behind the majority of the sketches, Jimmy Nervo excelled in grotesque female impersonations. Nervo and Knox had a technique of entering other acts and causing chaos wherever they went. Charlie Naughton and Jimmy Gold were more routine, but Gold was a brilliant stooge and was always blamed for communal misfortunes.

‘Monsewer’ Eddie Gray was a part-time member of the gang and was as uncontrollable off stage as he was on. His favourite practical joke was talking to a post box, which he swore has a man inside and asking a crowd to stand by and keep him cheerful while he fetched the police. He would leave them standing talking to the post box and not come back!

They had all had entertainment success before the Crazy Gang but not of the same magnitude. It was natural for them to get together as they shared a similar style of comedy and worked regularly on the same bills at the same theatres.

The Crazy Gang, were hugely popular. They filled music halls and theatres up and down the country and were favourites of King George VI. The Gang did numerous Royal Command performances, as well as private shows for the Royal Family.

By the late 1930s the Crazy Gang were making movies, their first being O-Kay for Sound in 1937. But it was during the war that Flanagan and the rest were to hit the heights. The movie came out in 1940, their irreverent contribution to the war effort. Other films starring the Crazy Gang include Alf’s Button Afloat in 1938 and Life at the Circus in 1958. With the gang unable to feed off the audience they were unable to use their great skill of ad-libbing and sadly the films were never as successful as the stage shows. ‘Monsewer’ Eddie Gray FLORRIE FORDE Florence Mary Flannagan was born August 27th, 1876 in Richmond, Victoria, . Her father died when she was young and she took her Step-father’s name Forde.

She ran away at 16 and went to Sydney, where she found work in the music halls and theatres. She had a natural talent and gained some local notoriety. Her talent was noticed by a touring Englishman who offered her a job. At 21 she left for were she was an immediate hit, and often worked several halls per night.

Florrie had a powerful stage presence, and specialised in songs that had powerful and memorable choruses, in which the audience were encouraged to join. She was well known for her powerful voice and performing her shows without the need of a microphone.

In 1903 she made her first recording. She is also noted for bringing fellow Aussie Billy Williams to one of her Edison recording sessions in 1906, where she encouraged him to sing his hit John, Go and Put Your Trousers On. She would remain close friends with Williams until his death in 1915. She was a prolific recording star on 78s as well as cylinders. It is interesting to note that Forde signed a contract with Edison in 1909 to record her songs. She was paid 40 pounds upon signing and 7 guineas for each Blue Amberol recorded, but only 5 guineas for a 2-minute wax. In all she made over 700 recordings.

She married in 1909 and was soon drawing top billing, singing songs such as Down At The Old Bull And Bush and Has Anybody Here Seen Kelly?. Florrie appeared in the very first Royal Command Performance in 1912. Her most famous songs during , were some of the best known of the period, including Pack Up Your Troubles In Your Old Kit Bag and her version of It’s A Long Way To Tipperary was very popular.

Florrie Forde formed her own travelling Review in the 1920s. It provided a platform for new rising stars, the most famous being the singing duo of Flanagan and Allen.

Florrie also spent a lot of time on the Isle of Man performing at the Derby Castle ballroom stage from 1900 to 1937 (excluding the war years) and first appeared here in September 1900. She even had a bungalow at Niarbyl Bay on the west coast of the island where she often spent her Sundays relaxing.

Florrie was noted for making impressive quick changes of flamboyant costumes, hats and shoes after singing each number and would make 5 changes per night, each taking place within a few seconds. An article in The Examiner (Isle of Man) of 2/7/70 describes her as “well proportioned”.

Florrie kept performing right up to her death in 1940, when she collapsed and died shortly after performing in a concert for troops in Aberdeen, Scotland. PROFESSIONAL PHOTOGRAPHY FOR ALL OCCASIONS Weddings • Portraiture • Commercial • Advertising Public Relations • Functions • Social Events Image Manipulation • Restoration Photographic goods retailers [t] 01624 673111 [e] [email protected] [w] www.keigs.co.uk 51 Strand Street, Douglas, Isle of Man IM1 2EJ

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01624 853664 NEW SHOWROOM OPENING SEPT 07. SPRING VALLEY IND EST, BRADDAN The Home of the Crazy Gang

There has been a theatre on the Victoria Palace site since 1832, originally known as Moy’s Music Hall it has been demolished and rebuilt several times. The arrival of electricity and other early 20th century theatrical technology meant that drastic changes were needed. The oldest licensed music hall in London was demolished again and in 1910, no expense was spared and Frank Matcham’s Victoria Palace cost the huge sum of £12,000 to build.

From February 1945, the theatre renewed its connection with variety for a season and on the 17th April 1947 the Crazy Gang took to the stage. They played at the Victoria Palace for an incredible 15 years with their final performance taking place on 19th May 1962. An Interview with Patrick Taylor of Taylorian Productions ‘It’s everything I expected it to be and more - the entertainment value is colossal! ‘This is a chance to see a London show in the Isle of Man.’ That’s the belief of the man behind Taylorian Productions, Patrick Taylor, who can’t help but wax lyrical about this musical celebration. ‘The idea of forming a company and doing a summer show appealed and, because of its quality, the opportunity for a local theatre company to perform Underneath the Arches in the Isle of Man simply couldn’t be missed. Add the fact John Cumberlidge has both performed in and directed Underneath the Arches, it was a pretty obvious choice really!’ It’s also pretty obvious how much pleasure Patrick derives from his involvement in theatre. An ‘untroubled joy’ is how he describes Patrick Taylor his contribution in recent years, both in his role as patron and main sponsor of the Manx Operatic Society but, particularly, through treading the boards himself! ‘This is my chance to give something back to the Island community for what it has given me - an enormous sense of fulfilment.’ Since moving to the Island with his family 20 years ago, Patrick and his Port St Mary based company, Monarch Assurance PLC, have sponsored a number of activities and events. As a highly acclaimed English solicitor, nothing has given him greater pleasure than swapping the drama of the courtroom for that of the Gaiety stage. And he credits Taylorian Productions’ co-founder, Matthew James, for the opportunity. ‘Meeting Matthew and getting involved in theatre has really opened my eyes and given me a new zest,’ he said. ‘It’s provided me with many years of happiness and, as long as I can go on and so long as there are people alongside me who are willing to run the company, I hope we will continue to bring shows to the Isle of Man.’ And there’s no doubt about the watchword with Underneath the Arches where Patrick is concerned. ‘It has to be the comedy,’ he added. ‘There’s glamour, there’s great music, but for me, every time I read this script, there are parts that make me laugh out loud. The gaffes embellish a great script. I hope this production brings much remembered theatrical entertainment to the Manx public and beyond.’ Patrick promises a surprise for members of the audience during every performance and his message is simple: ‘Sit back, enjoy and leave any semblance of sanity at the box office!’

Left to right: Directors of Taylorian Productions Matthew James, Patrick Taylor and Assistant Director Emma Gleave.

Thursday 3rd – Saturday 12th July 2008 Taylorian Productions proudly presents ...... watch this space

CAST IN ORDER OF APPEARANCE

Chesney Allen Matthew James Jimmy Gold Gary Corkill Teddy Knox Bob Harrison Monsewer Eddie Gray Mike Trout Jimmy Nervo John Short Charlie Naughton Lindsay Riordan Bud Flanagan Tony Hawkes Registrar Neil Callin Chorus Girl Kathryn Briggs Alec Hurley Neil Callin The Mavis Prune Quartet Sian Callow, Rhian Evans, Sherrie Poultney & Rachel Wild The Great Herbert Gary Chatel Assistant David Dawson Miss Jacquetta De Mille Olivia O’Shea Precious Man Callum Taylor Seaman Gary Chatel 1st American Boy Gary Chatel 2nd American Boy Matthew McBrier Boxing Promoter Neil Callin Charlie Martin David Dawson Producer David Dawson Sergeant-Major Flanagan Neil Callin Curly Rachel Wild Florrie Forde Trish Fargher Dorcas Olivia O’Shea Duke of Norfolk Patrick Taylor Winston Churchill Patrick Taylor

THE GAIETY BOYS AND GIRLS

Victoria Ball, Laura Breadner, Kathryn Briggs, Neil Callin, Sian Callow, Gary Chatel, Kathryn Crooks, David Dawson, Becky Dawson, Natalie Dawson, Rhian Evans, Rebecca Lawrence, Matthew McBrier, Olivia O’Shea, Sherrie Poultney, Callum Taylor, Rachel Wild, Joe Wylde.

THE GAIETY THEATRE ORCHESTRA

Musical Director Julian Power Keyboards Mary Leaver Clarinet/Alto Sax Anthony Barnsley Clarinet/Tenor Sax Les McCready Trumpet Simon Briggs Trombone Mark Halliday Bass Mark Burrows Percussion James Davis MUSICAL NUMBERS ACT I

Overture and Opening Company Just for Laughs Company Forget-me-not Lane Bud and Chesney ‘Arry, ‘Arry Bud Just For Laughs Mavis Prune Quartet The Boers have got my Daddy Precious Man Say Ta –Ta to your Tar Company FDR Jones Company If a Grey Haired Lady Male Company The Umberella Man Bud, Chesney and Company Always on the Outside Bud and Chesney Mr Right Curly Florrie Forde Medley Florrie and Company Hey Neighbour, Hometown, Underneath the Arches Bud, Chesney & Company

ACT II

Pantomime Bud, Gang & Company Well done Gordon Company Free Bud and Chesney The Palladium Crazy Gang The Gang They’re Building Flats Where The Arches Used to Be Bud and Chesney Broken Blossoms Bud and The Gang Siegfried Line Company Run Rabbit The Gang and Company Maybe it’s because I’m a Londoner Company and Audience Just for Laughs Bud and Chesney Music Maestro Please Bud Just for Laughs, Strollin’ Bud, Chesney, The Gang and Company Lindsay Riordan

Jimmy Gold & Charlie Naughton

Bud Flanagan &

Gary Corkill

Tony Hawkes

‘Monsewer’ Eddie Gray

Mike Trout John Short

Jimmy Nervo & Teddy Knox

Chesney & Allen

Bob Harrison

Matthew James

Florrie Forde

Trish Fargher THE GAIETY BOYS AND GIRLS

Neil Callin

Gary Chatel

David Dawson

Matthew McBrier

Callum Taylor

Joe Wylde

Sian Callow

Rhian Evans

Rebecca Lawrence THE GAIETY BOYS AND GIRLS

Olivia O’Shea

Victoria Ball

Laura Breadner

Kathryn Briggs

Kathryn Crooks

Beckie Dawson

Natalie Dawson

Sherrie Poultney

Rachel Wild John Cumberlidge Direction and Staging March 2nd 1982 at the , London, marked my West End debut in Underneath the Arches. The whole experience for a young performer was a dream come true. It is with absolute respect for, and admiration of, the wonderful people who created and performed “Underneath the Arches”, that makes this experience, 25 years later, such a thrill. Now as then the guidance, talent and energy of the shows original star and co-writer, Roy Hudd has been an inspiration. For this production to be the very first theatrical event of Taylorian Productions, has made the rehearsal and extensive planning period a particularly enjoyable one. The respect , support and friendship of Taylorian directors Mr Patrick Taylor and Mr Matthew James has known no bounds - “Thank you Gentlemen” – along with a remarkable company of performers and production staff headed by the wonderful Emma Gleave, Assistant Director, their energy and enthusiasm for this theatrical experience has been both exciting and moving. After Underneath the Arches, John’s performing career continued in theatre, La Cage aux Folles () and The Wizard of Oz (RSC); television: Love Story, Parkinson, Halls of Fame with Roy Hudd, A Night of 100 Stars, Royal Variety Shows; many award ceremonies; and cabaret in the Talk of London revues. Provincial credits include My Fair Lady, Abracadaver with Frank Langella, The Boy Friend and many others. As a director and choreographer, John has received critical acclaim for his productions of , Oliver!, Kiss Me Kate, Kismet, The Best little Whorehouse in Texas, Scrooge – The Musical, Jekyll & Hyde - The Musical, Jesus Christ Superstar, Back to the 80’s, Sweeney Todd, Mack & Mabel, My Fair Lady, The King & I, La Cage aux Folles, and Me & My Girl when he received a Best Director’s Award at the First International Festival of Music Theatre. He achieved great personal success and satisfaction, tutoring at the NODA musical performers’ courses at Warwick and Loughborough Universities, when he studied Jesus Christ Superstar, Evita, West Side Story, Sunset Boulevard and Sweeney Todd. John also specialises in period hair design and make-up. He has his own small company which styles and co-ordinates video and television productions. It was back in 1982, through “Underneath the Arches”, that John had the privilege to meet Chesney Allen. It is without doubt that performers such as Flanagan and Allen and the Crazy Gang crafted light entertainment as we know it today. It is in their memory that John would like to dedicate this show- Thanks Boys! Production Team for Taylorian Productions

Assistant Director Emma Gleave

Musical Director Julian Power

Rehearsal Pianist Mary Leaver

Rehearsal Pianist Karen Corkill

Front of House Christine Breadner

BACKSTAGE CREW WARDROBE Helen Clarke Diane Killip Paul Devereau Megan Beattie Tony Eccles Debbie Beck Lisa James Amy Jolley Fiona Mackey Pat Lowe Emma Percival Ann Maiden Mike Percival Kayleigh Parkinson Louisa Thomas Jacqui Simpson ______Moroneys

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FOR THE GAIETY THEATRE

Heritage Manager Mervin Stokes MBE Technical Manager Seamus Shea Stage Manager Graham Bayliss Asst Stage Manager Ted Faragher Sound & Light Technician Alex Davidson Asst Sound & Light Tecnician Carl Crellin Duty Front of House Managers Neill Cowin & John Foster Ticket Office Elaine McLaren, Pauline Moran Sean Kenny & Les Burrow House Keeper Derek Hibbert Chaplain Rev Ernest Pettengell MA Acknowledgements Taylorian Productions would like to take this opportunity to thank the companies, organisations and individuals whose invaluable support has aided the production of this show. As there have been so many people who have been involved, we apologise if we’ve missed your name off.

All the advertisers who booked space in the programme St Peter’s Church and St Matthew’s Church for the use of their Church Halls for rehearsals Christine Wild for the use of her hall Patrick Taylor for the use of his house Mary Leaver & Karen Corkill rehearsal pianists Paul Whittaker, Steve Moore and everyone at Mannin Media Bob Harrison, James Davis and everyone at Manx Radio Manx Independent Carriers Mervin Stokes and all the Staff of the Gaiety Theatre and Box Office Team Christine Breadner for taking charge Front of House and her team of Programme Sellers St John’s Ambulance and British Red Cross for their attendance at the Theatre The Friends of the Gaiety for their continued support. ICR Ltd for providing the monitor equipment Steve and the staff at Keig’s Andrew Barton Neil Callin for compiling the programme Linda Reiss for supplying the props Ray Johnson for his informative evening on the History of Music Hall Martin Heywood Steve Dawson and Margaret Jones at the Villa Gaiety Complex James and Judy Davis for all their hard work on the Publicity Adele’s IOM The Wardrobe team and Dressers for help backstage. The Backstage Crew Allied Irish Offshore for their kind donation. Academy Costume Hire Birmingham Costume Hire Costume Hire Kudos Productions The Harlequin Emporium ST6 Costumes NSOS Costume Department Costume North Manchester DSC Costume Hire NSOS Scenic & Prop Department Mr Peter Waddell & Mr Alan Brain Mr Steven Metcalfe The Wig Room J.C. Wigs Bromley Wig Centre Carole Bairstow

EVACUATION NOTICE If you are asked to evacuate the building please do so as quickly as possible and leave by the nearest exit to which you are directed by the staff. In the event of an emergency which, by necessity, requires that this theatre be evacuated you, as a member of the audience, are requested to co-operate by paying strict attention to any instructions either announced from the stage or given by a member of staff of this theatre. DO NOT run or push. DO NOT turn back or stop to collect personal belongings, DO NOT re-enter the building for any reason until officially told to do so. DO NOT act in a manner that could cause obstruction to emergency services attending the building to deal with the emergency. Avoid panic at all costs. Proceed in an orderly manner to a place of safety away from the building. N.B. All gangways, passages and aisles shall be kept entirely free from obstruction Persons shall not be permitted to stand in any gangways or aisles The safety curtain shall, at all times, be maintained in working order and shall be lowered and raised during the time of every performance Patrons are respectfully reminded that this is a NO SMOKING Theatre and NO PHOTOGRAPHY is allowed in the Auditorium. eath the A dern rche “Un s”

manxradio h th erneat e Arch Und or es” “ just listening in Bride, Castletown, Ramsey, St Johns, Peel, Onchan, Port St Mary, Douglas, Ballaugh or Port Erin Always guaranteed a good reception with man dio You xra y rs from 1964 until toda FM 89 – 103 ; AM 1368