The magazine of the Somerset Fellowship of Drama Charity No. spotlight October 2014 1084863

AGM elects new Chairman • Member reps introduced • Fees increased for groups • Constitution updated A series of significant changes were agreed at this year’s AGM. Following David Jenkins’ decision to step down after six years in the chair, Philip de Glanville was elected as the new Chairman with Di Dean continuing in her role as Vice Chairman. Lyn Lockyer is to take over the County Drama Festival for this year because Philip will be abroad for an extended period: Nigel Strawbridge, who was at the meeting, takes over from Richard Derry as Treasurer and both Pam Hillier and June Jenkins have joined the New Chairman Philip de Glanville (left) with some of the new committee since the last SFD as Original faces around the committee table. From top: Lyn Lockyer, June Playwriting coordinator and Minutes Secretary Jenkins, Pam Hillier and Nigel Strawbridge. respectively. Members agreed to the proposal to introduce four Member Representatives onto the In this month’s Spotlight… committee, loosely based on four geographical areas: north, south, east and west. They also News 2 agreed to a proposal to include members of Remembering Gordon Neagle 3 affiliated drama groups as SFD members, County Drama Festival 4 having all the benefits of membership of the Meet Lyn Lockyer 5 SFD with the exception of voting rights. Original Playwriting Competition 6 Why we won’t be entering the Cinderella These changes were part of a range of matters Competition by Sam Allen 6 that were incorporated into an updated The 2014 AGM 7 Constitution, the first update since 2002. SFD Codes of Practice 10 Fees for societies will be increased from £15 to Memories of Sandy Wilson By Sue Pomeroy 11 £25 but will stay the same for individual 19 years at the Chalk Face by Upstager 13 members. This increase is the first in the What’s On 15 history of the independent SFD. Auditions 16 In a change to tradition the meeting, at Ashcott Village Hall, was held in the afternoon rather than the evening, although the numbers attending Submissions for Spotlight welcome. To remained more or less unchanged. [email protected] By 21st of previous month please. All entries are welcome: letters, What’s On, comment, articles, photos etc

1 Chief Executive All ready for Phoebe’s wanted for Taunton’s sixtieth awards night Brewhouse Over 144 tickets have been sold for the diamond jubilee of the Phoebe Rees Less than 6 months after re-opening awards, which will be held in Ilminster’s the Brewhouse Theatre and Arts Centre, Shrubbery Hotel on 11th October. The Taunton Theatre Association has announced it commemorative tickets are adorned by a lovely is seeking a Chief Executive to lead its picture of Phoebe in her heyday. continuing development of high quality The ceremony is being organised by performance across all genres. This follows the coordinator Anna Bowerman and the evening planned steady build-of programmes from will be hosted by former adjudicator and April to September which has seen many moderator designate, Clive Wooldridge. thousands of tickets sold and sell-out performances for Lee Nelson, The Everly A full list of nominations was published in the Brothers featuring Clinton and Stan Rogers, September edition of Spotlight and there will and the upcoming Chris and Pui of Cbeebies be a full report of the evening in next month’s fame. edition. Chair, Val Hammond, said: “It has been an Accessing Spotlight extremely exciting and rewarding time involving a tremendous group of volunteers. One of the many issues discussed Although a great deal of work was needed to over tea at this year’s AGM was access to get the theatre ready for patrons and acts alike, Spotlight. Some people thought that it was only we were determined to achieve this and available to members. Not so! Spotlight is delighted to open the doors in April. Now, with available for everyone to read and it would be our registered charity status and new Trustee great to increase readership as it is intended as Board, it is time to take the next step and a vehicle for amateur thespians to keep in the appoint a theatre professional to help develop picture with drama goings on across Somerset. and lead the next phase of our work.” To read the latest edition anyone can go to the The Brewhouse is home to SFD stalwarts SFD website and register – all we need is an Wayfarers Pantomime Society and is often email address, which we do not divulge to used by Taunton Thespians, who are delighted anyone else and we will certainly not bombard to be returning to the Brewhouse. It has an people with marketing bumf. exciting and varied show list over the next So please encourage all members of your season; details of all events are on the website: drama group to read Spotlight and keep up to www.thebrewhouse.net. date with the world of amateur drama. Those interested in the Chief Executive role please apply by emailing Cinderella Information [email protected] to receive an Dispatched application and information pack. Anyone wishing to volunteer and/or receive e- Details of the 2014/15 Cinderella mailings about The Brewhouse Theatre should Trophy Competition are being sent out by visit the website to register their interest. email by competition coordinator Pam Price. If you do not receive the details you should contact Pam as soon as possible. Her contact What did they say…? details can be found on page 10. New societies are encouraged and we would love to top last I like long walks, especially when they year’s total of 29 entries. are taken by people who annoy me. - Noel Coward

2 Farewell to Gordon Friends and family gathered at St Martin's Church, Kingsbury Episcopi on Wednesday 24th September to say farewell to Gordon Neagle, a stalwart of Somerset drama who, passed away peacefully at Yeovil District Hospital on Tuesday 9th September, aged 67. A committal service followed at Yeovil Crematorium and afterwards friends gathered at the The Warehouse Theatre, Ilminster, to remember him and celebrate his life. An accomplished director, as well as productions at the Warehouse in Ilminster, Gordon directed plays for The Easy Life Theatre Company which he co-founded in 1992, Moorlight Theatre Productions and even as far afield as Scarborough Musical Theatre Company where he directed Indeed, Gordon was a major contributor to the Oliver! in 2009. Through his involvement with SFD where he was an adjudicator and then NODA he worked to help others learn the skills moderator for the Phoebe Rees Trophy, his views needed to direct a successful production and he and input widely respected by everyone. was the driving force behind the David Beach Competition, which he instigated in 2002.

Gordon Neagle – An appreciation By Mike Linham entries and we had a full silver cabinet of Anyone who ever had the privilege donated trophies to send winners home happy. to meet Gordon will know how enthusiastic ordon, also loved directing and, particularly and supportive he always was where theatre G was concerned, no matter what genre, touring, so that he was responsible for the first production or venue was in use at the time. He County Production, Here we go gatherin’, the worked with many groups over the years, both winning Full Length Play from the Original Play in Somerset, and also in Scarborough where he Festival that year, which was staged in a lived for 5 years, before returning to Somerset number of Somerset Venues. For this feat, and a few years ago. From the mid 1990’s he was a his many other Fellowship supporting significant supporter of the Fellowship, activities, he was presented with the Sybil particularly in the period following Thorndyke Trophy. This was one of many ‘Independence’. His first role was Mendip Area trophies he won along the way, including Best Representative and he immediately started Play, Best Show, Best Direction and more. It visiting groups throughout Mendip to ensure was never the winning that was important, it he knew them and their needs well. As with was doing the best he could that mattered. If he everything he did, this commitment was a was up against a better production he was very beginning and a few years later, he became an happy to acknowledge the fact and would Adjudicator for the Phoebe Rees Trophy. He celebrate with the winners. He was always progressed to Moderator and then led the way encouraging people to aim high and, as a true to setting up the David Beach Trophy Amateur, to maximise the enjoyment in the Competition in 2002, for which he was the first journey involved in any production. His Moderator and Co-ordinator. At this point we contribution to the Fellowship’s activities was were not sure how popular it might be. Of always good-natured and to the benefit of all course, with Gordon at the helm we need not who wanted to share the experience with him. have worried. By year end, there had been 17 We were always grateful to have him as a member of our ‘cast’.

3 County Drama Festival 2015 By Lyn Lockyer Lyn Lockyer is in charge for the County Drama Festival in 2015. Here she brings March 2015 is nearly half a year us up to date on plans for next year’s away but already people around Somerset are event thinking about the next one-act play festival season. first-served basis and all must be in It starts with our own County Drama Festival by Friday 31st January. which will be held over the weekend 21st/22nd The SFD no longer charges an entry fee, but March at The Warehouse Theatre, Ilminster bear in mind that you will need a licence to (pictured right) and adjudicated by Meryl Duff perform in a Festival, if your play has been who is a GODA Associate. The overall winner published, and that this will cost around £46. will be invited to perform again at the next level which is the Wessex Divisional Quarter Final to be held at the The Olympus Theatre, S. Gloucester and Stroud College on 18th April. Looking further ahead, the next level – the Western Area Semi Final is at Barrington a Theatre, Ferndown on May 16th, and the English Final will be at a The Harrogate Theatre, Harrogate on June 6th. Always remember that which you think is impossible is always possible and the British Final is at the Wilde Theatre, Bracknell on July 3rd and 4th. Youth entries are particularly welcome. There is no reason why they shouldn’t be our CDF winners (though this hasn’t yet happened in Somerset despite some very strong entries A few notes about your play: over the years) but the winning youth entry Your play must not be more than 55 minutes, will certainly be invited to represent us at the max, because it has to comply with the All Five Counties Youth Festival. Theatre Festival rules, so if what you Original scripts are also very much have in mind is longer than this do please apply encouraged and often do remarkably well. at once to the publishers to see if cuts are Unless you are up to writing your own there acceptable. The minimum length is 20 minutes. are some good ones amongst those entered in An extract from a full-length play is perfectly this year’s SFD Original Playwriting OK as long as it is capable of standing alone, Competition, and if you’d like to have a look at and as long as you can get permission to them please contact Pam Hillier. Her contact perform it. Additionally there have to be at details are on the Original Play page of the SFD least two speaking parts, and it is worth noting website. There is of course no licence fee to pay that adjudicators tend to favour larger cast and the SFD offers directors £100 to help with plays, all else being equal. The standard of production costs, if you choose one of Pam’s acting, if you are entering a two-hander, has to short-listed ones. be exceptionally high if you want to have a chance of winning, so do start rehearsals in Anyway, if you have a one-act play in mind do good time! You can read the AETF rules in full let Lyn Lockyer know about it as soon as (there aren’t many) on the AETF website: possible so that she can register your interest. www.aetf.org.uk Her contact details are [email protected] or telephone 07787 942 459. There is room for no more than 12 entries, with two sessions on the Saturday and a possible two sessions on the Sunday. Each session will have three plays in it. Entries will be accepted on a first-come

4 Lyn Lockyer is taking the helm for the 2015 County Drama Festival. Many of you may know Lyn already, but for those who Meet Lyn Lockyer don’t, we asked her to tell us a little bit about herself and her involvement in The personal bits about me, for those amateur drama who may be interested are that I live in Yeovil, am married and have 3 children and 6 grand- children, which includes 2 sets of twin boys who are both currently under one year. Apart from family my other interests are volunteering for the National Trust at Montacute House and being a school governor. However since I was five, that is some while ago now, I have had a keen interest in the theatre. It all started with my being cast as a Christmas Tree..... Up until now I have directed mostly for the Swan Theatre in Yeovil and occasionally for the Civic Players and a couple of Youth Groups. I have also taken part in plays too numerous to mention over the years from walk on roles to leading lady and yet I've always ended up at the get out being the one who cleans the loos! For the past 5 years I have been fortunate enough to be an adjudicator for the Somerset Fellowship of Drama’s Phoebe Rees competition. Although this means I have to travel quite a few miles, often in inclement weather, once even managing to collide with a enormous shoes. It's not an easy task and I do deer on the way home one dark January hope that not only will you go easy on me as I evening, and spend quite a bit of time writing make my way through the paperwork etc but adjudications within the time frame given, I also encourage your society to enter a LOVE IT. It is always an absolute privilege to production. Its great fun, a good opportunity come and see how other groups move things to try out new work, new skills and new roles from page to stage. I have picked up many good and of course see what others are up to and ideas and learnt a great deal. make new friends. The details of the competition are in Spotlight and I hope that So the next stage in my theatrical interests is between us we will do Philip and Somerset to try to coordinate the County Drama One Act Drama proud. I look forward to hearing from Play Festival. This is taking place during the you and meeting you. weekend of 21st and 22nd March at The

Warehouse Theatre in. Ilminster with Meryl Lyn Lockyer Duff, a GODA adjudicator. Philip de Glanville, [email protected] who many of you will know, has decided to go 07787 942 459 travelling... Leaving me to try and fill his

And then there was the time… Embarrassing theatre tales are not confined to the players as Lyn Gardner of the Guardian confirms:

“As a student, I once went to see a 90-minute performance of Romeo and Juliet with a friend, and we were the only members of the audience. We both laughed at the funny bits a little too loudly, and when Juliet killed herself (very prettily), my companion burst into applause and was overcome with shame when he realised what he had done. Afterwards, he said it was sheer nerves that had made him do it.”

5 14 scripts for the Original Playwriting Competition By Pam Hillier Original Playwriting Competition Coordinator Well there are certainly 14 very Pam Hillier brings us up to date with this year’s competition. creative people out there! Yes, we have received 14 scripts for the Original Playwriting Competition this year, covering a huge variety of topics. The Reading Panel are currently We are hoping to be able to get feverishly reading scripts and recording their three of the short-listed scripts directed and comments. The three of us will be meeting produced for entry into the County Drama towards the end of October to review the Festival next March. There would be no licence scripts and come up with a selection to be fee to pay and the SFD offers directors £100 to short-listed. All authors will be receiving help with production costs. If any group is feedback on their scripts and we will then be interested in this aspect of the competition, asking for copies of the short-listed scripts to please get in touch. upload to the SFD website. The short-listed scripts will also be featured in the November The award for Best Script will be made during edition of Spotlight. the County Drama Festival and there will also be awards for Highly Commended runners-up.

Why we won’t be entering the Cinderella Competition By Sam Allen we have received over the years both I, and the I love pantomime. It was my first societies I belonged to, have grown and experience of amateur theatre (apart from developed over that time. school plays) and I fell in love with the genre. Like Marmite, I expect people either love it or And this year I find myself in the bittersweet hate it. I love it because it contains everything. position of being Cinderella Trophy Moderator. Top pantomime requires superb acting; it I thought I would have to withdraw from being demands comedic intelligence; and it combines on the stage because it would be impossible to physical theatre with witty banter. It also be a disinterested and objective arbiter when it involves singing and dancing at a very high came to my own society’s show. And I did not level and has the added joy of the comedy want to ask my society to withdraw from the numbers. Cinderella Trophy for two reasons: firstly I know they look forward to , and appreciate, the It demands exquisite special effects, adjudication; and secondly, I think that some of outrageous costumes, and superb lighting and our members would be in line for at the very sound effects. The pacing is varied, the natural least a nomination and very possibly a trophy, rhythms leading to periods of suspense, shock, and I didn’t want to deny them that. fear and rollicking laughter. But most of all, it involves the audience in a way that no other But to my enormous pleasure they insisted genre can hope to emulate. They flock to the that they would withdraw from the theatre knowing their parts and prepared to competition so that I could once again tread the play them to the full. I genuinely do not boards. I will be eternally grateful to them for understand why people fail to enjoy that. The that decision. whole thing is done with such a wonderful And we have found a compromise: we will ask sense of tongue very firmly in cheek that it is SFD for a non-competitive adjudication so we hard not to fall under its spell. get the benefit of their advice even if we lose And in the thirty years that I have been out on the recognition and the gongs. involved in pantomime I have relished the SFD I’ve been cast as the dame and rehearsals are Cinderella Trophy Competition and welcomed already under way. I’ll let you know how I get its critique. I truly believed that through the on! thoughtful and constructive adjudications that

6 The 2014 SFD Annual General Meeting

There was a new venue and a new time for Somerset Fellowship of Drama’s AGM but the numbers in attendance were more or less on a par with previous years. That was despite the tempting promise of cream teas and cakes, which were greatly appreciated as members assembled before the meeting began. Chairman David Jenkins reviewed the year before confirming his resignation, as reported in last month’s spotlight, and stepping down. Secretary Pat Hollis and new He said, “What a year it has been; many ups Chairman Philip de Glanville and downs and some problems but many successes. All the main competitions have had certificates to accounts. She is a wonder. an increase in entries but we are still struggling Thank you so much for all your help Pat.” to recruit adjudicators. If it had not been for certain members (you know who you are) who In Richard Derry’s absence the Treasurer’s have worked extremely hard to keep Report was presented by Philip de Glanville. everything on track, some of the competitions Philip explained that the loss in the year of would have been in jeopardy. When you over £5,000 was due in part to the failure to consider the very high standard of drama, account for some major expenditure in the musicals and panto’s in Somerset, there must previous year. Even so, the organisation was be a great source of talented actors, directors now losing money and as a result the and backstage staff out there that can take on committee is recommending an increase in fees these important roles.” for societies. He went on to thank the outgoing coordinator Philip also introduced the new Honorary of Original Playwriting Competition, Jane Treasurer, Nigel Strawbridge, who had audited Edwards and to welcome her successor, Pam this year’s accounts and who is formally taking Hillier. He also paid tribute to all the other over the accounts from now. committee members, moderators and Following those reports looking backwards, it adjudicators and to photographer Roger Price. came time to consider the future and, with He said, “You have all worked so hard to keep Philip standing down the sole nominee for things running smoothly. I also wish to thank Chairman was Philip de Glanville who was past adjudicators who stepped in to help us in unanimously and enthusiastically elected. In our hour of need. Well done everyone!” his acceptance speech he thanked David for his Special thanks was reserved for Honorary service over the previous six years. He said, Secretary Pat Sollis who David called a “special “David has undoubted people skills in dealing lady”. To enthusiastic applause from the floor with difficult situations. I will long remember he said, “Pat is instrumental in providing the you for the human qualities you brought to the support required for the organisation of all the job.” He then presented David with a bottle of above, also helping out in so many different whiskey and a framed photograph as a areas when needed, from the printing of memento of his time as Chairman.

7 plan to incorporate members of affiliated societies into the membership of the SFD. Di Dean was then re-elected as Vice Chairman and Philip told us that Sherry Briggs will be standing down as Membership Secretary but she has generously offered to stay in post until a replacement can be found. He also said we need a Training Coordinator, which he called a “fun little job” and a Youth Activities Coordinator to represent youth on the committee and to resurrect the Autumn Youth Festival. Philip said, “The standard of youth is incredibly high. The Five Counties is a terrific festival.” He welcomed and thanked June Jenkins as the Outgoing Chairman David Jenkins (left) is Minutes Secretary and said as the other presented with a farewell gift by his successor executive committee members were Philip de Glanville confirmed. The issue of membership fees was discussed at

length with representation from the floor that Philip then went on to express his gratitude at the fees should increase by even more than the being elected saying, “I’ve never been the committee had recommended. The matter chairman of anything before!” He spelt out his went to a vote and by a majority show of hands vision for the future saying that we need to the committee’s recommendations were build on the things we do well and work on adopted. The meeting was also informed of those areas where we are not doing so well. increases in competition entry fees (which is One example he cited was this venerable not a matter requiring AGM approval) and publication: “Spotlight is only downloaded by again some felt these should be a larger about 100 people a month,” he said, “We must increase but it was accepted that the increase try to encourage more people to read it.” should be kept as the committee decided and He said that we should take most pride in our should be subject to a review next year. three major competitions and welcomed Clive Unfortunately the recipients of the traditional Wooldridge, (who was unable to be at the annual trophies were both absent. They were meeting) as the new moderator for the Phoebe announced as Lyn Lee Brown form Castaways Rees Competition. He also said that the in Yeovil who was awarded the Pat Hudson presentations evenings go well thanks to the Trophy for services to youth theatre; and Ros hard work of the coordinators. His thanks to Dolding of Polden Productions who received them was met with supportive applause. the Sybil Thorndike Trophy for her He also welcomed Pam Hillier who has taken contribution to amateur drama. the reins of the Original Playwriting Under ‘any other business’, Jacqueline Roberts Competition and who has gathered together a proposed a vote of thanks to the women on the small team of readers to support her. committee for arranging such a lovely spread He spoke about the County Drama Festival, and Freddie Greenop emphasised the need to being taken over by Lyn Lockyer for this year have good presentation evenings with the main and noted that the fact that festival winners award being the pinnacle of the evening. from Somerset frequently go on to significant And finally, an informal vote was taken about success on the national stage. This, he said, was whether the AGM was better in the afternoon a reflection of the very high standards of or evening. It was overwhelmingly agreed that amateur drama that we have in the county. afternoon was best, but since the vote only And then he talked about the introduction of included people who actually attended in the Member Representatives on the committee to afternoon, it may not be an unbiased ensure members’ voices are heard, and the representation!

8 Fees to increase Member Reps The AGM agreed to a proposal to increase society subscription fees and needed competition entry fees next year. Membership he AGM agreed to introduce four fees have not increased for fourteen years since T SFD became independent in 2000. The proposed Member Representatives, each responsible for fees are: a geographical area, nominally north, south, Now Proposed east and west. The details of the areas have not Competition entries: £20 £30 yet been finalised as the committee is keen to Society Membership: £15 £25 ensure that areas that have a natural affinity Individual Membership: £10 £10 are kept together. Couples Membership: £15 £15 The committee will meet shortly to agree the details but in the meantime Chairman Philip de The increases are needed to ensure that the Glanville is keen to hear from anyone who may SFD is able to continue to operate in an be interested in taking up one of the roles. environment where costs are increasing. Costs Constitution Updated such as fuel costs and hall hire have increased over the past years. At the same time the The SFD Constitution has been number of individual members is in decline. updated for the first time since 2002. The new There will be no change to individual version will shortly be available on the SFD membership fees. website.

The new committee Name Role Email Tel Philip de Chairman [email protected] 07980 010997 Glanville Di Dean Vice Chairman [email protected] 01458 250852 Pat Sollis Secretary [email protected] 01823 490750 Nigel Treasurer [email protected] 01278 683996 Strawbridge June Jenkins Minutes Secretary [email protected] 01278 786501 Sherry Briggs* Membership [email protected] 01458 273476 Secretary Sam Allen Spotlight Editor [email protected] 01823 322600 Philip de Website Editor [email protected] 07980 010997 Glanville Anna Bowerman Phoebe Rees [email protected] 07980 010997 Coordinator Di Dean David Beach [email protected] 01458 250852 Coordinator Pam Price Cinderella [email protected] 01935 479633 Coordinator Lyn Lockyer County Drama [email protected] Coordinator Pam Hillier Original [email protected] 07894 107170 Playwriting Coordinator Vacant Training Coordinator Vacant Youth Coordinator

*Sherry Briggs will remain as Membership Secretary until a replacement is found

9 SFD Codes of Practice tightened

The Committee has approved tighter ll claims should be submitted at least two Codes of Practice for expenses and gifts in a bid A to reduce costs of running the SFD. This is weeks prior to the end of the SFD financial year th particularly important against a background of (which is 30 June) and again within four increasing costs and the consequential impact weeks of the end of the competition against on fees and the ticket prices for SFD functions. which the claim is made. In some cases this will The new codes are reproduced here in full and mean a minimum of two claims per annum; will shortly be available on the SFD website. claims can be made more frequently if desired. Note: SFD Code of Practice: The Phoebe Rees competition finishes at the Expenses end of October. The David Beach competition, the Original

Playwriting Competition and the County Drama Committee members, competition organisers, Festival finish at the end of the March. adjudicators and moderators carrying out The Cinderella Trophy competition finishes at duties on behalf of the SFD are entitled to claim the end of May. reasonable expenses. Allowable expenses include mileage at the rate agreed by the SFD Code of Practice: committee for travel to and from: Complimentary Tickets • Shows for the purposes of adjudication or moderation • Meetings in connection with All members are expected to pay the full price competitions for tickets to SFD functions with the following Expenses will not be paid for mileage to and exceptions: from awards ceremonies or the AGM, which all members are expected to attend at their own • A guest of honour (who has been cost. invited to present prizes) and partner The competition moderator Incidental expenses will be paid for costs • • Adjudicators incurred in carrying out SFD duties including The competition coordinator stationery and inks used wholly for SFD • purposes but excluding any refreshments • Significant volunteers such as technical taken on SFD business. The treasurer and the support, photographer, etc chairman (or the vice chairman if the claim is • Spotlight reporter for the specific made by the chairman or treasurer) shall be purposes of publishing a review of the the final arbiters of allowable expenses. event • Performers where the event involves The SFD will not pay for gifts for committee entertainment members, adjudicators, moderators or other • Authors of original plays and their SFD members. Small gifts may be given to non- partners when their plays are committee volunteers who help with technical performed at the County Drama or other input, up to a limit of four times the Festival hourly minimum wage. All such gifts must be approved in advance by two committee Note that committee members and honorary members, including one of: the treasurer, the members are not entitled to complimentary chairman or the vice chairman. tickets unless they qualify under one of the above categories. The competition organiser In exceptional circumstances any two of the will determine who is entitled to chairman, the vice chairman and the treasurer complimentary tickets in line with this code of may agree to small gifts for committee practice. members, adjudicators, moderators or other SFD members at the end an extended period of service.

10 Memories of Sandy Wilson 1924 - 2014 Composer, Lyricist, and Playwright

By Sue Pomeroy Sue Pomeroy is a member of Bridgwater Alexander Galbraith Wilson, more Amateur Operatic Society and author of the biography of Brian Buttle: Adventures commonly known as Sandy Wilson, died in in the Playground. This month she th Taunton Somerset on 27 August aged 90. He remembers Sandy Wilson, best known for was born in Sale, Cheshire, but his family writing , who died in moved to Hampstead in London when he was Taunton in August. still quite young. He was educated at Elstree Prep School, Harrow School and Oriel College, in Bloomsbury that really made the show. The Oxford where he gained an English degree. tunes became standards, and for a time Whilst at Oxford he wrote revues for the everyone wanted to do the Charleston: the University Experimental Theatre Club and after packed audiences found some kind of relief graduating he went to Theatre from the austerity of the post-war years in this School on a production course. During the war romantic tribute to a more light-hearted age. he served in the Royal Army Ordnance Corps in n 1970, a revival of The Boy Friend starring Great Britain, Egypt and Iraq. I Judy Carne ran for three months on Broadway and the following year the musical became a much-hyped, multi-coloured film, starring , Christopher Gable and Tommy Tune. The film was directed by Ken Russell who seemed more interested in replicating the Hollywood musicals of the 30s than presenting Wilson’s original setting. Wilson did not like the film at all and refused to attend the premiere. More happily in 1971, he put on a one-man show, Sandy Wilson Thanks the Ladies, In the 1940/50’s big American shows such as and also had success at the Hampstead Theatre Annie Get Your Gun, Oklahoma! and Carousel with His Monkey Wife, a show about a man's dominated musical theatre. Sandy Wilson's relationship with a female chimp! But neither unique talent for intimate and stylish musical of these transferred to the West End and none theatre could have been interpreted as old ever reached the dizzy heights of The Boy fashioned, but his work was highly polished Friend. His autobiography, I Could Be Happy and full of charm and good taste. (1975), ends with a vivid account of The Boy Whilst Sandy Wilson’s many works include Friend in London and New York, and a hurt Caprice 1950, Valmouth 1958, Pieces of Eight appraisal of Russell's film (although he 1959, Divorce Me Darling 1964 and many more, retained great sympathy for Twiggy, whom he he spent a lifetime basking in the success of his liked). In 1994, during an Observer interview outstanding show The Boy Friend a musical marking a 40th anniversary production of The which started life as a short revue at the Boy Friend at the Players’, he was asked his Players' Theatre in 1953. Its immediate success opinion of contemporary popular music. “I've resulted in a longer version which opened in hated it since 1950; ever since ‘rock and roll’ the West End at the Wyndhams Theatre in I’ve turned a deaf ear.” January 1954. The show ran for five years with For many years he lived in South Kensington over 2,000 performances and was a with his partner Chak Yui; the flat was full of revolutionary, a totally new, totally different scores, records, books and memorabilia, and of kind of musical. course a grand piano. But in later years he lived When the show opened in New York in at his country home near Taunton, Somerset, September 1954, the leading lady was Julie watching old films and indulging in his Andrews, making her brilliant Broadway debut. favourite pastime of reminiscing with old It was Wilson’s plaintive but memorable songs, such as I Could Be Happy with You and a Room

11 friends. He died in Taunton on 27th August during I Could Be Happy with You had to be 2014. seen to be believed! In the spring of 1977, Bridgwater Amateur Brian Buttle had chosen a talented cast, with Operatic Society was presenting The Boy many members taking leading roles for the first Friend. The director of the production was time. The spirit and essence of the 1920’s was Brian Buttle and he was aware that Sandy there for all to see in the excellent acting, Wilson, the author and composer of the show, music, dance, costumes and unique set. As lived near Taunton. Following the auditions rehearsals progressed Brian informed the cast Brian contacted Sandy to ask for advice on that Sandy Wilson had said ‘yes’ to his directing the show. Sandy replied saying he invitation to attend a performance of the would be happy to give guidance on certain show... ‘Wow’, were we excited, nervous or aspects when presenting his creation and thus what! Brian had the first of many meetings with ‘the At the Friday night performance, the master’. Few amateur or indeed professional atmosphere was electric and sitting in the front organisations are ever afforded this chance and row of the balcony Sandy Wilson was an Brian took full advantage of the opportunity. interested and attentive member of the Brian and his wife Frances were invited to audience. The society held a drinks reception several ‘show biz’ parties at Sandy’s house, for him following the performance and he was meeting his partner Chak and many show biz very honest, complimentary and generous with friends. his praise for the production. The Boy Friend is a pastiche of characters, BBC Radio Bristol had got to hear of this rare music and dance from the flappers of the occurrence and interviewed him on air the roaring 20s. The young women have flattened following morning. When asked what he chests and cloche hats; the young men wear thought of the society’s efforts to present his bell-bottomed trousers and you can just masterpiece, Sandy commented ’it was nice not imagine a young man entering stage left saying, to have to pretend’. Few societies are ever “I say, anyone for tennis?" Set in a finishing accorded the distinction of an author school in the South of France, the story broadcasting his appreciation of an amateur revolves around the romance of a wealthy boy production of one of his works and the tape and girl who are both attempting to keep their recording of his generous praise remained one family connections a secret. Fast moving, of Brian Buttle’s prized possessions. Brian and stylised, witty and bright, The Boy Friend was a Sandy Wilson continued their association and resounding success for the society. friendship until Brian’s untimely death in 2010. Personally I was elated because I auditioned and won my first ever leading role in a show I Sue Pomeroy was Polly Browne... the poor little rich girl and was really pleased to be playing opposite Brian Epps. Brian took the role of...The Hon Tony Brockhurst... in disguise as an errand boy. Looking back, I remember that our tap dancing About Sandy Wilson… Wilson was born in Sale, Greater Manchester and was educated at Harrow School and Oriel College, Oxford. During the war he served in the Royal Army Ordnance Corps in Great Britain, Egypt and Iraq. While at Oxford he wrote revues for the Oxford University Experimental Theatre Club and then attended the Old Vic Theatre School . Most of his work for the stage was material for revues, such as Hermione Gingold's Slings and Arrows, Laurier Lister's Oranges and Lemons, and See You Later, starring such performers as . He wrote the book, music and lyrics for The Boy Friend for the Players' Theatre in 1953. Its success resulted in a longer version being produced in the West End at Wyndhams Theatre. After its opening in January 1954, over 2,000 performances were put on there. It opened on Broadway in 1954, at the Royale Theater, and introduced in her Broadway debut. The show ran on Broadway for over 480 performances. He died in Taunton, England in 2014, aged 90. He donated his papers to the Harry Ransom Humanities Research Center at the University of Texas at Austin. His autobiography, published in 1975, is titled I Could Be Happy.

12 Nineteen years at the chalk face part 2: The Productions (1967 – 1986) By Upstager In his continuing series, Random Memories of an The Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Octogenarian Spear Carrier, Upstager relates tales of some of the school productions he has Webber musical Joseph and his Amazing been responsible for over the years. Technicolour Dreamcoat was initially written at the behest of their friend, the headmaster of the Wizard waved his wand were made to look Colet Court, the prep department of St. Paul’s. easy. There were just as many boys competing The first public showings were performed by to join his team as there were boys wanting to the boys of Colet Court, the choir school for the be selected for an acting role. His biggest coup cathedral. We were also the prep department came when we put on the stage version of of a public school providing the treble voices Sweeny Todd and had to build a disappearing for the main choir, so we enjoyed the luxury of barber’s chair capable of dispatching a body to having a number of trained voices to take the the cellar in the blink of an eye. [Patent lead in musicals, so Joseph was an obvious available for a small fee on application - extra choice. A Prep School generation of boys and insurance for the cast advisable] parents spans about five years so I was able to reprise some of the more popular shows like I could not have put on these annual plays Joseph, Oliver and Toad of Toad Hall without Bob’s help and indeed that of the long suffering matrons who supervised the nother play that we reprised was Robert A wardrobe ,two parents who led the make up Bolt’s quirky The Baffling of Baron Bolligrew team and a host of other occasional helpers affording a splendid opportunity for the team of boys that Bob James-- who combined his day Oliver was another musical tailor made for job teaching classics with a remarkable talent Boarding Prep Schools. The opening number for designing sets-- had put together to build “Food” could easily have been staged in our and paint the scenery and to act as backstage own Victorian Dining Hall with its long tables crew for the performances. Constructing a and benches [and lousy food as the boys church tower-sturdy enough to bear the weight gleefully alleged]. I have a revealing photo of a of The Magpie [Ian Hislop] and devising a young Ian Hislop lying in a coffin as Mrs. special effect so that an apple glowed red when Sowerberry which I have threatened to

The cast of The Happiest Days of Your Life, 1973. A youthful Ian Hislop is the genial headmaster Mr Pond, Middle Row Centre.

13 forward to his chums on Have I Got News For run thing; I had been known to roust them out You if he ever tries to put me in Private Eye. of bed at 6:00am to work on a tricky scene. As for all high church Woodard foundations I end with a boy’s eye view of school plays in [incidentally King’s College Taunton is also a an article for the school magazine from Woodard school] no expense had been spared Malcolm Lowe aged twelve and three quarters: when the chapel was built. It is very impressive “Plays are fun! There is no second way round it, and it was an ideal venue when, one year, the plays are fun! What is more enjoyable than to main stage was unavailable for us to stage throw yourself, against nerves and common Benjamin Britten’s one act opera, Noyes Fludde. sense on to a plain barren stage, thus coming It was written to be performed by amateur face to face with the most unsympathetic mob of groups and especially children and Britten had spectators since public execution? I am not sure stipulated that the work should be staged in which are better - rehearsals or performances. churches or large halls and never in a regular In rehearsal you can laugh at “bishes” and have theatre. a good giggle at the embarrassing love scenes; Oliver! is one musical where there are so many but back-stage in performances is fantastic fun. good parts for boys that I took the For example I wonder that not one of the controversial decision to cast members of our audience realised that a K.G.B. style watch was staff in the key adult singing roles- Fagin kept on them through drill holes in the scenery. [science master] Nancy [junior matron] Sykes On the evening of the last night in the dining hall [maths master] Mr and Mrs Bumble [French the tea meal became a sandwich construction and reception class teacher]. In the event it was depot. At the end of this meal hordes of an inspired decision, staff and boys shared the sandwiches filled with marmite, Bovril, jam, backstage spills and euphoria as equals and honey –you-name-it-there-was-a-sandwich- of- came to see each other in an entirely different it------were smuggled out and into awaiting light -- a rather frightening science master was tuck-boxes behind the stage, to be consumed seen to be human after all ! During the days of during tenser moments of the play. [A sandwich performance morale was sky high and the is amazingly good for the nerves; much better whole school was buzzing with enthusiasm. than an aspirin] These are only a few of the We always put on our performances in the incidents connected with the play and I am sure that, weighing up this and other evidence, most fourth week of the Summer Term when there will agree that this year’s play, was----like nearly was less likelihood of half the school going all others---immense fun.” down with ‘flu or measles [this was 40 years Next time: A unique theatrical experience – ago before flu and MMR jabs were universal]. taking part in The Sailor’s Horse, a Community Staff running sports teams and other spare Play written for Minehead by Peter Terson and time activities all wanted a share of the boys’ directed by Jon Oram under the umbrella of the free time, so we made do with just 3three Colway Theatre Trust. weeks of very intensive rehearsals before the week of production on the understanding that the Play had priority. It was sometimes a close

Oliver threatened by Bill Sykes

Those Canaan Days from Joseph

14 What’s On 29th October - 1st Nov 20th -22nd November October MOVE OVER MRS ALL MY SONS MARKHAM By Arthur Millar Street Theatre 2nd – 4th October by Ray Cooney IES Strode Theatre, Street JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR The Warehouse Theatre. At 7:30pm By Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Ilminster at 7:30pm Arthur Miller’s All My Sons is a Webber BOX OFFICE: 07943 779880 or moving portrait of an American WODS Musical Theatre from Lanes Garden Shop, Silver family smashed apart in a Company Street collision of ethics, loyalties and The Playhouse, Weston-super- love. Set on an idyllic summer's Mare at 7:30pm plus Saturday November day in Joe and Kate Keller's matinee at 2:30pm backyard, thoughts turn to their This powerful and emotional youngest son who was missing in rock opera dramatises the final 18th - 22nd November action in World War II, when a seven days in the life of Jesus visitor arrives to reveal a secret Christ. In a contemporary AGATHA CHRISTIE'S MURDER ON THE NILE which is to strike at the heart of setting, we see the political the Keller's family life. Taunton Thespians unrest caused by Jesus’ Directed by Phil Turley. Brewhouse Theatre, Taunton at preaching and popularity. It BOX OFFICE: 01458 442846 7.30pm with a Saturday reveals the depth of Jesus’ www.strodetheatre.org.uk struggle with the expectation of matinee at 2.30pm the masses and movingly Young, beautiful, rich and newly portrays his human doubts and married, Kay Mostyn appears to fears… this show will leave a have it all, as she and new lasting impression. husband Simon board the paddle Directed by Laura Grace steamer Lotus for their Leadbetter & Robbie Burns honeymoon cruse on the River BOX OFFICE: 01934 645544 Nile. www.worleoperatic.co.uk/tickets With them, apparently by David Beach entry accident, are Canon Pennefather, Kay’s guardian and 16th – 18th October Jacqueline, Simon’s ex-fiancée. THE VICAR OF DIBLEY Fellow passengers include the adapted from the TV sitcom by aristocratic Miss ffoliett- ffoukes Richard Curtis and Paul and her down-trodden niece Mayhew-Archer Christine, the mysterious Herr Clevedon Players Bressner, Mrs Mostyn's French Princes Hall, Clevedon at maid Louse and the rebellious December Mr Smith (if that is his real 7:30pm name). The Vicar of Dibley is the very 11th - 13th December - IES popular BBC TV sitcom created Murder on The Nile is a classic Agatha Christie story packed full FLINT STREET NATIVITY by Richard Curtis and Paul By Tim Firth Mayhew-Archer, with of autocratic dowagers, bright young things, suspicious Ilminster Entertainments contributions from Kit Hesketh- Society Harvey. It was broadcast from foreigners, exotic locations and a The Warehouse Theatre, 1994 to 2007. plot which twists and turns like the River Nile itself. Ilminster at 7:30pm (Sat 3pm BOX OFFICE: 07816-158445 or matinee). BOX OFFICE: 07943 01275-873405 The script was adapted by Agatha Christie herself from her 779880 or from Lanes Garden www.ClevedonPlayers.co.uk Shop, Silver Street novel entitled Death On The Nile and was said to inspired by her travels to Egypt and further afield with her archaeologist husband Max Mallowen. BOX OFFICE: 01823 283244 or www.tauntonstheatre.org.uk

15 Audrey: Lady (of Checkmate Manor) Bishop, plays Spinster Aunt Viola Bishop, Mrs Coln King, Lady Auditions Bishops' cousin Joan Mrs Reece: group leader who plays many roles, Ilminster Entertainments Society are Lady Bishop's sister and two nieces, the French holding auditions for both their December and maid and Mr Goodbody the solicitor Thelma: plays the romantic lead to Daphne, Lady February shows during October in an effort to Bishops daughter and a spinster aunt give lots of people roles and take the heat out of rehearsals over the Christmas holidays. AUDITION NOTICE FOR Anyone who is interested should please make Hay Fever their way to The Warehouse Theatre for the by Noel Coward auditions. IES run TWT, which is a community Directed by Louise Adams theatre run for amateur dramatic arts. Ilminster Entertainments Society 2015 production 4th – 7th February AUDITION NOTICE FOR Read through Tuesday 14th October The Farndale Avenue Housing Estate Audition Thursday 16th October 7.30pm in The Townswomen's Guild Dramatic Society's Warehouse Theatre foyer Murder Mystery Set in the 1920's The Bliss family is a by David McGillivray and Walter Zerlin Jnr dysfunctional "theatrical" family, who each Directed by Dave Goodall invites guests for the weekend without telling Ilminster Entertainments Society the others. Arriving guests sense the production 10th - 13th December "atmosphere" and suffer an uncomfortable tea, Auditions Monday 6th October and Wednesday dinner and unfathomable word game! Noel 8th October at 7.30pm in The Warehouse Coward's comedy has generated much laughter Theatre foyer at the antics of Bliss vs guests The ladies of Farndale Avenue Womens Institute Characters are: are mustering their talents and preying to the Judith Bliss: retired actress, always over the top, gods of theatre that nothing will go wrong when late 60s they stage their next production, "Murder at David Bliss: Judith's husband, a novelist, early 70's Checkmate Manor". The cast in this piece will Simon and Sorel: their son and daughter - 30's have to have an ability to play multiple Sandy Tirrell: sporty, late 30's admirer of Judith characters. Clara: Judith's former dresser, now the housekeeper Characters are: - 60's Gordon: stage manager and Inspector O'Reilly Richard: Sorel's guest, a correct diplomat - 40s Felicity: a young mum who plays Pawn the Butler, Myra: vampish 30+, invited by Simon Colonel King, Jackie: ingénue flapper, 20s, David's guest

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