This
performance marks a notable milestone in more than one way. Firstly,
and most obviously, it is the first photograph we have of a
performance, courtesy of the Hastings Observer. A copy of the
original photograph (identified from a collection of previously
unidentified pictures) appears
below.
Secondly, it
marks a change in producer. All plays up to this point have been
produced and directed by W Gordon Lyon, who achieved considerable
critical acclaim, both for his production skills and as the writer
of three plays.
The newspaper article (right)
suggests that David Beeching is a worthy successor, both producing
this play and appearing on stage alongside a number of
established acting members. Previous experience with the Court
Players appears to be a significant item in his CV. I have no
knowledge of the Court Players, but am willing to be enlightened if
anybody is able to do so.
In any case, DB has obviously
made an impression with his first contribution to the Players. I
will not repeat the details as you can read them for yourself here.
However, I have attempted, on
the basis of this review, to identify the character in the
photograph. This is, at best, educated guesswork, but perhaps
comparison against later pictures will either support or contradict
my efforts. Here goes - from left to right.
Jade St.
Cyr
Gladys Millwood
Doris Taylor Smith
Patricia Wilkins (seated)
David Beeching
Dorothy Law
Alex Mailer
Ralph Cory
Below is a nice picture of the
empty set, which appears to be of excellent quality, and uses the
restricted space on the old stage very
effectively.
Pictures (hopefully out of copyright by now) by
Gifford Boyd.
