1955 Productions

Southwick
West
Sussex
reg. charity no.
263310

Tickets
£8.50
under 14's
£5

Box office
online

Box office
01273 597094

Wick thanks
St John's
for their
attendance at
our performances

last updated
17/04/08 20:23

Madam Tic-Tac

Blithe
Spirit

Castle
in the
Air

The Christmas Story


Madam Tic-Tac by Falkland L. Cary & Philip Weathers February 18,19, 1955 Directed by Joan Taylor
Cast

Mary Gedge - Beth
Desmond Tyler - Hobby
Betty Carpenter - Marguerite
Godfrey Evans - Rudge
Ross Workman - Luke
Barbara Mott - Mrs. Parsons
Eileen Turley - Madam Tic-Tac
Betty Gedge - Chloe
Peter Carpenter - Det.-Sgt. Harris
Ralph Dawes - Clem
Diana Topping - Kate

Production Crew

Lighting - Frank Hurrell
Effects - John Chatfield
Prompt - Elaine Smithers
Properties - Betty Petty, Jennifer Hall
Front of House Manager - John Wilson

Review of the time
"The Young Wick's best yet"
The term "tic-tac" is slang for sign language, "a method of interpreting words by means of hand signaling". Although this was the only way of conveying information to the deaf and blind Madame Tic-Tac [in the play of the same name at the Barn Theatre, Southwick, last week] the Young Wick Players translated the words of authors Falkland Cary and Philip Weathers into a dramatic presentation of high standard. It concerns Madame tic-Tac, wreaking personal vengeance upon society as the brains of a gang of criminals. Clem is second in command of a motley group which include bank clerk 'Hobby', taxi driver 'Rudge' and 'lady of the street' Marguerite. The bank robbery does not go according to pan: Madame's son Luke is involved ... Intelligently directed by Joan Taylor, each dramatic incident was brought out in high relief. Characterisation was, in most cases, clearly defined and sustained. Altogether the best production yet by this progressive group of young thespians. Eileen Turley played the title rôle most convincingly, giving the part authority, dignity and pathos. Betty Carpenter as the garish, wise-cracking Marguerite, was a little gem of characterisation. Ralph Dawes gave a competently controlled performance as the quietly sinister Clem, and Godfrey Evans was admirably cast as the cocky, talkative Rudge . Betty Gedge was excellent as the flamboyant Chloe, particularly in her earlier scene. Mar Gedge gave a sincere and receptive performance as the kindly Beth, Ross Workman was a callow, but still convincing Luke and Diana Topping's Kate was sensitively acted. Peter Carpenter, lacking dominance, gave a creditable first performance as Det.-Sgt. Harris, and Barbara Mott. overplaying a 'larger than life' part, had good attack. Desmond Tyler, uneasily cast as Hobby, did not quite sustain the promising characterisation he had created.
Pre-show publicity
Quite a different type of 'lines' has had to be learned by some of the Young Wick Players for their next production Madame Tic-Tac which will be produced next Friday and Saturday at the Barn Theatre. The principal figure in the play is blind and deaf, and the special tic-tac language has been studied from leaflets supplied by the Institute for the Blind. Altogether the play is described as "pretty strong meat, and different from anything the Players have hitherto tackled". For the first time they have a professional producer, Mrs. Joan Taylor, gold medallist, N.E.A. and final certificate Guildhall School of Music and Drama. She has had considerable experience in acting and producing and during the War was a member of a party entertaining the troops. She is also an author, having written two children's books. When Betty carpenter, who is Honorary Secretary of the Players, told me about the play, she emphasised that it was not thought suitable for children, and emphasise the fact, so I'm passing it on.

Blithe Spirit by Noël Coward April 21, 22, 23, 1955 Directed by Elizabeth Penney & Hugh Etherington
Cast

Jennifer Hall - Edith
Betty Carpenter - Ruth
Ralph Dawes - Charles
Betty Perry - Mrs. Bradman
Godfrey Evans - Doctor Bradman
Betty Gedge - Madame Arcati
Elaine Smithers - Elvira

Production Crew

Stage Manager - Ross Workman
Lighting - Frank Hurrell
Effects - John Chatfield
Front of House - John Wilson

One review of the time	W.N.
"Young Wick Players had big success"
What a delightful play Noël Coward's Blithe Spirit, and how well the Young Wick Players succeeded in putting it over at the Barn Theatre last Thursday night. They put all they had into the production, and if one or two of the subtleties went astray, enough were left to keep the audience laughing from beginning to end. The Players have two main factors to thank for their success, the first and foremost being the really excellent stage management of Ross Workman. The set itself was simple, but effective, and the vast number of properties needed in this play were always in the right place at the right time. John Chatfield is also to be congratulated for making the 'ghostly' effects in the final scene so realistic. Second outstanding feature of the production was Betty Gedge's delightful interpretation of Madame Arcati, that bumble-headed medium who is something of a psychic phenomenon. Miss Gedge came on the scene when the pace was lagging, picked it up, and carried it along triumphantly to the final scene. She completely lived the part, and whether going off into a trance or enthusing about her bicycle, convinced us that here was not merely and actress but a living character. Ralph Dawes, who played the part of the unfortunate spirit-pecked husband, was effective save for a slight tendency to forget his lines. Indeed, the play was notable for some most ingenious ad-libbing, which added to the amusement of the audience but was doubtless not so funny on the other side of the footlights. Betty Carpenter made a good impression as the possessive second wife, and her deathly make-up in the last act, after she had joined the spirit world was extremely good. Elaine Smithers was also excellent as Elvira, the spritely first wife, though she might have been a little more ethereal. The play was jointly produced by Elizabeth Penney and Hugh Etherington - in this case surely an instance of 'many hands making light work' rather than 'too many cooks'. The lighting was well handled by Frank Hurrell.

Castle in the Air by Alan Melville October 13, 14, 15, 1955 Directed by David Arch-Doel
Cast

Ross Workman - Menzies
Diane Topping - "Boss" Trent
Ralph Dawes - The Earl of Lochrane
Peter Carpenter - Arthur Phillips
Betty Gedge - Mrs. Dunne

Production Crew

Stage Manager - Betty Carpenter
Effects - John Chatfield
Properties - Eileen Turley, Diana Hubbard
Wardrobe - Marion Hughes

Review of the time
"The Star in the cast - saves Young Wick Players"
Amateur producers are often warned about the unbalanced effect of a star performer in a mediocre cast. The Young Wick Players, however, are to be congratulated rather than censured for picking Betty Gedge to bring sparkle to Alan Melville's somewhat dated comedy, Castle in the Air, presented at the Barn Theatre at the week-end. As the rich and attractive young ancestor-hunter from the USA, Miss Gedge certainly outshone everyone else in the mouldering castle in Aberdeenshire where dollars speak louder than the requisitionary powers of the Coal Board. But, without her, it is doubtful whether audiences would have enjoyed the play as much as they did. Ross Workman managed to twist his tongue convincingly round the Scottish accent for the part of the man-of-all-work, and Ralph Dawes and Diane Topping were capably partnered as the impecunious Earl of Lochrane and his long-suffering private secretary. Peter carpenter lacked authority in the rôle of the Coal Board official, but provided considerable amusement as the victim of a severe cold in the head. A somewhat ragged production was not helped by muddled lines at the opening performance, and the voice of the prompter was far too frequently heard - an amateur fault far to often, and too easily, forgiven.
Another Review of the time
" A Good Evening"
The Young Wick Players, staging Alan Melville's witty comedy, Castle in the Air, at the Barn Theatre last week-end, could have made a happier choice than a rather dated play which called for a more authorative and sophisticated cast than this youthful company possesses. But their production deserves commendation for, in spite of this considerable drawback, they provided a good evening's entertainment. David Arch-Doe's production introduced a nice sense of comedy and knowledge of movement, but different lines needed professional timing to achieve a hundred per cent success. we learned of the hard-up Earl of Lochrane who sought to sell his castle to a wealthy American divorcee and, at the same time, to dissuade a would-be requisitioner from the Coal Board. His Lordship was played in a nonchalant easy manner by Ralph Dawes, a very good attempt. Betty Gedge, with a believable accent acquitted herself well as the American visitor. Diane Topping, as the secretary, had sincerity and, a rather too quiet charm, and Peter Carpenter showed promise in his unsympathetic rôle as the man from the Coal Board. But it was Ross Workman who agreeably surprised with his consistent Scottish accent and admirable characterisation as Menzies the manservant.

The Christmas Story by Elizabeth Penney December 15, 16, 17, 1955 Directed by Rev Hugh Etherington
Cast

Ivor Reith - Angel
Betty Gedge - Mary
Ian Elliott - Joseph
Jean Porter - Hulda
Eileen Turley - 1st Neighbour
Diana Hubbard - 2nd Neighbour
Wendy Hart - 3rd Neighbour
Mary Gedge - Little Maid
Betty Carpenter - Madam
Marion Hughes - Kitchen Maid
Godfrey Evans - 1st Shepherd
Peter Carpenter - 2nd Shepherd
Derek Wass - 3rd Shepherd
Charles Randall - Hulda's husband
Patrick Johnson - Melchior
Ralph Dawes - Caspar
David Edwards - Balshazar
Ross Workman - Servant
John Bulis - Villager
Pat Holloway, Julie Wilks, Marion Twine - attendants to the Wise Men

Production Crew

Stage Manager - Diane Topping
Lighting - Frank Hurrell
Effects - John Chatfield

Pre-show publicity
Mrs. Penney [quoted in the Herald] "Most of the costumes were brought from the Holy Land by my husband's uncle, and we are having stereoscopic sound to add to the impact of the angels and the Archangel Gabriel."
Review of the time	H.T.C.
"Her acting kept audience spellbound"
First-class acting by Betty Gedge was the outstanding feature of The Christmas Story, a Nativity play written by Mrs. Elizabeth Penney, of Southwick, and performed for the first time in the Barn Theatre last week. Betty's portrayal of Mary, the Mother of Christ, kept the audience spellbound. Her deep serenity, perfect control and poise, and the obvious sincerity of her performance, set a high standard for amateurs. The play was presented by the Young Wick Players in conjunction with Southwick Choral Society and the local churches, and was produced by the Rector, the Rev. Hugh Etherington. Also taking part were two other local clergy, the Methodist Minister, the Rev. Ivor Reith [Angel] and the Congregational Minister, the Rev. David Edwards [Balshazar]. Apart from being a highly successful production, the performance was yet another encouraging example of Southwick's enterprising community spirit. As for the play itself, Mrs. Penney's sympathetic treatment of the old and tried favourite of generations was received with acclaim. Although it seemed a little long-drawn in one or two scenes, this did not greatly detract from the general effect. She treated the subject robustly, yet with reverence, and on occasion showed herself capable of a neat turn of phrase. Mr. Etherington employed several unusual and effective stratagems to gain the full effect. By using a loudspeaker centrally placed in the hall and hung from the rafters, the heavenly voices were projected throughout the auditorium most realistically. Careful lighting, too, arranged by Frank Hurrell, was most telling in the first and last scenes when used to simulate the glow emanating from Mary and her Child. The cast of 22 seemed to realise the depth of their parts and played accordingly, with an overall pleasing effect. There were flaws, but offset against the whole, they paled into insignificance.
Review of the time
"New Nativity play was in free verse"
The Christmas Story, a new Nativity play, was presented at the Barn Theatre, Southwick by the Young Wick Players. Augmenting the cast were members of three local churches and recorded music was sung by the Southwick Choral Society. The production, directed by the Rev. Hugh Etherington, was notable for its attention to detail: authentic costumes from the east, imaginative lighting [by Frank Hurrell], and sound effects [by John Chatfield] greatly enhanced the piece. A first full-length play by Southwick authoress Elizabeth Penney, The Christmas Story, was in free verse. The first scene and last act particularly had beauty and sincerity in dialogue and acting. Outstanding Performances came from Betty Gedge, who gave a sensitive portrayal of the Virgin Mary. Mary Gedge, a natural and convincing little servant at the inn, and Patrick Johnson who, with his excellent diction and demeanour, created a notable Melchior [one of the Three Wise Men]. The other two Caspar and Balshazar, were admirably played by Ralph Dawes and David Edwards. Betty Carpenter gave a moving performance as the intolerant proprietress of the inn who later repents. Ivor Reith was well chosen for the Angel and Ian Elliott, although a little hesitant, gave a sympathetic study of Joseph. Charles Randall contributed a neat characterisation of the old man philosophising with the shepherds. Jean Porter provided a lighter note as Hulda and Diana Hubbard, as a neighbour, spoke her lines with clarity.

Next Season 1956