Chris Boot on The Sorcerer

This was a total departure from the normal G&S many of us had been used to. Bob Terry and his team of directors had decided on a pantomime approach to the show - explaining the pantomime cow, dame and incredibly fluorescent costumes.

The action took place in the grounds of Sir Marmaduke's mansion, explaining the chorus of maids and gardeners (including huge pairs of shears used in "Welcome Joy"). Our John Wellington Wells was decidedly evil, and was accompanied by his own band of evil spirits who were disguised as Morris men for the rest of the time. The main effect we used was in the windows of the mansion. Lit from the front they were opaque, lit from behind they were transparent - when the demons appeared. Although this does not sound very hi-tech, it was cutting edge in 1986!! I remember well the hours spent with hairdryers trying to get the plastic sheeting in the window frames taut and wrinkle-free.

As usual February brought it's inclement weather and associated illnesses. Although the cast were bug-free, some plague-like illness attacked the orchestra. The Saturday matinée was unfortunately reduced to Wealands Bell (the musical director) and his keyboard, but the show must go on.

As the "Dame" of this production may I take this chance to apologise to my fellow actors. I behaved outrageously, attempting to upstage anyone and everyone at any opportunity. I think you must blame the directors - they put a six foot postgraduate in a frock, and there's only one way to go.

Images

Production Team

Director:

Bob Terry

Assistant Directors:

Judith Cunnold

Julie Leydon

Musical Director:

Wealands Bell

Production Manager:

Mikd Bradbury

Crew

Production Manager:

Mike Bradbury

Costumes:

Hilary Lonsdale

Make-up:

Carmine Lake

Stage Manager:

Bruce Walton

Lighting:

Martin Atkins

Nigel Roles

David Shakelton

Simon Bradley

Artistry:

Sally Wainwright

Publicity:

Margot Baker

Alison Carter

Charity Organiser:

Jane Richardson

Front of House:

Hilary Lonsdale

Emma Lakin

and Team

Cast

Sir Marmaduke Pointdextre

Duncan Barroughclough

Alexis Pointdextre

Ashley Wilson

Dr. Daly

Grant Sherwood

The Notary

Himself (Bob Terry)

John Wellington Wells

Patrick Couzens

Lady Sangazure

Christine Fidler

Aline Sangazure

Jill Perry

Mrs Partlet

Christopher Boot

Constance (her daughter)

Judith Cunnold

The Cow (her cow)

Gillian Silk

Nicola Turner

Chorus

• Gardeners:
  • Robert Clark,
  • Baudouin Delacourt,
  • Mark Fowlis,
  • Phil Hollman,
  • Simon Pearson
• Maids:
  • Margot Baker,
  • Jane Davies,
  • Bridget Hicks,
  • Eleanor Lewis,
  • Sally Morris
• Morris Men:
  • Tanya Alevropoulos,
  • Alison Carter,
  • Zoe Hughes,
  • Laurie Jenkins,
  • Pippa Stowell,
  • Kerry Ward,
  • Sarah Wood,
  • Jennifer Woodward
• Villagers:
  • Holly Bigelow,
  • Steven Black,
  • Sarah Blenkin,
  • Chris Britten,
  • Rachel Crabtree,
  • Michelle Chambers,
  • Anja Christmann,
  • Charles Eliott,
  • Saira Hammond,
  • Derek Lisely,
  • Rachel Maddocks,
  • Simon Nayar,
  • Anne Pardaens,
  • Sally Rees,
  • Jane Richardson,
  • Simon Roitt,
  • Katie Sykes,
  • Stephanie Walker,
  • Bob Turner,
  • Rachel Venables,
  • Teresa Young

Orchestra

Acknowledgements