Directed by Alfred Emmet Cast: Michael Behr, Dorinne Ingram, Pixie Laurie, Peter Sainty, Geoffrey Sasse, Tony Worth
THE AUTHOR
Peter Philp was a Welsh dramatist and antiques expert, best known for his television series, Collectors' Club. He had written plays since his schooldays and his major success was Castle of Deception (1951); this won him the title of Most Promising Young Playwrightat the Edinburgh Festivalas well as the Charles Henry Foyle New Play Award in 1952.
He promised to write a new play in aid of The Questors Theatre Fund and duly handed over Some such Miracle, which was given a rehearsed reading under Alfred Emmet’s direction in February. It was subsequently selected for the New Plays Festival under the revised title A Quiet Clap of Thunder.
THE PLAY
William Burgeon, an ex-priest, has set himself up as a consultant on religions, endeavouring to introduce his clients to the particular religion best suited to their personal needs. A strange visitor, with a compelling personality and a Jewish accent, arrives seeking unusual advice. Unusual too, is the discovery Burgeon makes about his wife. This satirical comedy is in the author's wittiest vein, but underlying the wit, and the original slant of thought, is a serious theme.
PRESS REACTION
Generally regarded as the Festival's most entertaining play, A Quiet Clap of Thunder was praised for its wit and accomplished dialogue despite doubts about its philosophical depth. Douglas McVay, writing in the Middlesex County Times, compared Peter Philp's style favourably with Shaw, calling it "a definite hit", while the Amateur Stage admired its comic invention but felt its theological satire never fulfilled its intriguing premise.
