QUESTORIES
STUDENT GROUP PRODUCTIONS 
Part Two: Groups 6-7 (1951-1955)

   Student Group  6 (1951/1952)
   Student Group  7 (1952/1953)
   Student Group  8 (1953/1954)
   Student Group  9 (1954/1955)
   Student Group 10 (1955/1956)

STUDENT GROUP 6 (1951/1952) 

There were 33 applicants for the sixth Student Group. They auditioned on 26 July 1951 before a panel consisting of Alfred Emmet, Wilf Sharp and Frank W Smith and 18 of them were selected to go ahead into the First Year.

Brochure for the 1951/1952 Course
Additional Particulars of The Course

In a memorandum to the Education Officer at Middlesex County Council (who were subsidising the course), Alfred Emmet reported on the sucess of the previous group and submitted a detailed syllabus for 1951/52.

Memorandum to the Education Officer

At the end of their first Year, on 31 July 1952, Group 06 joined the Second Year of Group 05 for STUDENTS AT WORK, for which we have this handwritten programme.

For their February 1953 second year production, Group 06 presented a programme of three short plays directed by Pamela Richards, with an additional play presented by the main acting membership directed by Norman Ruel. Sadly we have no photographs for any of these in our Archives. Two of these were new plays being given their first performance. Over the years the Student Group have premiered more than 15 new plays in their second year productions.

The Acting Members' play was:
MONSIEUR BON-BON by Michael Kelly
Based on a story by Edgar Alan Poe, this was one of numerous plays by Michael Kelly to be premiered at the Questors during the 1940s and 50s.
Directed by Norman Rue
Cast: Cyril Cole, Ruth Tremayne, Edmund Scrivener

Programme for FOUR ONE ACT PLAYS

Group 06's end of course production in July 1953 was
   STORM IN A PAINT-POT by Margaret Gibbs
Directed by Pamela Richards with Kay Scrivener in the cast with her father, Ted.
Full Cast:
Gillian Brown, Robert Eames, David Eldridge, Alan Fuller, Anthony Holloway, June Pond, Sylvia Pothan, Jose Rowdon, Catherine Scrivener, Edmund Scrivener, Margot Shields

 

The Student's production of Storm in a Paint-Pot, "a vigorous comedy of cockney humour" was a London premiere having had just one previous production by an amateur company in Hove. It had also been nominated by the Questors the Charles Henry Foyle New Play Award

Programme for STORM IN A PAINT-POT
Press Cuttings for STORM IN A PAINT-POT

Student Group 7 (1952/1953)

Although there were substantially fewer applicants for this course, 20 students were accepted into the first year (two more than the previous year) of which six were men.

Brochure for the 1952/1953 Course

[Photo: Student Group 7 in class]

At the end of their First Year, Group 07 joined with the Group 06 second year students in another STUDENTS AT WORK presentation.

"It is a truism to say that the Student Groups now are accepted as one of the most valuable functions in the Club, and the enthusiastic response, both last year and the previous year, to the opportunity given for members to see something of how they operate has led your Programme Committee to revive the Students at Work Club Night, which will take place on Wednesday, July I st,

"This evening is devoted to demonstrations, some rehearsed and some impromptu, of the kind of work done week by week at the various Student classes; and it has proved both interesting and entertaining for those who have come along.

"As previously, there will be a charge of 2s. 6d. to cover expenses incurred in this rather more than usually elaborate Club Night. Tickets may be obtained from the Box Office in advance, thus avoiding disappointment."

[Forestage Vol 4 No 3, May 1953]

In February 1954 the Group again presented three short plays, supplemented by a Chekhov one-act play from the main acting membership.

The Student plays:
CRABBED AGE AND YOUTH by Lennox Robinson
MURDER IN THE CATHEDRAL (Part 1) by T S Eliot
THE OTHER SON by Luigi Pirandello
Directed by Pamela Richards
Cast:
Zoe Bailey, Gillian Brown, Diana Denning, Roger Fleming, Michael Green, Rosemary Grossman, Vincent McQueen, Keith Molstadt, Denys Moran, Marion Owen, Ed Pitt, Jose Rowdon, Catherine Scrivener, Jane Wood

Rising star Ed Pitt, made his Questors debut as Thomas Beckett in MURDER IN THE CATHEDRAL.
And making up the numbers as non-students were two new Questors members - Michael Green and Vincent McQueen.

The Main Acting Group presented:
THE PROPOSAL by Anton Chekhov
Directed by John Howard
The Cast: Gillian Andrews, Frank White, John Scott

Programme for the Student One-Act plays
Press cuttings for the Student One-Act Plays

Paul Bedford writing in the Middlesex CountyTimes was very complimentary about this production [see link to press cuttings above] but you can't help feeling sorry for the poor Ealing Green Players and their production of "Rope"!

The July 1954 production was
THE OLD MAN OF THE MOUNTAIN by Norman Nicholson
Directed by Pamela Richard
Cast:
Zoe Bailey, Diana Denning, Geoffrey Dye, Roger Fleming, John Flint, Denys Moran, Edward Pitt, June Pond, Sylvia Pothan, Jose Rowdon, Catherine Scrivener, Jane Wood

Programme for THE OLD MAN OF THE MOUNTAIN

The original choice of play had been LIOLA by Pirandello but apparently the students didn't like it! After much discussion they agreed on the Norman Nicholson play, although it necessitated bringing in actors from the main acting group because two students were unable to carry on due to ill health and another student has been suspended because her work was not deemed satisfactory. All this was going on while Alfred Emmet was in Ceylon on one of his business trips. (While the cat's away....?)

LIOLA was eventually presented in 1962 by Student Group 15.

Press cuttings for THE OLD MAN OF THE MOUNTAIN

Paul Bedford's review in the Middlesex County Times stirred up a little controversy by referring to the Biblical story of Elijah and Ahab (which is the basis for this play) as a "fable." [See Press cuttings link above]

STUDENT GROUP 8 (1953/1954)

"I have become increasingly concerned of late regarding the tie-on of the Student Group with the main work of the theatre. In certain respects it seems to be in a rather isolated pocket of its own and Students who have finished their course are not always ready to take a full part in the work of the Main Group. This leads to disappointments and to frustrations; it reduces the usefulness of the Student Group and destroys something of the value of the work done with those who take the Student course."

Alfred Emmet's solution was to set an age limit of 17 for the Student Group and to form a Youth Group for 14-16 year olds. He also proposed exploring with ex-students ways of putting on plays outside the regular programme, such as at festivals or on club nights.

The Young Questors Club, under the direction of Rena Rice, joined first and second year students in the Student at Work presentation in July 1955.

Programme for Students at Work

Pamela Richards was unable to continue directing the Second Year Group and Alfred Emmet approached Stephen Joseph (pioneer of theatre-in-the-round and a good friend of the Questors) to see if he would take over. Clearly he was not available because Colette King took over instead as Tutor of Acting and Director of the Second Year productions.

February 1955
FOUR ONE ACT PLAYS
The Student Group
   THE SWAN by Ned Gethings
   ANTIGONEby Jean Cocteau
  THE AFFECTED YOUNG LADIES by Janet Dunbar
Directed by Colette King
Cast:
Derek Cusdin, Joy Domyalski, Bryan Evans, Valerie Howse, Joan Keegan, Josephine Keen, John Lawrence, Joyce Lowman, Denys Moran, Edward Pitt, Jose Rowdon, Theresa Seymour, Gordon Shadrick

The Main Acting Group
   OVERRULED by Bernard Shaw
Directed by John Boud
Cast:
Diana Benn, Frederick Boud, Henry Heilpern, Joyce Hornett

[Photo: Antigone]

Two of these plays were written by members of the Questors. Ned Gethings had already had one of his one-act plays, TINKER'S IDYLL, performed by Student Group SG6 in 1953 (above). Janet Dunbar, wife of acting member Clifford Webb, was better known as a writer in other spheres and had recently published a book of valuable advice to radio speakers. THE AFFECTED YOUNG LADIES is based on the play by Molière.

In her introduction in the Questors Magazine (Forestage), the Director, Collette King, says of Lorca:
Here is a dramatist who has set his roots deep in his native Andalusia and in his religion: here a poet passionately aware; here dramatist and poet mingle, each enhancing the perception of the other : somewhere here is "poetic theatre. "Bodas de Sangre" (Blood Wedding) was inspired by a newspaper account of the incidents around which it is built. Here we have a family feud, elopement and murder carrying—and carried forward by—the most magnificent poetry. What more could we ask? Playwrights shuffle their cards in search of the hand that will give them access to "poetic theatre." Here is a dramatist who shuffles with a difference.

Programme for BLOOD WEDDING
Photos
Press cutting (transcript)

STUDENT GROUP 9 (1954/55)

An ex-student, John Flint (Student Group 07), who had been studying at the Bristol Old Vic School, visited a Saturday class with the news that he was to have his first part at Bristol, playing in their production of VOLPONE.

Doctor Who fans might like to know that John Flint (who died in 1968) had two roles in the TV series, playing William des Preaux in the 1965 story "THE CRUSADE" and returning in 1982 to play Captain Urquhart in "TIME FLIGHT".

Proof if need be that there is life after the Questors Student Group!

And student romance was in the air with the announcement of David Eldridge's engagement to Kay Scrivener - albeit at a distance as David was actually serving in the RAF at the time and was stationed in the Isle of Man. But love will always find a way....!

This year's Student Group was proving to be more active in the way of theatre outings than in previous years with a number of trips to the Old Vic. They were also keen on setting up a "Musical Evening", and were "looking for someone to open their hearts, their homes and their gramophone record cabinets to them. They think this idea preferable to having to carry records to and from the theatre."

The Group's February 1956 production consisted of three one-act plays, once again supported by a one-act play from the main acting group

The Student Group
   THE CAVE OF SALAMANCA by Cervantes
   THE LOVES OF PEGGEEN CUARAN by Edward Percy
   ON THE HIGH ROAD by Anton Chekhov
Directed by Colette King
Cast:
Ralph Alder, Kenneth Bain, Derek Cusdin, Evelyn Ellison, Valerie Howse, Peter Hutchins, Susan Johnson, Anthony King, Hilary Nelder, Shirley Nixon, Reuben Pick, Robert Ridley, Dorothy Boyd-Taylor, Kathryn Wiggans

The Main Acting Group
   LA GRAMMAIRE by Eugene Labiche
Directed by Laurence Nixon
Cast:
John Audy, Neville Bradbury, Vincent McQueen, June Pond, Tony Williamson
This marks Dorothy Boyd-Taylor (Dolly Barber)'s first appearance.

Programme for FOUR ONE ACT PLAYS

Hassles were raised in a controversy over certain design elements of the set for THE CAVE OF SALAMANCA which it was alleged had been stolen from another production currently under preparation. In a memorandum to the Committee of Management the director, Collette King wrote:

“From a remark passed to me by the Chairman on Wednesday evening last, I am left under the impression that he and possibly other members of the Committee might think that the string set used for the Cervantes play had been 'pinched'.
“I would be lacking in support of my designer, Bryan Sevens, if I failed to enter a strong protest against the spreading of such a story. Bryan has often discussed string sets with me and in fact offered me one in February last year. I did not then accept it because I did not regard it as suitable ; but when he offered one this time and it was suitable, I naturally accepted it.
“Five days before my dress rehearsal, I was approached and asked to change my string set because, it was implied, it was copied from a set designed for a play still to be produced.
“I am perfectly satisfied that Bryan is completely honest, and I am anxious that he should not be penalised or discouraged in any way, and for this reason only I feel compelled to bring this matter to the attention of the Committee.” 

Forestage (the club magazine) reported that this year "costume design, lighting, stage management and sound are being handled by the students themselves. The sets have been designed by an ex-student and ex-students are supplementing the casting where necessary. One of the plays, THE LOVES OF PEGEEN CUARAN, is having its world premiere, and it is hoped that Mr. Edward Percy, the author, will attend the first performance."

The July 1956 production was:
   NOAH by André Obey
Directed by Geraldine Alford
Cast:
Ralph Alder, Ken Bain, Dorothy Boyd Taylor, Una Chapman, Wendy Conn, Derek Cusdin, John Eardley, Evelyn Ellison, Graham Evans, Sunny Frisell, Stuart Hartley, Susan Johnson, Glendon Jones, Anthony King, Hilary Nelder, Hazell Powell Brown, Joan Reece, Robert Ridley

An element of mystery surrounds this production, as the first night had to be postponed and last minute changes made to the cast due to some "accidents". Ralph Alder, who had been given the role of Noah, was replaced by an actor by the name of John Eardely who I have it on good authority was in fact Alfred Emmet in disguise. Also, Dorothy Boyd-Taylor was promoted from the animal kingdom (a lamb) to become a human being (Sella).

Graham Evans, conscripted from Group 10's first year to play a bear, made his Questors début in this production (opposite).

His partner David Evans recently donated a collection of Graham's photos and other memorabilia to archives. Among them was this "invitation" to join the Get out!

STUDENT GROUP 10 (1955/1956)

There were more than the usual number of applications for this group and, according to Alfred Emmet, a better standard of applicant. There was even some consideration given to extending the course to three years. Fees went up to 25 shillings (£1.15 in new money) per term.

Reported in Forestage:
"On September 15th [1956] the new Student Group season commenced, and the members certainly seem to be very enterprising. Anxious to avoid the rather awkward relationship that usually exists between First and Second Year Groups for at least a term they have elected a Social Committee and an informal "get-together” was held in October. Under the Secretaryship of Una Chapman theatre visits are planned to UNDER MILK WOOD and THE COUNTRY WIFE. Tentative schemes are being made for a Students' Bonfire Night Party and it is hoped soon to fix a date for the Christmas Party, to which both Students and ex-students are invited."

A major event in October 1956 was a visit by the BBC to record an item for transmission on Woman's Hour.

The February 1957 set of three one-act plays was an all-student affair. No extra contribution from the Main Acting group this time.

   CAVELLERIA RUSTICANA by Giovanni Verga
   HOLIDAY IN BIARRITZ by Jean Sarman
   THE WEDDING by Anton Chekhov
Directed by Geraldine Alford and Amos Brandstatter
Cast:
John Audy, Ken Bain, Roy Carter, Una Chapman, Zafar Chaudhri, Wendy Conn, Graham Evans, Stuart Hartley, Glendon Jones, Kenneth Kane, Joan Reece, Jennifer Tanner, Dorothy Boyd Taylor, Sandra Turner, Robert Walker

Though none of these were new plays, CAVELLERIA RUSTICANA was a British première.

Programme for FAR-OFF HILLS
Photos
Press cuttings

The Members' Newsletter reported:
The Far-off Hills had a distinctly better audience than last year's Noah, and many more members found that our Student Group can give them a highly enjoyable and entertaining evening, quite apart from the particular interest of seeing "what this year's lot is like", and spotting the future stars. Of last year's Second Year Group, Dorothy Boyd-Taylor, Una Chapman, Glendon Jones and Stuart Hartley, have been welcomed to Acting Membership.

"Annie Boalth, after being on the staff as tutor of movement since the beginning of the Group has now regretfully had to leave on account of the pressure of additional work at R.A.D.A., and Ludmila Mlada has taken her place.

Nearly 200 Questors students have enjoyed Annie's classes and will share the regret at her leaving."

[Annie Boalth was a dance student of Rudolf Laban's in Hamburg, Germany. She emigrated to England in the 1930s and taught Laban's movement theories at the British Drama League and at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art.]