Transcript from the North Wilts Herald, 28 February 1936

​

“THE PIRATES OF PENZANCE”

​

Filkins Performances in Aid of the Distressed Areas

​

  In days when most parishes are busy with efforts to raise money for their own benefit, it is a change to find a country parish seeking to assist those suffering from poverty and unemployment in the north-east.

  From Broughton Poggs and Filkins, two villages near Lechlade, to the North of England is a far cry, but the villagers of these two communities have grouped themselves together to give performances of “The Pirates of Penzance” for the benefit of the distressed areas in the North.

  Judging by Monday night’s crowded audience, the Broughton Poggs and Filkins Players should be able to send a substantial sum to the Personal Service League for relief purposes. Monday night’s presentation was the third they have given, and Tuesday’s show concluded the series.

​

Packed Audiences

  Who ever heard of being able to attend a Gilbert and Sullivan opera free of charge—except for a collection between acts? Such is another innovation started by the players of these two villages. They have been rewarded for their courage by playing to packed audiences.

  The Filkins Institute, in which the performance was given, is a sturdy little building well suited to most village activities, but its capacity was severely tested on Monday, and chairs were crammed together in the body of the hall. The players, since they came into being last year and gave scenes from “H.M.S. Pinafore”, have acquired a firm following of friends in the countryside around.

  The Rector, the Rev. R. F. W. Fletcher, is the inspiration of the group, and the producer of their ventures. He has certainly inspired the people of his parish to enthusiasm and liking for the fun of stage performances, and no less capably has he directed them, so that Monday night’s presentation of “The Pirates of Penzance” was a most enjoyable experience of village production.

  There was a finish and verve about the show which spoke much for the company’s enthusiasm, since they were rehearsed only once a week before Christmas, and only about twice a week since then. The stage of the little institute is not large, but the space required by the players always seemed sufficient.

​

Blaze of Colour

  The Rector took the part of the Major-General, and his first number, “I am the very model of a modern Major-General” won him a spontaneous round of applause, for he executed the tongue-twisting, rapid dialogue to perfection.

  Mrs. Katherine Ford, as Mabel, also enhanced the production; she sang with confidence—and well she might for she has a very pleasing voice—and did justice to the lovely melodies that fell to her.

The parts of the other three daughters of the general, who are more prominent in the score, were adequately played by Mrs. Cynthia Fletcher, Miss Rita Cock, and Miss Evelyn Marmont. They, as did their other numerous sisters, looked very charming in poke bonnets, and tight-bodiced, full-skirted gowns of striking colours, which made the small stage a blaze of colour.

  Miss Barbara James, as Ruth (a kind of piratical maid of all work) sang well and acted admirably her role.

  In the part of Frederic, the pirate apprentice, whose life has been twisted by Ruth’s early mistake in apprenticing him to a pirate instead of a pilot, Mr. Sidney Webb did splendidly. His boyish appearance helped him to give a convincing characterisation, and he entered into the spirit of the part ably.

 

The Pirate King

  The Pirate King (Mr. John Tucker) was a crisp and clear-cut presentation, while one would not have suspected that the trades of Messrs. George Withers and George Giles were cobbling and building respectively, such lusty, seafaring pirates did they make. Other of their pirate brethren (who later became police also) were Messrs. T. Allen, R. Giles, G. James, and G. Webb.

  In the latter act of the play Mr. Charles James earned laurels in the part of the Sergeant of Police.

  The chorus of daughters of the general was made up of Mesdames D. Puffit, H. Rayner, M. Robbins, and F. Whiteley, and the Misses E. Bishop, C. Stock, and E. Wakefield.

  The conductor, Mr. Rhys Morgan, had trained the players well, and Miss Alice Stroud had an exacting task in accompanying throughout the performance.

  The costumes had been made by Miss Bedwell, Mrs. Fletcher, Mrs. Robbins, and Miss Warner, and well they had done their task.

The scenery had been painted by Mr. R. Morley of Langford, and Mr. R. Hodgkin, of Burford.