10. She Stoops to Conquer (1968)

The 1968 production of She Stoops to Conquer, which took place on the 21st, 22nd and 23rd March, was memorable in more ways than one. The day before the play was due to open, workmen stripped the roof of the stage prior to renewing it. The tarpaulins that were left in place as a temporary cover did not keep out the heavy rain which fell during the night. As a result the stage was awash the following morning, the curtains were drenched and droplets of water fell with a variety of ominous sounds into an assortment of buckets ranged along the apron stage.

All that morning the cast endured the witticisms of their school fellows "What is the play this year, 'Noah' or 'Jonah and the Whale'? 'I hear we're doing an Aquashow', and so on. Someone with a more subtle vein of humour affixed a Royal National Lifeboat  Institution poster to the wall at the back of the stage.

Arrangements were hurriedly made to transfer the performance to the hall of St. Mary's Grammar School and once it became clear that no hope remained of using the stage at St. Nicholas, a massive removal operation began. Scenery, stage furniture, costume aid property baskets and additional chairs for the auditorium were carried in procession across the playground to St. Mary's School. By mid-afternoon the move was completed and a "producer's nightmare" situation was under control. It remained for the cast to conquer not only the inevitable first night nerves but also the additional uncertainties of playing on a stage somewhat narrower and deeper than that to which they had grown accustomed in rehearsal. Once the curtain went up on the first performance however, It became clear that the cast would take all such trivial obstacles to success in their stride.

She Stoops to Conquer is a comedy of situation, as its sub-title, "The Mistakes of a Night" suggests. Mr. Buckingham's production presented these situations with clarity and explored their humour to the full. The success of the performances in communicating this humour to the audience owed much to the fact that the actors obviously enjoyed themselves in their roles. Richard King gave a vigorous performance as the bluff, hearty, and, at times, near apoplectic Mr. Hardcastle. King threw himself into the part with a gusto that is seldom seen in a school production and if, at times, he over-acted a little it was a venial fault and one which a little more experience will banish. The part of Mrs. Hardcastle was taken by Jackie Ingram, one of four young actresses from St. Helen's School whom we were pleased and privileged to welcome to the cast. Jackie's interpretation of the character achieved a nicely judged balance of doting fondness, social pretension and downright shrewishness.

Mr. Marlow was ably played by Timothy Woodnutt, who captured the nervous and timid aspect of the hero's extraordinary character but did not quite achieve his careless aplomb in his wooing of the 'barmaid'. One felt that the final polish was missing from a very promising performance. Janet Standford as Kate Hardcastle was a most winsome heroine, both as the well-bred dutiful daughter of Mr. Hardcastle and as the supposed "barmaid" of the "inn". In the latter guise she mingled coquetry and an assumed naivety in a way that was quite delightful.

Peter Walker and Nicky Hoyer-Miller played the second pair of lovers. Mr. Hastings and Miss Neville. Walker made Hastings a confident and accomplished young man of the world, growing a little impatient of his friend Marlow's bashfulness. Nicky did full justice to the dignity and quick wit of Miss Neville and introduced a note of acerbity underlying her sweetness in her dealings with her unscrupulous Aunt Hardcastle.

Without doubt, however, the honour of this particular production must go to Simon Dennis for his portrayal of Tony Lumpkin, the likeable rogue who is the author of all the mistakes in the play. Dennis's sensitive and intelligent acting gave depth and sympathy to the character without losing anything of his love of mischief.

The principals were ably supported by a strong cast who presented a wealth of minor characters, serious and amusing. Especially worthy of mention were Kevin Smith as a distinguished-looking Sir Charles Marlow, Alison Baker as the maid, Pimple, Geoffrey Negus as the zany Diggory, Geoffrey Morgan as the cheery Irrepressible Roger and all the boisterous company at the 'Three Jolly Pigeons".

The fine sets were designed and painted by Mr. Plenderleith, assisted by some senior boys. Their work and that of numerous backstage staff made a major contribution to the success of the production.

The School would like to place on record its gratitude to Miss Hornsby for allowing the performances to take place at St. Mary's School.