Music hall makes a welcome return
Songs, sketches and even a Victorian melodrama are on the programme of an Old Time Music Hall.
Organised by Carolyn Drury, the show takes place in Bowbridge Primary School, Newark, on Friday, February 12, at 7.30pm, to raise money for the Wolfit Endowment Fund.
Four of the performers are old hands at the music hall and all have a connection with Newark Amateur Operatic Society.
Wendy Pease, of Newark, joined the society in 1957 and took many lead roles in the 1960s and 1970s, regularly playing opposite her late husband, John Pease. The couple also ran The Collingham Players.
Jean Robinson, of Newark, joined in 1956 and has also played many lead roles, most notably the title character in Mame and Dolly Levi in Hello, Dolly. She has performed in many music halls with the society in Sheringham and Newark’s German twin town of Emmendingen.
Chris Grant, of Newark, joined in 1957 and was society chairman for 17 years. He has played many lead roles including Mr Bumble in Oliver, Colonel Pickering and Doolittle in My Fair Lady and Emile De Becque in South Pacific. He has also performed in many music halls and will chair the evening’s proceedings.
Dave Baliol-Key, of Newark, was in the 1977 society production of Fiddler On The Roof. He was an active member of Newstagers and is now a member of the Robin Hood Theatre Company and Collingham Singers.
Others taking part are Hadyn Settle, Flick Spear, Justine Lee, James Burroughs, Paul Johnson, Alison Kent, Georgina Vasey, Adam Stone, Oscar Morrey, Alexandra Pepper, Monica Spear, Sebastian Hufton, Janna Hinchcliff, Tim McManus, Louise Barnes, Rebecca Ladds, Sam James and Mike Spear.
Pieces to be performed include The Hob-Nailed Boots That My Farver Wore, A Tale Of Old Sherwood, The Gendarme’s Duet, Oh, Mr Porter, When Father Papered The Parlour and a melodrama called The Tram Track Tragedy or Little Nellie’s Bloomers.
Carolyn said they had not put on a music hall for many years and thought it would be a good idea to bring it back. Money raised goes to the Wolfit Endowment Fund which helps drama students from Newark and Balderton financially while at drama school or university.
Tickets for the music hall are available from Chuckles in The Buttermarket, Newark, from Bowbridge Primary School’s office, Newark, or by ringing Carolyn on 01636 687015.
