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Transcribed and presented by Greville Watson, 2018
Rushden Operatic Society

Oliver! - 1986





Rushden Amateur Operatic Society

Present their 40th Anniversary Show

Oliver!
(By arrangement with Musicscope Ltd.)


Book, Music and Lyrics by
LIONEL BART
Directed & Choreographed by
ROBERT MARLOWE


JANET WELSH
LRAM, LTCL, ATCL, ALCM

SALLY JONES

Musical Director


Ballet Mistress


THE RITZ
RUSHDEN

October 20th, 22nd, 24th.
Nightly 7.30 p.m.
Saturday Matinee
October 25th, 2.30 p.m.

Robert Marlowe
Director and Choreographer
Robert Marlowe Operatic Oliver 1986
Trained as a dancer in all aspects, Robert Marlowe commenced his professional career in the world renowned French “Folies Bergere” Revues.  Following which he formed an act with an ex-Royal Ballet girl which took them around the world, dancing in Millionaires’ Playgrounds from Nice and Monte Carlo to Hollywood and Miami.  Their act was featured on board those famous transatlantic Queens, Mary and Elizabeth before their rule of the sea was terminated by progress.
In the theatre, his work encompassed Revues, Musicals and Summer Shows where he graduated swiftly to Principle Status, and he is now recognised as something of an expert in the world of Pantomime, where he has had the honour to work with many stars of that particular medium – such as Arthur Askey, Tommy Trinder, George Lacey etc.
A Choreographer of distinction, he is now much in demand for his Directing skills and has worked recently with such household names as Barbara Windsor, Larry Grayson, Leslie Crowther, Honor Blackman, Ted Rogers, Anita Harris, Patricia Cargill, Nerys Hughes – indeed a list too numerous to complete.
Recently his work has been the subject of a Documentary in the “Forty Minutes” Series on both B.B.C. 1 and 2, and also the subject of an I.T.V. Arts Programme.

Oliver!

“Oliver!” the internationally acclaimed stage success, is an experience unlike any other.  There was no precedent for “Oliver!”  Before it, Charles Dickens was thought one of history’s great writers of classics, but someone to be relegated to classroom and library.  Through extraordinary genius, without tampering with the moving honesty of the source material, Lionel Bart took “Oliver Twist” and rendered an interpretation of it in terms of modern musical theatre which speaks vibrantly, yet faithfully, to today’s world.  A striking entertainment utilizing song and dance, comedy and poignancy, spectacle and beauty, it offers a new vision by which “Oliver!” fulfils and enhances everything Dickens had in mind.
As in virtually all of the great stories which last, love is at the core of “Oliver!”  Its theme is the search for love, and love is little Oliver’s search from the very beginning.


Chairman's Message

In this our Society’s 40th year it gives me great pleasure to welcome you to our Production of Oliver.  Let us hope that many more shows will be staged live at Rushden in this Theatre by our members in years to come.  Few Amateur Companies can boast the fortune of performing at such a super venue, and we extend once again our gratitude to the Management and Staff at the Ritz for their sincere co-operation.
The Book was written 150 years ago around the time of Queen Victoria’s accession to the Throne and it is difficult to think that Charles Dickens could ever have imagined at that time that this story would be adapted by Lionel Bart to such a Musical Hit, generations later.
I do hope you will enjoy the Production and that despite the odd tear; as well as laughter; this enchanting show will leave you in no doubt that despite escalating costs our Amateur Operatic Society intend to continue staging live musicals for many years to come in Rushden.

Mike Neville, Chairman


LIFE BEGINS AT 40?

Whether “life begins at 40” is as true as many people think or hope, may well be confirmed before the end of October this year when the Rushden Amateur Operatic Society celebrates its own 40th birthday by presenting the ever popular musical “Oliver” at the Ritz, Rushden – which will be celebrating its own Golden Anniversary this year.
The R.A.O.S. evolved from an idea of Rushden florist, the late Bernard Palmer, in the Autumn of 1945, when everybody was trying to forget the war and bring the daily life of Britain back to some kind of norm.
Although it was realised that for obvious reasons there was a shortage of male voices, even at that first meeting specific shows, ‘Country Girl’, ‘Quaker Girl’, ‘Hook of Holland’ and Gilbert & Sullivan etc, were discussed – but nothing was confirmed until Mr. Palmer had been to London and reported back on the shows available.  Perhaps we could let Mr. Palmer’s own words set the scene:
In April 1947, “Blossom Time” turned all our labours into full fruit, and gave us a good harvest with which to start our second show.  How much had we learned? – not as much as we thought! but if enthusiasm counted for anything, we were the Stars of the Firmament.  “If you hadn’t such a good wife, your enthusiasm for this Operatic Society would ruin you”, said a member of my staff at this time.
It is theatrical tradition “That the show must go on”, and we still have our Society in Rushden.  All is not hard work, there are lots of laughs.  If it is in your mind to start a society, beware of the practical joker.  There was the very sole occasion when the heroine was being admonished for not taking her piano practice seriously enough.  Nearly in tears, she opens the lid, and all the audience could see a kipper which had been attached thereto!
Now back to the nuts and bolts and people of “Blossom Time” which in the Spring of 1947 was put on as the first live show at the cinematic pride of the area, The Rushden Ritz.
Ticket prices were: Ground Floor from 2/6d up to 7/6d and Gallery the same.  The newly introduced Entertainment Tax skimmed at least 25% of each and all for the government.  However, despite Entertainment Tax and such interesting expenditures as £4. 17. 6d for paint and powder and £1. 10s for “limelights”, the Society made a healthy profit, in excess of £600 on its first production.
An interesting socio-economic comment on the times in supplied by Mr. and Mrs. Percy House, who became members of the Society at its second “official” meeting.  The Houses bought 2 bottles of orange drink (at 1/3d per bottle) for ‘props’ in the show, however, it began to disappear so fast they were forced to water it down to make it last to the end of the run.
Perhaps a further snippet of interest connected with “Blossom Time” at the Ritz all those many years ago, was directed for the Society by Norman Edwards, who himself had played in the London production of the same show with the then enormously popular Richard Tauber in the lead.  Tauber is still a great favourite with many of the older generation through his records.
The Musical Director for “Blossom Time” was the man who remained the Society’s M.D. for 29 years after that first show, Oswald Lawrence, who for 7 years before the war had been the M.D. for the Kettering Operatic Society and who was one of the first ‘stage’ people approached by Bernard Palmer to help in forming the R.A.O.S.  In its 40 years’ history, the Society has only had 4 M.D.’s Oswald Lawrence, Joan Hart, Pauline Longland and the new present M.D. Janet Welsh.
The R.A.O.S. has a proud record of ‘keeping essential people involved’ and working, it seems.  For example, its well known Stage Manager, Len Gomm, has been working ‘behind-the-scenes’ as it were since 1952 and has done a total of 39 shows for the R.A.O.S., 35 of them at the Ritz.  Len has also served the R.A.T.S. since 1963, doing 30 shows with them, 26 of which were also at the Ritz: a total of 69 shows without a miss!  There are several members who have been with the Society for the 40 years of its existence, but only two still ‘tread the boards’, Rene Welsford who says she enjoys playing ‘character’ roles, and Christ Carter.  Both were on stage in “Blossom Time” and will be ‘on stage’ in ‘Oliver’.  Chris Carter was also the first person to audition to become a member of R.A.O.S.
For a successful operatic society, which has given so much pleasure to thousands of people over the past 40 years, and two thirds of whose members know little if anything about things like Entertainment Tax, post war shortages, and post war queues – yes, including those long ones for tickets for “Blossom Time” – but over 8,000 tickets were sold.
Perhaps a quote from our President will help to understand why we are still going strong.
My interest was in the acting aspect – my bell-like singing tones would ensure complete and utter disaster for any musical show.  Fortunately for me all musicals offer “meaty” non-singing roles.
Whatever our calling in life – hobbies are vital.  The amateur stage has provided me with necessary relaxation from the demands of the daily round, and the opportunity to recharge the batteries to face the daily changes with equanimity.

Bert Catlin
President R.A.O.S.


The Orchestra
Under the direction of Janet Welsh
LRAM, LTCL, ATCL, ALCM

Janet Welsh Operatic Oliver 1986

Janet Welsh
our
MUSICAL
DIRECTOR

Peter Cox - Bass
Roy Smith - Reeds
Colin Bell - Trumpet

John Bridge - Trombone
Martin Wilde - Percussion
Margaret Neal - Piano

President's Message

Forty years – what is so special about it? – it is only another birthday, another decade completed.  Why not wait for the completion of the next one – the 50th before making special mention?  After all 50 years, the half century is really something.  Why anticipate it and possibly dilute the pleasure of its celebration with making the 40th anniversary?
Surely 40 years in the life of any organisation is so very important as it is virtually certain it will still boast active founder members amongst its numbers.  Beyond this milestone there is every likelihood that very few, indeed any, who were in at the start will still be “treading the boards”.
This “Oliver” 1986 gives us all, cast, officials and you the audience an opportunity to share the pleasure of celebrating a milestone and recalling those early days with those amongst our numbers who can say with pride “I was there in 1947”.  Heavens above I had just become the teacher the world was waiting for!
Yes, Rushden Amateur Operatic Society “Blossomed” forth 40 years ago and in welcoming you to “Oliver” I ask you to “keep asking for more” so that the Society, ever keen to satisfy, will continue for another 10, 20, 30, 40 . . .  years.

Bert Catlin
President


The Cast
(in order of appearance)

OLIVER TWIST
MR. BUMBLE
WIDOW CORNEY
MR. SOWERBERRY
MRS. SOWERBERRY
CHARLOTTE
NOAH CLAYPOLE
THE ARTFUL DODGER
FAGIN
NANCY
BET
MR. BROWNLOW
BILL SYKES
MRS. BEDWIN
DR. GRIMWIG
OLD SALLY


Tamsin Nunley
Peter Carpenter
Pauline Wildman
John Stringer
Patricia Turner
Margaret Hunter
Simon Baker
Tim Cooper
Keith Green
Ursula Hanzlik
Julie Wilbur
Brian Jones
Philip Hanzlik
Christine Carter
Eddie Mander
Rene Welsford

Londoners
Gill Bateman
Kylie Barrington
Mary Boyfield
Honor Cooper
Josephine Green
Maria Grimmitt
Margaret Hunter
Diane Johnson

Sally Jones
Angela Mander
Emma Myers
Joanne Needle
Kate O'Leary
Brenda Rourke
Pam Taylor
Pam Trainor
Heather Woodiwiss

Robin Allen
Simon Baker
Eddie Mander
Colin Needle
Douglas Pateman
John Stringer
Michael Tye
Graham Ward

Workhouse Boys and Fagin's Gang
Lee Atwood
Jason Brown
Hilary Challen
Anthony Curson
Darren Worton

Richard Green
Timothy Green
James Grimmitt
Jeni Hughes
Sorrel Hughes

Lizette Lyne
Sheena O'Leary
Samantha Pentelow
David Ward

Ursula & Philip Hanzlik Operatic Oliver 1986
NANCY - Ursula Hanzlik
BILL SYKES - Philip Hanzlik

Tamsin Nunley Operatic Oliver 1986
OLIVER
- Tamsin Nunley

Keith Green Operatic Oliver 1986
FAGIN
- Keith Green

Oliver!
The place is London. The time about 1850
Act One
Scene I
Scene II
Scene III
Scene IV
Scene V
Scene VI
The Workhouse - early evening
The workhouse Parlour - later
The Undertaker's
The Undertaker's - Next morning
Paddington Green - Morning, a week later
The Thieves' Kitchen - later
Act Two
Scene I

Scene II
Scene III
Scene IV
Scene V
Scene VI
FINALE
The "Three Cripples" A Public House in Clerkenwell. The following evening
The Brownlows' Morning Room - Two weeks later
The Thieves' Kitchen
The Workhouse - A few days later
The Brownlows' House
London Bridge - Midnight
London Bridge

The Company 1986/87

Musical Numbers
Act One
Overture
"Food Glorious Food"
"Oliver"
"I Shall Scream"
"Boy for Sale"
"That's Your Funeral"
"Where is Love?"
"Consider Yourself"
"Pick a Pocket or Two"
"It's a Fine Life"
"I'd Do Anything"
"Be Back Soon"

Oliver & Boys
Mr.Bumble, Widow Corney & Boys
Mr.Bumble & Widow Corney
Mr.Bumble
Mr.Sowerberry, Mrs.Sowerberry & Mr.Bumble
Oliver
Artful Dodger, Oliver & Chorus
Fagin, Oliver & Boys
Nancy, Bet & Boys
Artful Dodger, Nancy, Oliver, Bet & Fagin
Fagin, Artful Dodger, Oliver & Boys
Act Two
"Oom-Pah-Pah"
"My Name"
"As Long As He Needs Me"
"Where is Love"
"Who Will Buy?"
"It's a Fine Life"
"Reviewing the Situation"
"Oliver"
"As Long As He Needs Me" (Reprise)
"Reviewing the Situation" (Reprise)
FINALE
"Food Glorious Food" (Reprise)
"Consider Yourself" (Reprise)
"I'd Do Anything" (Reprise)
Nancy & Chorus
Bill Sykes
Nancy
Mrs.Bedwin
Oliver & Chorus
Nancy, Bill Sykes, Fagin, Dodger & the Boys
Fagin
Widow Corney & Mr.Bumble
Nancy
Fagin

Boys
Company
Oliver & Company

Stage Staff
STAGE MANAGERS: Len Gomm and Chris James
WARDROBE:
Mistress - Ena Carpenter
Pam Bird, Peggy Coles, Sandy East, Janet O'Leary, Angela Tobin.
CHILDREN MINDERS:
Tina Curson, Carol Nunley
STAGE CREW:
Brian Christie, Tony Dale, Merv Goddard, Jerry Groom, Les King, Neil King, Nick Kirk, Tony Leonard, Gordon Pateman, Dick Sanders, Ken Smith, Chris Thorburn.
LIGHTING:
Trevor Bailey, Kingsley Hall, Arthur Hollomon, Deborah Hollomon, Natalie Hollomon, Christina King, Alan Mayes, Roger Norman, Philip Thompson.
PROPERTIES:
Miriam Joyce assisted by
Kay Broom, Maff Davies, Nicolette Goddard, Jan Hollomon, Bob Joyce, Jeanette King.
CALL BOY: Moira James
PROMPT: Connie Holt
TAB GIRL: Susan Smith
MAKE UP ARTISTS:
Clive Durrant and Kaye Rawlins
COSTUMES: 'Marigold', Brynmawr, Gwent, Wales & R.A.T.S. Wardrobe.
SCENERY: James Fredricks, Weston-Super-Mare

Support Staff
PROGRAMME SELLERS: Arrangements by Glenis Haynes
Grace Berrill, Margaret Clark, Kate Mitchell, Elsie Pateman.

STEWARDS: Auditorium Manager: Cliff Jefferies
Gerry baish, Gerry Myers, Mike Neville, Phil Smith, Keith Vaughan.

PRIZE DRAW TICKET SELLERS:
Arrangements by Margaret Bland & Jean Wilbur
Muriel Gomm, Win Green, Carol Grey, Nicola Harris, Valerie Myers, Mary Quartermain, Moyra Stewart, Pamela Stock.

PHYLLIS BRYANT and ROSE DRAGE

IN MEMORIAM

It is with great sadness in the 40th Anniversary  year of the Society we have lost two of our very loyal founder members – Phyllis Bryant and Rose Drage.
Phyllis was joint secretary with her sister Eva from 1946 for many years and also with Bernard Palmer.  In 1968 Phyllis was made an Honorary Life Member for which she was highly delighted.
Phyllis maintained her interest by coming along to rehearsals and helping in the dressing room – Whenever someone had a quick change she was always there.
Rose ‘tread the boards’ in most of the shows from “Blossom Time” in 1947 to “My Fair Lady” in 1972.  From then on Rose helped in the dressing room, she was always around, with a cup – (or glass) that cheers – and it was all homemade!
An Honorary Life Membership was also bestowed on Rose.
We shall very much miss Rose and Phyllis and especially this anniversary year.


Acknowledgements

The Committee and members of the Society wish to offer their sincere thanks to the following whose assistance and co-operation have made this production possible.

The President and Vice-Presidents for their continued support.
The Hamlyn Distribution Services Ltd. for Rehearsal and meetings facilities, Rushden W.M. Club, the Rose & Crown, South End School and Queen Victoria Hotel.
The Headmaster of Alfred Street School and the Caretakers.
Programme written and compiled by Mary Boyfield.
Peter Dawes Printers, Kettering, for their great assistance in producing this programme.
The Northamptonshire Evening Telegraph to Doug Millhouse for publicity photographs.
R.A.T.S. Workshop for publicity photographs.
A. Abbott and Sons, Funeral Director, Rushden for loan of coffin for publicity photographs.
All those who have allowed us to display advertising material.
The Traders who have taken advertising space of donated pages in this programme.
East Northants Co-operative Society Ltd., Woodfine & Co., King Kuts, and Billingtons for publicity displays.
Alpha Mu Products for use of Public Address Equipment.
The Stewards, Programme and Prize Draw ticket sellers.
Box Office Assistants.
The Nursing Sisters and St. John Ambulance for attendance at the Theatre.
All parties supporting us from various organisations.
R.A.T.S. for use of scenery workshop.
Rimto Ltd. Rushden for supply of some scenery.
Toseland Building Supplies Ltd for collection of scenery.
Ailey (Express Parcels) Ltd for return of scenery.
L. Whitehead, Irchester, Robert Marriott and Miss Margaret Whitworth for loan of properties.
Jim Adams for loan of switchboard.
K.J.M. Lighting of Northampton,



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