THE STAGE CREW - from Phoenix 69 [undated - assumed post-October 1969]

Stage Manager: Peter Durrans

Assistant Stage Manager: Even Griffiths

Stage Carpenters: Ian Dodd, Alasdair Horn., John Palmer

Lighting: Gordon Powell, Robert Brandreth, Graham Trevarthen

Assistants: Glyn Watkins, David Thurston

Ben Johnson's play The Alchemist was the first production involving the Dramatic Society Stage Crew in December 1968. A glance at the programme reveals the amount of scene changing involved:

Act I Lovewits House

Interval

Act II Scene I Lovewits House

Scene II Outside Lovewits House

Scene III Lovewit's House

Unable to demonstrate their talents for lightning-fast scene changes, the Stage Crew devoted their abilities to the production of special effects requiring split-second timing, an art in which they have become highly skilful. Worthy of special mention was the production of lighted figures upon a seemingly solid wall (the figures representing a bell, man, cloak, and dog). The result of this special effect (produced in co-operation with the art department) could be described as nothing short of miraculous, although the actor concerned did tarnish the result during one performance by failing to keep pace with the Crew's rapid changes!

"Resounding cracks' were also provided by courtesy of the Stage Crew, thanks to the loan of a starting pistol and a mixture of two parts of hydrogen to one of oxygen. As everyone with an elementary knowledge of chemistry knows, these two gases react according to the following equation:

2H2 + O2 -> 2H2O

When mixed together in a large plastic bottle in the correct 2:1 ratio, with a lighted splint placed at the open end, the gases combine with a violent reaction~ (This particular effectwas kindly provided by Mr. T. Gaskell, the renowned explosives expert). Following the ear-splitting explosions, great smoke poured forth from the upstage centre staircase, to represent 'All the works in fumo'. Again, a slight error of calculation resulted in 'smoke without fire', so to speak, during an early performance, but the problem was soon remedied.

The only change of scenery was produced by staging Act I Scene ii on the forestage, with the curtains closed, most of the other effects being largely produced by lighting changes. Although much effort went into the construction of the fixed set,

there was little work during the performances themselves. The staff play of May 1969 was "The Murder of Maria Marten" (or "The Red Barn"), a Victorian melodrama by Brian J. Burton based on various anonymous texts. In high contrast to the previous play, this production involved over twelve scene changes, the majority of which were accomplished during blackouts (a Stage Crew speciality'.). The open set was basically simple. consisting of a second level upstage, with pieces of foliage and a beam suspended on ropes, enabling them to be raised and lowered; bushes and trees, tree stumps and a mound being carried or pushed on and off, and various other items of furniture for the interior scenes.

The curtain opened to reveal the cast dancing round a maypole upstage centre, which, due to its unstable construction, was supported by an actress'. The performances produced some notable highlights such as when Tim Bobbin (played by Mr. Mulliner) called out to Thomas Marten (Mr. Grant) that he had found a gun, but this property was not in position when he stooped to pick it up, and so he began to search for it again, convinced that it was 'here somewhere' (ad libtum). Various other minor mishaps went undetected by most of the audience, axid any mistakes that were noticed merely added to the enjoyment of the production by inviting audience participation. An example of this was when a chair mysteriously appeared in the wood scene, having remained from the previous cottage set. Cries of "You've forgotten the chair" greeted those backstage and the eventual removal of this item produced a round of applause The efforts made by the retired Stage Manager, Anthony Phipps, helping Out at short notice in the unavoidable absence of Durrans and Griffiths, were much appreciated.

Members of the Stage Crew also assisted with the production of the comic opera Tom Jones", by he Southall Operatic Company at Greenford Hall in April 1969.

I am sure that everyone on the Stage Crew enjoyed their work and appreciate the efforts of Mr. Jewell, who always plans the construction work to keep everyone busy!

P. Durrans LV1 i.