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Distinctive amateur drama
in Northampton since 1932
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PRODUCTIONS
Toad of Toad Hall
by A.A. Milne (adapted from the book by Kenneth Grahame)
Part of the programme for Toad of Toad Hall
Production No. 25
Images from other Masque Theatre productions
PROGRAMME NOTES
Kenneth Grahame, the author of The Wind in the Willows from which the play has been adapted, was a born story-teller. There are countless admirers of his other classic books, The Golden Age and its sequel Dream Days which includes The Reluctant Dragon translated to the screen by Walt Disney.
The adventures of the irrepressible Mr. Toad and his gay companions known as the River-Bankers in their clash with his sprightly enemies, the Wild-Wooders, made their first appearance in bedtime stories told by the author to his small son. Later, when the boy went on holiday, they were continued in letters, which, years after in 1908, formed the basis of the immortal book.
ln the original production at the Liverpool Repertory Theatre on 21st December, 1929, Nova Pilbeam appeared as Marigold, Frederick Burtwell as Toad, Richard Goolden' as Mole, Tom Reynolds as the Judge and Wendy Toye as Phoebe.
Then and in the several London Productions, it was received with acclamation. And no wonder, since it is a novel, genial and lively play with a universal appeal.
Summer 1944
In the open air at Abington Park, Northampton
Page last updated: 22/10/2011 Masque Theatre © 2011
CAST & CREW
Nurse Margaret Roberts
Marigold Enid Burdett
Mole Douglas Thomas
Rat Ashley Baxter
Badger Alfred J Judkins
Toad Anthony Buckeridge
Alfred Graham Brown
The Back Legs of Alfred Dennis Chitty
Chief Ferret Peter Bartlett
Chief Weasel Eileen Kelly
Chief Stoat Doreen Chapman
Policeman HH Smith
Gaoler Clifford Pearce
Usher AE Elvey
Judge Henry W Gascoyne
Phoebe Beryl Evans
Washerwoman Joan M Fisher
Bargewoman Muriel Thomas
Ferrets, Weasels, Stoats, Squirrrels, Rabbits, etc
Una Baxter, Peter Brown, Rosemary Brown, Winifred Butler, Michael Flower, Lyndall Follett, Peggy Furness, Marion Kelly, Blanche Lumley, Barbara Mitchell, Richard Murby, Barbara Riby, Jean Robinson, Michael Smith, Kathleen Tarry, Joan Taylor, Alan Walker, Sheila Wright, Joan Whyte
Trees Gwyneth Evans, Ann Smeeton, Catherine Smith, Brenda Stowe, Rita Tinsley
Producer Osborne Robinson
Stage Director Ernest L Ives
Stage Manager Margaret J McMain
Assistant Stage Managers June Burdett, Dennis Chitty, Robert Inglis
Wardrobe Mistress Marjorie Ives
Business Manager Charles FG Swallow
Costumes as used in original London Production, supplied to the Drama Club by Messrs. Chas H Fox Ltd, High Holborn, London
THE NORTHAMPTON DRAMA CLUB
From the Toad of Toad Hall programme
The Northampton Drama Club has blazed an adventurous trail since its inception.
lts object to foster and encourage a vital and informed interest in the drama by creative work has been consistently maintained. Variety has been the keynote. lts internal programme has numerous and diverse features and its public presentations cover the whole gamut of the drama ranging from the classic plays of the master-playwrights to light, frothy revues.
Prior to the outbreak of the war, the Club had its own premises which included a small, well-equipped theatre and was the focal point of the principal dramatic societies of the town. Despite the large number of members in the Forces and other war-time difficulties, the Club has suceeded in keeping the flag of drama flying high.