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Distinctive amateur drama
in Northampton since 1932
Registered Charity No. 294848
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Award Winner 2011
PRODUCTIONS
The Silver Cord
by Sidney Howard
Cast & Crew
Mrs Phelps Joan M. Fisher
David Henry W. Gascoigne
Robert Ashley S. Baxter
Christina Margaret Roberts
Hester Patricia Edwards
Maid Grace M. Simons
Producer Eric Roberts
Stage Director Charles F.G. Swallow
Stage Manager Margaret J. McMain
Assistant Stage Manager Irene Hadland
Electrician Robert Inglis
Wardrobe Mistress Frorence C. Brawn
Business Manager Roland Dunwell
Settings Designer George Fisher
Settings made by Charles F.G. Swallow, Herbert Carrier, Thomas McAlvey, Reginald Elliott
A scene from The Silver Cord
Production No. 28
More images from The Silver Cord
PROGRAMME NOTES
Countless. dramatists have written of mother-love sympathetically, but not so Sidney Howard in The Silver Cord.
He chose a different and unusual angle. He depicts an abnormally selfish and almost ruthless mother, who schemes and fights to keep the love of her two sons for herself alone. The inevitable clash of character provides an uncommonly tense piece of play-writing, the third act being extraordinarily fine.
Tautly constructed, this play gains its effect not; by theatrical tricks but by the sheer force and sincerity of the writing wedded to the absorbing interest of the human problem portrayed.
Brilliant acting was seen in the London production at the St. lVlartin's Theatre on 13th September, 1927, by Lilian Braithwaite as Mrs. Phelps, Brian Aherne as David and Denys Blakelock as Robert. The theatre suffered a regrettable loss when the author, who also wrote They Knew What They Wanted, died in the United States in 1939 at the age of 48.
1945
Page last updated: 22/10/2011 Masque Theatre © 2011
THE NORTHAMPTON DRAMA CLUB
From The Silver Cord programme
Since its inception in 1935, the Northampton Drama Club has blazed an adventurous trail.
Its object has been to foster and encourage a vital and informed interest in the Drama by creative work. Whatever may be a member's particular interest, whether acting, production, stage management or study, the Club endeavours to provide scope for that member to enlarge his or her knowledge or practical experience of theatrecraft. Variety is the keynote.
Its internal programme as the bright and cheery club-room and “Little-theatre" just off Newland comprises numerous attractive features.
Throughout the war, the Club succeeded in keeping the flag of drama flying high.