Wigan Album

Wonderful pics, brings back memories, but it was 1968 not 1965 have the programme in front of me as we speak. I joined the society the year before for The Gondoliers as did George Richmond. David Poole was MD and Norman Kinley produced. On the group photo I'm second left from middle in the sopranos.

Whatever happened to Anne Clarke? She and I were great friends. I missed being in Yeomen of the Guard as I'd just started college which is when Anne and I lost touch. I have some wonderful memories of being a part of this group and singing in the chorus. (Soprano) I had a tiny part (Guilia) in The Gondoliers...My only claim to fame!

And yes, I designed and painted the set in two days using rollers and a couple of brushes. And yes, I knew them all.
I first became involved in Wigan G & S when I met Marie Doherty - remember her wonderful performance in the Mikado with Anne and Jim Horsefall playing a vicious mikado.
Then onto Pirates of Penzance which I designed the set for and Marie and I painted,. I remember painting bits of ivy on the ruined chapel (act II) at about two in the morning in St. John's Hall.
Played the Major General.
Then onto Patience playing Bunthorne with Norman trying to persuede me to take over the other fleshly poet role because he wanted George Richmond to play it but I refused so Jim played it instead
On the last night Norman approached me and said that he had agreed that Hindley Operatic Society could use the set.
On the Sunday morning I obtained keys to the hall and threw white paint all over the scenery.
It was my design, my painting but - he never asked.
So, at the after-show meeting at the pub in Beech Hill (was it the Whitfield Arms or something), I made to go in and was barred and banned on the door from the Society.
How ironic that, two years later, I was aked to design the set for Yeoman of The Guard.
Bring back memories, anyone.
Did also enjoy many performances with Wigan Little Theatre.