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 The
Cicala Players in Sailor Beware by Philip King and Falkland Cary
Staged: 19/11/1959 at the Rudolph Steiner Theatre Park Road
London NW1
 The Cicala Players
seem to have settled for the Rudolph Steiner theatre once more, as they
return almost exactly a year after staging “A River Breeze” there in november
1957. Having suffered difficulties with numbers, actors producers and
finances, productions have been cut to one a year whilst the group
consolidates its position which now includes the recruitment of new members.
This is referred to by Martins Bank Magazine as “a fresh young team of
beginners”, and it follows the natural departure from the Players of several
previous stalwarts who by dint of moving away from the centre of London with
their Bank roles, are now unable to continue taking part in the groups
productions. At this point in time, despite problems in 1957 that nearly
closed them down, the Cicala Players have, since 1947, staged an unbroken run
of plays. As such they arewell-known and well-regarded by audiences and their
peers in other banks’ amateur societies. Whilst performing “Sailor Beware”
the newer members of the group must cope with some quite intensive roles,
difficult parts to learn and master. On top of that - on the first night -
the audience includes the Chairman of Martins Bank’s London board, Mr E R
Bowring, AND a number of the members of the London District General
Manager’s Department – no pressure there then!
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 For their autumn
production the Cicala Players chose Philip King's and Falkland Cary's
comedy “Sailor, Beware” which had a successful run at the Strand Theatre a
year or two ago. It was presented at the Rudolf Steiner Theatre for two
nights, November 19th and 20th. The Company had a new look this time, and
it was the first stage appearance of all but two of them. Many of our older
experienced amateurs have now left the London area and it says a lot for
the enthusiasm of the supporters of the Cicala Players that they were able
to start again with a fresh young team of beginners, keen to maintain
unbroken the continuity of this excellent Company. It was very encouraging
to note that their labours were rewarded by fairly good audiences which
included on one night or the other the Chairman of the London Board, Mr E.
R. Bowring, and the various members of the London District General
Management.
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Helena Fones Richard Froom Brenda Sanderson
Tom Blossom Patricia Longstaff Reg Rowlands Alan Apps Susan Feather and
Jacqueline Foster
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The play itself is
not the easiest of plays for beginners, as it demands rather a high
standard of individual performance and it says much for the producer, Mrs.
Violet Lewsey, the mother of one of our young men, that she achieved so
much. It was the first time she has produced for the Cicala Players. The
improvement of standard by the time the third act was reached was quite
remarkable, showing that nervousness wore off and confidence was gained as
the play warmed up and they got into the swing of the thing. One of the biggest
general faults was the tendency of some of the characters to stand about
when not actually speaking their own lines, forgetting that acting is a
continuous process. As regards individual performance, the star of the show
was Helena Fones as the nagging mother.
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Brenda Sanderson Susan Feather Alan Apps
Reg Rowlands Helena Fones Richard Froom and Patricia Longstaff
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An experienced actress,
she nevertheless startled us with this performance which was so different
from any of her earlier roles. Her performance was all the more remarkable
in that she was suffering from bronchial trouble and was not feeling well,
but to her must go the credit for making the show go with a swing. A very
natural portrayal of the meek and inoffensive husband was given by Richard
Froom, who kept the sympathy of his audience throughout.
Susan Feather
played the part of the lachrymose aunt, a most difficult part, and put it
over very creditably A very clever little portrayal of the neighbour next
door who always manages to drop in when there is a cup of tea going was
that of Jacqueline Foster, she was very true to life. The two sailors were
played by Reg. Rowlands and Alan Apps. They were well matched.
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Reg gave a
natural and pleasing performance and Alan, despite a tendency to be
inaudible at times, sustained his Scots accent very well indeed and acted
his part convincingly Brenda Sanderson made a sweet little bridesmaid and
succeeded admirably in making us want to kick the Scots sailor for being so
slow to take advantage of the opportunities for a little mild flirtation
which she frequently offered. Patricia Longstaff made a lovely bride and
was especially successful in her wedding dress scenes.
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Reg Rowlands Richard Froom Patricia
Longstaff Susan Feather Brenda Sanderson
Alan Apps Helena Fones Jacqueline Foster
and Tom Blossom.
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In her earlier
scenes there was a certain lack of vivacity, obviously due to initial
nervousness which wore off as she gained confidence. The part of the parson
was taken by Tom Blossom, who is an amateur of some experience. He has an
excellent appearance and presence, and an ease and naturalness which made
one feel at times that-he had missed his vocation. A very pleasant
performance indeed. We shall look forward with great interest to the development
of all the new talent which the Company now possesses, for one and all made
a very promising debut in this show.
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Sep3M x
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