Madam Stockton Presents
by Bernard Stockton
Ed note: following the War and into the 1950s, the old British Legion situated behind Boots (photo further below) was the venue for many concerts and pantomimes, stage managed by Mrs. Stockton who worked tirelessly with village youngsters to bring them to the stage.
Photo from Geoffrey Stockon, grandson, 'My father Bernard, at the rear left, is wearing the big moustache.'
A memory from Margaret Isobel William:
The 'Madam Stockton event' pictured above, took place around 1953/4 and includes her Sister-in-law, Myra Evans, who is in the middle of the group pictured here.
Margaret recalled, 'Myra was just 16 years old and was working at Cowley's, The Newsagents in Newton Road, when she went out with my brother. They were only just starting to go out together so I'm sure they loved me tagging along! He made Myra a riding whip, which she used in the show, by winding brown cotton around a stick, giving it a lovely sheen.
I cannot remember the name of the concert, but I will never forget that I was allowed to wear my new Llwyn y Bryn School blazer to go and see her in the show and had to face my mother when I got home, as I had tipped ice cream over my new blazer at the Forte's Ice Cream Parlour!'
Myra Evans is in the middle of this group
Sheila Bhana asks:
Does any one else remember?
'Believe it or not I was in a Pantomime in the West Cross Community Hall, that Mrs Stockton put on, where we were tap dancing. The pantomime was The Pirates of Penzance, and I was a Captain. It must be 64 years ago and the only other person I remember in it was Eddy, who later became a copper.
If you can add any more names to those shown in these photos, please contact editors
'Babes in the Wood,' 1946
Back row, far left is Pamela Seacombe and in the front row far left is Pauline Seacombe. Julia Grey is third from left is and fifth is Elizabeth Halden. Also in the picture are Barbara Jenkins, Pat Ridd and Anne Eynon.
Pantomimes at the ‘Legion’ in Oystermouth Square, were part of the village scene from 1946 into the 1950s.
1946-7 saw the first production, ‘Babes in the Wood’. It was a great success and had a fortnight’s run. The principal parts were played by adults, a local well-known actor, Mr. Eric Stevens in the starring role and village children made up the chorus, dancers and, of course, the Babes.
The following year saw the first of many Junior productions—‘Cinderella’ in 1948 was well received and all parts were played by village children.
More of the 'Babes in the Wood' Pantomime, 1946
Photo: Wendy StiddardWendy Stiddard noted, 'This photo shows me in the second row second from left in the fancy cap with the satin peak and the girl with the frilly cravat is Beryl Evans, who lived in Park Street',
The girl on my right is called Josephine. I can't think of her surname but she married Pressdee the cricketer and moved to South Africa'. and added, 'I thought that Mrs Stockton was a very clever needlewoman.
The whole pantomime originated from Mrs Stockton’s dancing class that I went to on a Saturday morning, at Overland Road, the rocky part.
There are many familiar faces, but I can’t remember many of their names, nor the name of the pantomime. But I do know that the fairy in the middle is Florette Macfarlane, a contemporary of mine at High School, who lived in Thistleboon.
George Charles and his wife Marjorie lived in Westbourne Place and they were great friends with my mother and father. Marjorie’s maiden name was Secombe and I think she was a cousin of Harry. George was a noted performer himself and used to teach my sister and me tap dancing.
'Madame Stockton was a choreographer and she is pictured here with her husband Dave.
Sister Muriel and her son Carl shared a house on Overland road with them.
Geoffrey Stockton, her grandson, said:
'My Nan would often tap dance in the house. She used to lift her skirt and do the Can-Can, flashing her bloomers!'
Madame Stockton's husband, David, was very involved in local amateur dramatics. He was director at Gendros Amateur Dramatic Society for many years, producing ,directing and occasionally starring in their productions. He was a special police officer in Mumbles during the war.
Their son, Bernard, will be remembered as one of the singing barmen.
The Singing Barmen perform the Sand Dance at The Canopic
Bernard Stockton formed ‘The Singing Barmen’ with the legendary Bowden Brothers, Bill and Trevor. I became an honorary member at Christmas when in time-honoured fashion we toured the hostelries of Mumbles with ‘Sharper’ The Horses Head, resplendent in ribbons.
Bernards colleague, Mike Finlayson recalled:
'It was while working at Macpherson Bros I met Bernard Stockton, definitely a larger than life character. Former RADA graduate and Mitchell Minstrel, Bernard forewent 'the roar of the greasepaint and smell of the crowd' to bring up his sons and in the process, became a manager at Macs where he used his incredible talent to charm the shoppers (He should have been the Welsh James Bond!). Bernard never lost his enthusiasm for the theatrical.'
Moira Sutton (née Sloggett) also remembers taking part, as an eight year old in the Pantomime ‘Babes in the Wood’ performed in the Church Hall (now the Ostreme Centre) between the 7th and 10th January 1947, and has even produced a copy of the Programme.
The Pantomime Dame was George Charles, and the ‘Juveniles’ of the Chorus numbered 34 well known village girls. Study these ‘maidens’ maiden names and you’ll be surprised how many you know.
At The Royal British Legion, 1946/7, Is this also 'Babes in the Wood' Pantomime?
Photo: Bernard StocktonMrs Stockton’s Dancing School children were the backbone of all productions and she received wonderful support from all the village Mums (and sometimes Dads)
Mrs. Brown (John and Anne’s Mum) was the Wardrobe Mistress, who always turned out first class costumes for all productions. Mr. Kippen (Elizabeth ‘Kipper’s’ Dad) was Stage Manager. The production was my Father, David’s responsibility and Eunice, my Mother took care of the rest.
Dancing classes were held in the basement at 144, Overland Road. There were three groups— tiny tots, kiddies up to fourteen and a senior group of very glamorous village ladies, who provided the line up at the Empire in Swansea for the town’s annual pantomime.
The Pantos were a village institution, always well attended and on occasion had a three-week run at the Legion and Church Hall (now Ostreme).
We toured the local area and once a production of ‘Cinderella’ even took place in May!
I don’t think a three-week run would be possible in today’s climate of TV and video games, but we can look back at those shows and remember how much pleasure they gave us, our families and the Village. ‘Madame Stockton Presents’ will be remembered by many with affection.
P.S. The boys in Oystermouth School gave me a dog’s life because of the word ‘Madam’.
‘Oh Look! there’s Madam Stockton’s little boy’ still rings in my ears.
The Royal British Legion site at Oystermouth Square
The small garden, marked with a red cross, behind Boots the Chemist, is the site of the Mumbles Royal British Legion, at Oystermouth Square.
In the background is The Tivoli Entertainment Centre, previously the cinema, fondly known as 'The Tiv' and now the site of part of the Oyster Wharf development.
Later The Royal British Legion occupied this Hall at Oystermouth Station (Square), photo pre 1929.
An aerial view of All Saints' Church, Bowling Green & Tennis Courts, The 'New' Cinema, (later The 'Tivoli' as shown in the upper photo) the row of shops, which included Kemps. On the right hand side is The Royal British Legion Hall at Oystermouth Square, pre 1929.
All Saints' Church Hall, January 7th, 8th & 9th 1947 Matinee Sat 10th at 2.30
'Babes in the Woods'
Cast List
Dilys Wilkins, Frieda Walters, Eunice Stockton, Betty Harris, Floretta MacFarlane, Monica Rees, Moria Gibby, G. C. Charles, D. E. Stockton, Tom Ball, Alfred Hoile, Dennis Venton, Jack Kostromin, W. Bryce,
Chorus - Juveniles
(which were split into two groups) Barbara Jenkins, Angela Hoppe, Betty Gammon, Brenda Durk, Maureen Noel, Moira Sloggett, Vera Bignell, Yvonne Rott, Mollie Rees, Iris Jenkins, Jean Rott, Carol Morris, Elizabeth Thomas, Marlleen Secombes, Christine Kostromin, Pauline Laid, Susan Rees.
Jean Twells, Dlanne Thomas, Josephine Richards, Wendy Williams, Ann Clark, Pamela Seacombe, Clair Cottle, Mhari Jones, Sonia Kostromin, Barbara Lewis, june Stewart, Ann Jones, Pat Hoppe, Elizabeth Alden, Pamela MacDonald, Susan Clevesly, Julie Gray.
A searchable copy of the programme, donated by Moira Sutton (née Sloggett)
This programme, for Dick Whittington and His Cat has been donated by Justin Horrell on behalf of his mother Pauline Seacombe.
Justin recalls that, 'Both Pauline and my aunt Pam Seacombe are listed in the cast. C. Seacombe is the drummer and I assume this was my grandfather Cyril who used to play drums in various dance bands when he was young. He worked as a conductor on the Mumbles Train and later with the South Wales Transport bus company’.'
British Legion Hall, Mumbles - Madame E. Stockton presents
(No date on the programme)‘DICK WHITTINGTON AND HIS CAT’
Accompanist, Mrs. V. Balsdon - Violinist, Mr. E. Stockton - Drummer, Mr. C. Seacombe - Stage Manager, Mr Kippen
CAST:
Raymond Bowers, Barbara Jenkins, Bernard Stockton, Glyn Parry, Elizabeth Kippen, Pauline Seacombe, David Stockton, Harry Brooks, Rose Edwards, Pamela Seacombe, Thora Edwards, Pamela Edwards, Elaine Simmonds.
CHORUS
Enid Brooks, Pamela Edwards, Rose Edwards, Thora Edwards, Barbara Jenkins, Elizabeth Kippen, Paula Phillips, Pauline Seacombe, Elaine Simmonds, Diane Thomas, Elizabeth Vaughan, Audrey Williams.
DANCERS
Paddy Balsdon, Susan Batchelor, Julie. Boyd, Judith Davies, Lynne Davies, Susan Greenwood, Patricia Hansard, Celia Hoppe, Diane Jones, Margaret Kneath, Margaret Lloyd, Barbara Matthews, Jean Packe, Sheila Pollard, Angela Swales, Susan Tucker, Elizabeth Watkins, Marie Waygood.
A searchable copy of the programme, donated by Pauline Seacombe
Also mentioned in:
My abiding memories of Mumbles > by Mike Finlayson
A Trek through old Mumbles Village: part three > by Stuart Batcup