the1956schoolpanto

The 1956 School Panto

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This photograph of the school's 1956 production of Cinderella was supplied by George Rushton who wrote to tell me: "I am second from the left dressed in black. One of Bill or Ben the brokers men. We were used in front of the curtain when scene changes were being made."

Other people that were quickly identified after I circulated the photo were David Betts 'an ugly sister' 5th from the right and Arlene Newman (Prince Charming) a great 'acrobatic dancer' second from the right who later appeared at the Hippodrome.

Carol Chapman (formerly Harrison) wrote to tell me: "I'm not sure but 'Cinderella' in the picture could have been a girl in my year by the name of Sonia Putt. She was a very good dancer etc., and went on to have the stage name of Sonia Petrie. She was the envy of all the girls as she had long blond curly hair and lovely dancing shoes!!!"

Carol's identification was absolutely right because, amazingly, soon after Carol contacted me I was sent a photocopy the programme that was produced for the performance - sent to me by Martyn Richards who took the roll of a messenger in the performance - he had retained the programme for over fifty years (I presume he is the little lad holding a cushion in the centre of the stage.) The programme also confirmed that a "S. Putt" was Cinderella. ( I've been subsequently told that Sonia like Arlene also appeared at the Hippodrome and later worked on the London stage.) The full cast list was as follows:-

Gypsy in the Prologue J. Gibson

Messenger M.Richards

Citizens D. Davies, R. Froggett, D. Lee, S Horsley

Lord Chancellor J. Froggett

Old Gypsy G. Lax

Dandini S. Jones

Marigold, the milkmaid S. Wheatley

Prince Charming A. Newman

Ann, the Lord Chancellor's daughter P. Chance

Cinderella S. Putt

Fairy Godmother F. Dixon

Buttons T. Taylor