Written By
Mark Reed
Where and When
24th March 1971 @ Wimborne Modern School
The Plot
By the author of Petticoat Fever, this play scored a great success in New York. “Hang your clothes on the hickory limb, but don’t go near the water!” The mother is Ann Whitman Murray, who was twenty-five years ago one of Greenwich Village pioneers. She was a pen woman with a mission and a liberal slant on life. She wrote her opinions in verse and prose, and then she married a banker. The daughter is Ellen Murray, young and restless. She has graduated from college and her thesis has concerned the liberalizing moral forces of the village. In doing the research she has stumbled upon some of the work of her mother and has secretly gloried in its stand for all those things that have given the present generation a measure of courage. The day arrives when Ellen’s young man, Douglas Hall, is going to Belgium to be gone for two years. He and Ann, having just discovered their love, decide upon a final farewell weekend. It is when Ellen faces her embarrassed mother down, and wins her point that this comedy achieves its heartily amusing series of verbal climaxes.
Cast
- Ellen Murray – Tricia Marlow
- Lewis Murray – John Anthony
- Constance Nevins – Betty Anthony
- Martha – Linda Pawley
- Ann Whitman Murray – Muriel Brooks
- Titus Jaywood – Tim Eling
- Douglas Hall – Alan Lewis
Creative Team
- Directors – Jenni Waring and Janine Brockes
- Stage Manager – Alan Lewis
- Assistants – Ian Raeburn and Chris Ridout
- Properties – Carole Bird and Sheila Chevlin
- Prompt – Thelma Dryden
- Business & Front of House – Jennie Lewis, Arthur Brooks, Ted Henbest and Mike Waring
Gallery
Reviews
Sophisticated – not quite
A sophisticated comedy was Wimborne Drama Club’s latest offering to their followers. They staged the three-act Yes, My Darling Daughter at Wimborne Modern School.
Despite a brave effort to make the most of this Mark Reed contribution to drama they were unable to completely hide its lack of vitality. Particularly in the first two acts it ws disturbingly insipid. However, a more active final part revived enthusiasm and the cast’s confidence in the play – lacking at time – returned with some competent acting. The build-up was slow and the humour so subtle as to be nearly undetectable – judging by the uncertain response of the audience.
The cast was of mixed experience and I felt they were not altogether convinced it was the right production for them. But the set and lighting, pleasant costumes and that final act did much to make the whole an acceptable bundle of entertainment.
For the women the extremely competent Muriel Brooks and Betty Anthony were in cool command while Tricia Marlow is gaining in confidence with each production. John Anthony and Tom Eling added to their reputation as dependable performers while Alan Lewis, called in at three weeks notice, coped well in difficult circumstances.
Joint directors were Jenni Waring and Janine Brockes with Alan Lewis having the additional worries of stage management.
Made The Most Of Old Theme
Wimborne Drama Club presented the play Yes, My Darling Daughter at Wimborne Secondary Modern School, Pamphill last week. The play by Mark Reed started last Wednesday for four days and the club wisely transferred this American domestic comedy to an English background.
Yes My Darling Daughter concerns the old theme of a daughter planning a doubtful weekend with her boyfriend. It is a theme that has been used time and time again, but the club managed to make the most out of the comic situations and dialogue.
Special credit must go to stage manager Alan Lewis for the production. Apart from providing an excellent set he stepped into the part of the boyfriend at short notice. Never having acted before Alan did a workman like job as Douglas Hall.
The play itself centres on the daughter Ellen Murray played skillfully and well by Tricia Marlow. It tells of the attempts to go off for a week end with Douglas with the knowledge and blessing of her liberal minded mother Ann, played by Muriel Brooks.
Skillfully supporting the main players were John Anthony as Ellen’s father Lewis Murray, Betty Anthony as Constance, Ellen’s much married and worldly wise aunt. Tim Eling as Titus Jaywood, mother’s old flame and Linda Pawley as the maid.
The play was produced and directed by Jenni Waring and Janine Brockes.
Production never flagged
Presenting Mark Reed’s comedy drama Yes My Darling Daughter at Wimborne County Modern School last week Wimborne Drama Club gave performances which were notable for firts rate teamwork and polished acting.
Muriel Brooks played superbly as the modern mother, Ann Murray; and Tricia Marlow got deep into the part of her darling daughter Ellen. John Anthony weighed in worthily as the heavy father, Lewis; and Betty Anthony gave an excellent characterisation as his much married sister, Constance. Tim Eling’s Titus Jaywood played with sincerity and understanding was easily the best performance of his career, and Alan Lewis was convincing as Ellen’s boyfriend Douglas. Linda Pawley made the most of her part as maid, Martha.
Jenni Waring and Janine Brockes are to be congartulated upon a smooth and well rehearsed production that never flagged. And Alan Lewis and his assistants – Ian Raeburn and Chris ridout – scored full marks for tip-top stage management. A word of praise is due to the un-named but very artistic designers and builders of the attractive setting.
Thelma Dryden prompted; Carole Bird and Sheila Chevlin were responsible for properties; and Jennie Lewis, Arthur Brooks, Ted Henbest and Mike Waring shared business and front of house duties.
Programme
