Written By
Kenneth Horne
Where and When
February 1950 @ The Women’s Institute Hall, Wimborne
The Plot
On her wedding morning Pam is so appalled at the gravity of the promises she must make that she refuses to be married to Joe. Her doubts increase on meeting her father, Paul, long divorced from her mother. Pam was taught to think him an abandoned bounder, but find’s him so charming she is convinced that if his marriage disintegrated then he’s is bound to fail. Paul interven’s and incites Joe to elope with Pam whilst he himself enjoys a reconciliation with his wife.
Cast
- Pam – Sonia Wheeler
- Angela – Katherine Purchas
- Mrs MAndrake – Ethel Cornish
- Paul – Paddy Brooman
- Charles – H. J. Midmore
- Millicent – Pam Mottram
- Joe – Michael Warwick
- Mrs Coot – Joyce Parker
Creative Team
- Producer – Greta Finch
- Stage Manager – Hilda Coles
- ASM – Pat Cornick
- Lighting – reginald L. Wilkinson and Mr Roberts
- Wardrobe – Marie Small
- Stage Carpenter – Mr Andrews
- General and Business Manager – Ronald L. Small and John Cornick
Gallery
Reviews
Dramatic Society Scores Again
Enhancing its brilliant reputation, the Wimborne Operatic and Dramatic Society is this week presenting the excellent comedy by Kennth Horne, Fools Rush In at the Women’s Institute Hall for three nights.
The initial performance of this interesting and amusing production was played to a large and enthusiastic crowd who heartily agreed on its conclusion that this clever and versatile company had added new, and well deserved honours to their list of successes by a sincere and polished presentation.
Sonia Wheeler, as Pam, the bride who is very apprehensive about her future as a wife, is convincingly true to character and gives an outstandingly good performance, while Katherine Purchas obviously enjoys her part to the full, and enters, heart and soul into an excellent portrayal of Angela, Pam’s mother.
Ethel Cornish is a great success in the role of Mrs Mandrake, a cheerless housekeeper who always manages to find tears for every occasion, almost as profusely as Paul (Paddy Brooman) – Angela’s ex-husband finds subtle and dignified witticisms.
When Charles (H. J. Midmore), Angela’s fiance, makes fistic contact with Paul – through the machinations of Millicent (Pam Mottram) and to the conversation of Joe (Michael Warwick) Pam’s bridegroom – things begin to move fast, and broken noses! plus broken hearts! are rapidly used as a round up of affection. This even gets Mrs Coot (Joyce Parker) the daily help, confused, and we see! but, ah! theat would be telling! I advise you to see the results by observing this well produced play for yourself.
One last word: You will hear every word clearly and distinctly wherever you sit. The play is capably produced by Greta Finch, stage managed by Hilda Coles, assisted by Pat Cornick, with electricians Wilkinson and Roberts responsible for lights.
Marie Small attends to wardrobe requirements and Mr Andrews is stage carpenter. The efficient and enterprising general and business manager is Ronald L. Small, assisted by John Cormick.