It was a really filthy night, as I paddled around Boxmoor, getting my feet soaking wet and looking for the hall. I had not been to this society before, the main reason I went was because Ian Grundy (then a clerk in my bank at Tring. I have no idea where he is now) was in the chorus and had sent me a leaflet. I was quite frankly expecting it to be a typically bad provincial production, but I was quite surprised. There was a gun on the forestage in front of the curtain inscribed “H.M.S. Pinafore 1827” (is this date significant?) The conductor (Bernard Smith) did not trouble to acknowledge the applause that greeted his entrance, and had a sloppy rostrum manner. The National Anthem was lethargically played. The overture was fairly lively, though a trifle rough and raucous in tone. The orchestra held together pretty well, though there was a disastrous chord near the end. Buttercup (Shiela Palmer) had a pleasing, warm & rounded voice, but the occasional intrusive "a" ("Hail, men-o-war's men-a") was annoying. She was very young and charming, pleasing, but not plump, which made nonsense of some lines. Deadeye (Henry Charge) overacted. He had a quivering, pedantic singing voice. His characterization was non existent and he had a habit of beating time with his feet. Ralph (Alan Kettley) had a very clear and sweet voice, but he rushed "The Nightingale" - it needs taking gently, and plenty of time should be allowed. "A maiden fair" was similarly rushed, with questionable phrasing. The ganglion speech was excellent, and his dialogue generally very good. But why didn't he kiss Josephine when she said she loved him, the clot! Captain Corcoran (Roger Munn) was a very fine actor, his sense of timing was impeccable, and every move, every gesture down to the faintest raising of an eyebrow in response to what someone else was saying, was worked out to the finest detail without ever being obtrusive. He had a very good voice, but "Fair moon" was too high for him, he sang it very well and very carefully, but really didn't sound happy. "Things are seldom" was disappointing, as they both seemed hesitant. The look of puzzlement on his face when Sir. J. says "more knowledge of human nature than I had given you credit for" was excellent. Josephine (Lesley Smith) was quite good, but stiff and had a throaty tremolo which she tried very hard to control but couldn't always. She had a tendency to go tinny on top and in her dialogue. Her last top note in "Sorry her lot" was flat. Sir Joseph (Ronald Jeanes) was elderly, and played the part in a very polished and mannered, but old-fashioned, style. He was obviously an experienced player, but without much spontaneity. The Bells Trio took two encores and was very pantomimic, borrowed from John Reed. The production was conventional but pleasant, with a set based on DOC, but built and painted by the Society. Graham Burton attended the same performance (unplanned by either of us) and we had a chat and coffee afterwards. MICHAEL WALTERS

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