Performed at the

Nuffield Theatre

on

29^th January to 1^st February 1997

Notes from the Director

Following its initial view in ‘the round’ at the Stephen Joseph Theatre, Scarborough on 2nd May 1984, the Play opened at The National Theatre’s Olivier Auditorium on 1st August 1985 where it played in repertoire for ten months, transferring to the Lyric Theatre, Shaftsbury Avenue on 4th June 1986 since when it has been produced around the country and made into a film with a star studded cast.

‘Chorus of Disapproval’ was Ayckbourn’s fourth National Theatre production and has become one of the ‘best sellers’ of the author’s plays. It is full of those archetypal ‘Ayckbourn’ characters, each of whom you will doubtless recognise as someone you know; they are also love/hate characters - the down trodden wife who turns and selfishly snatches at happiness, inflicting the same hurt as she suffered; the apparently uncaring and dominant husband who is racked with self doubt, vulnerable, and deeply caring - are but two examples.

This production brings together a host of ‘seasonal’ Maskers and several new faces, some of whom will be familiar to Southampton Operatic Society followers, in a delightfully restructured and refurbished Nuffield Theatre. I hope that you enjoy their presentation of this superbly written play.

My final tribute is to Michael Patterson - the Musical director and Mr. Ames without whose help, performance and talent etc. etc. etc.

Albert Minns

Cast
Guy Jones	Alec Walters
Dafydd A P Llewellyn	Ken Spencer
Hannah Llewellyn	Hazel Burrows
Bridget Baines	Belinda Drew
Linda Washbrook	Jan Ward
Crispin Usher	Jeremy Minns
Ian Hubbard	Liam Meggason
Fay Hubbard	Sarah Humphrey
Ted Washbrook	David Jupp
Enid Washbrook	Christine Baker
Jarvis Huntley-Pike	Ian Morley
Rebecca Huntley-Pike	Philippa Taylor
Mr. Ames	Michael Patterson
Raymond Kewsee	Clive Weeks
Tempest Wadebridge	Clare Minns
Sandy Beeston	Lyn Austin
Margaret Alright	Mollie Manns
Annie Anderson	Adrienne Bath
Frances Parfois	Julie Baker
Tom Dickie	Tony Austin
Tony Moffitt	Reg Bath

 

For the Maskers
Director	Albie Minns
Musical Director	Michael Patterson
Stage Manager	Angie Barks
Lighting	Clive Weeks
Sound	Laurie Gee
Set Design	Ken Spencer
Set Construction Liaison	Ron Tillyer
Set Painting	Edwin Beecroft
Set Construction	Paul Lewis and Southampton City College Students
Properties	Ella Lockett
Dance Arrangement	Adrienne Bath
Poster Design	John Hamon
Publicity	Jan Ward, Philippa Taylor
Wardrobe	Christine Baker, Sarah Humphrey
Programme	Angela Stansbridge
Stage Crew	Paul Baker, Rob Robinson, Geoff Cook, Martin Ingoe