Writen by Rex Frost
The Medstead Players first production on Friday and Saturday was a resounding success, with full houses on both nights.
Rex Frost may have written better plays than "Small Hotel" but this was good entertainment and an excellent introduction for a new company. The backstage workers did a splendid job and richly deserved the applause when they were introduced at the close of the performance. Medstead looks forward to the next production with great interest, confident that the Players will go from strength to strength.
"Small Hotel" by Rex Frost by the new company was most successful. Richard Smith had made an excellent job of the scenery which represented the dining room of a typical country residential hotel. The plot revolves round the elderly, crafty waiter, excellently portrayed by Stan Whitcher, plotting to keep his job and that of his pretty waitress, Effie, played by Kerry Prior, in the face of fierce opposition by the formidable Mrs. Samson-Box (Estelle Wescombe) and the area manager, Mr. Finch.
The beautifully constructed set which drew admiration from all quarters was built by Richard Smith, the stage manager. It was certainly an inspiration to everyone taking part in the play to try to be worthy of it. Backstage, Sandy Chitty coped ably with a vast amount of props and gave all the actors and actresses a great deal of confidence by having everything necessary to hand. Another great confidence giver was Hugh Price as prompter, who did his job inconspicuously and efficiently.
The stage setting by Richard Smith was admirable and was typical of the dining room of a small country residential hotel. I congratulate the players on an excellent opening production and look forward to the next.
Cast:
Spencer Crouch -
Gladys Spiller -
Mr. Barrington -
Alan Pryor -
Albert - Stan Whitcher
Sheila Pryor -
Mr Finch - Max Chitty
Mrs. Samson-Box - Estelle Wescombe
Effie Rigler - Kerry Prior
Mrs. Gammon - Pam Kercher
Caroline Mallett -
Customers:
Other cast members: Philip Smith, Ann Henderson, Ann Penn, John Hurst, Ron Whitcher, Estelle Wescombe and Betty Haslam.
