Compiled and Directed by Marion Rogers
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The performance was a poignant reminder of how things were one hundred ago at the start of the Great War, should Medstead have put on a concert party in support of the men at the front and those left behind. To complement the live acting, singing and piano accompaniment, the production used state of the art computer controlled projection, providing some stunning backdrops.
Following on from the various commemorations of World War One in Medstead and the surrounding area the Medstead Players, under the direction of Marion Rogers, stepped up to the firing line with an excellent production Till The Boys Come Home. Presented over two nights it was immediately clear that this would be a quality performance just by looking at the programme. The front cover depicted three V.A.D. nurses and inside, after an Introduction by the Director, the various items were set out in detail. The Village Hall was finely decorated and the audience sat at tables and were able to enjoy mini-picnics and/or purchase refreshments (liquid) at the bar. Song sheets were provided on the tables for use in the audience participation items.
The Show did not start with a rousing chorus but with a sympathetic reading of Graham Pettit's evocative poem, Addlestrop. After a formal introduction by Claire Fraser the talented group, Knickerbocker Glory entertained with Appalachian style clog/tap dancing supported by their own musicians. Claire Fraser then re-appeared with Sue Ovell to sing Sunshine of Your Smile to great acclaim. What Medstead Players Show would be complete without the appearance of Stan Whitcher who this time offered a monologue?
Next, the audience was delighted by the appearance of the Medstead and Four Marks Brownies and Guides, led by Gwen Clifford. The young ladies were in period guiding outfits and offered a medley of WWI songs which were well received. James Montgomery sang, They Didn't Believe Me, very movingingly and to a truly professional standard. Carol Bedingfield followed reading letters set in WWI under the title, My Darling Ernest, and which were passionate original works by Carol.
Just for the two nights a Medstead Ladies' Choir had been formed and they took the Show up to the Interval with another carefully chosen medley of WWI songs ending with Ivor Novello's famous and sensitive, Keep the Home Fires Burning.
After the break Sue Ovell, Mike Overy and Claire Fraser lightened the mood with a comedy/novelty act, China Town which certainly had the audience laughing at their tables. Knickerbocker Glory returned with a Step Dance Medley. The mood then became sombre once more as Carol Bedingfield read My Darling Celia being the follow up to her earlier piece. Sue Ovell appeared once more, this time with James Montgomery, and presented, He Moves Through the Fair. Knickerbocker Glory reappeared to cover for an artiste who was not able to be at the Show and this time they concentrated on traditional folk songs which showed just how talented they were.
The Medstead Ladies Choir came back on stage with a Song Medley including the tongue-twister, Sister Susie Sews Shirts for Soldiers which was perfectly performed - all those words beginning with the letter "S"! Following the ladies, Joe Tindale enchanted everyone with his excellent flute solo which was a real treat.
Marion Rogers, the Director, then appeared for the first time as a individual performer together with the talented Sue Ovell in Never Mind the Food Controller and the lighter mood continued with Anita Prior, also appearing for the first time as an individual, joining with Carol Bedingfield also in a Comedy Sketch. The Show continued apace with a second Monologue from Stan Whitcher and then the tone switch again as the poem For the Fallen was read. Carol Bedingfield appeared for a third time to read News from the Front which was followed by The Last Post and a One Minute Silence.
The atmosphere changed once again as James Montgomery and Claire Fraser danced a beautifully choreographed Viennese Waltz to Johann Strauss II's famous An der schonen blauen Donau (The Blue Danube). The dance was full of colour and swirls and completely filled the stage.
As the end of the Show approached the audience knew they were about to join with the artistes in the finale and the Union Jack flags on the tables were picked up in anticipation of being waved during the lively singing of Land of Hope and Glory and God Save the King.
The success of the Show was also due to efforts of Helena Hunt, the Musical Director and the numerous Front of House and Back Stage members, too numerous to mention individually.
Clearly, the decision of the Players to invite guests to join them was a huge success and funds were raised, to quote from the programmes, "for our gallant boys fighting on land, sea and in the air". The money raised will be given to The Royal British Legion and Blesma.
[Colin & Carol Fuller]
Performers (in order of appearance):
Graham Pettitt
Claire Fraser
Knickerbocker Glory (incl. Jane Parsons)
Sue Ovell
Stan Whitcher
Medstead & Four Marks Brownies & Guides
Marion Rogers
Anita Simpson
James Montgomery
Carol Bedingfield
Natalia Moore
Eleanor Noble
Anita Prior
Pam Kercher
Jean Penny
Mike Overy
Joe Tindale