Harlequin Celebrating 30 years of Youth Theatre

the continuing story of Harlequin ≈Eastwood Theatre for Youth

by Grace Smith and Kenneth Robertson

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ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

Special thanks to the following people:

Leen Davidson ­ who planted the seed of an idea for these "memoirs" at a committee meeting some years ago, Kenneth Robertson – who contributed to this book with his memories of the last nine years, and Avril Robertson ­ for research and typing, all of which she assured me she enjoyed immensely.

Despite the best efforts of our proof­readers, there may be some unintentional errors and omissions in these pages for which we apologise.

Grace Smith January 2007

FOREWORD TO “THE FIRST 21 YEARS”

As you will read in the following pages, Harlequin has a chequered story to tell over the last thirty years.

My small part in their story originated in 1977 when the former Eastwood District Council agreed to the use of their secondary title of "Eastwood Theatre for Youth" and contributed the sum of £100.00 to help the original office bearers to get the Club up and running. £100.00 seems such a paltry sum by today's standards.

I watched the Club go from strength to strength over twenty five years as Honorary President, with all the ups and downs that this entailed, and how pleasing it is to know that the ups prevailed. This is particularly memorable when you think that the justification for it all, “to train youngsters in all aspects of theatre work", has been carried out on a purely voluntary basis. How remarkable, creditable and praiseworthy in this day and age.

Wherever they go next ­ and their 100th performance is not far away ­ we can only wish them every success in their good works, because it must not be forgotten how much the whole Community benefits from such an enthusiastic and willing team of volunteers.

As I say in my programme foreword ­ "Please, Sit Back, Relax and Enjoy" the story which unfolds in the pages ahead.

Ian S Hutchison Honorary President 1998 – 2002

FOREWORD TO “THE CONTINUING STORY OF HARLEQUIN ~ EASTWOOD THEATRE FOR YOUTH”

When invited in 2002 to take up the position of Honorary President, I felt very honoured.

Harlequin has played such a large part in my life, giving me opportunities I would never have had elsewhere in the amateur field.

Since I stepped down from active participation in the activities of the Club in the new millennium, one of the features which has given me most satisfaction is to watch the numbers of young people, all of whom have come through the ranks of the Club, take their place in the production teams over the last few years.

It has given me great pleasure to prepare this book. It has rekindled so many memories for me. Thank you for giving Kenneth and I the chance to share our memories with you – enjoy your read!

Grace Smith Honorary President 2002 – present day

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HARLEQUIN CELEBRATING 30 YEARS OF YOUTH THEATRE

In 1976, the Seekers, the Junior Youth Fellowship of Giffnock Congregational Church, decided to mount a show for Christmas. Their leaders ­ Roy Henderson, Douglas Smith and John Young ­ chose the pantomime "Cinderella", booked Eastwood Theatre for a week in November, and approached me to produce the show. 76 children from all over the district took part in the production, which was voted a big success, which prompted me to say that what we really needed to do was start a theatre group for young people in the district. And so it all began...

One evening in February 1977 a group of people met together in a house in Giffnock. The subject under discussion was the formation of a theatre group in the Eastwood area catering solely for the needs of young people. Discussion was fast and furious, ranging over all the problems we could foresee ­ and these were many ­ not least the fact that we had no money and no real assurance that we would get support in the area. However, by the end of the evening we had agreed on one thing ­ to have a go! We chose a name ­ Harlequin (the hero/rascal of Commedia, which eventually gave us panto). Douglas Smith designed a badge, and we were off!

We chose our first committee under the leadership of Dr John Clark as President, advertised in the local papers for youngsters to come forward if interested, and started rehearsals for our first show, "Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs", which was to take place in Clarkston Hall during Civic Week in May 1977. We had no money ­ only enthusiasm. Eastwood District Council gave us the princely sum of £100 to help us get started ­ which is why we took the name Eastwood Theatre for Youth. Douglas Smith made the scenery, such as it was; our choreographer, Margaret Beith, made the principals' costumes, assisted by those of us who haunted jumble sales for suitable fabrics; a local dance teacher who was retiring gave us costumes, including a number of woodland creature outfits which appeared with monotonous regularity until they literally fell apart years later, to the relief of those who had to wear them!

In that first show we had 58 youngsters on stage and that set the pattern for the following years. We have never been short of youngsters ­ rather the reverse in fact ­ and soon we had a waiting list of youngsters wanting to participate in the club.

After the success of "Snow White", when it was obvious that the need and interest were there, we made plans to present our first pantomime, "Aladdin", in Eastwood Theatre. And so the pattern for the next few years was set. We presented two shows a year ­ one a pantomime in November, and the other a musical show in May as part of Civic Week.

The yearly pantomime has been a very important aspect of Harlequin's contribution to the community over the years. Last year, 2006, saw the presentation of our twenty seventh panto. We place a strong emphasis on family entertainment and for this reason have a very strong support from the district.

All of us involved have our own favourite and also our own memories: ... of the time when one of the main principals "ran away from home" after the dress rehearsal, leaving us not knowing whether we would have a principal on the first night; ... of the time, in "Pied Piper", when Douglas Smith stepped on­stage as Dame, opened his mouth to speak and his false teeth shot across the stage, reducing the other cast member, Muriel Dinsmor, and most of the audience to hysterics; ... of the time when Michael Adair as Dame came zooming on stage on a skateboard and walloped a flat, which promptly fell over one of the cast ­ fortunately it was an arched flat and Nora treated the matter with great aplomb; ... of the time when Susan Kernohan, the principal boy, took ill on the day of the dress rehearsal and had to be replaced by Vicki Turnbull, who played the part for the week,

holding the script in one hand. The pantos, of course, are so much more sophisticated now than in the early days. That first one, "Aladdin", probably cost us about £500 – the budget for "Snow White" in 2006 was £7000 ­ quite a jump!

Scott Manson (l), David Shaw (c), Iain Davidson (r) “Cinderella” ­ November 2001

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In 1978 we made the decision to enter the field of competitive drama. It's always difficult, especially when running a new group, to compare your own efforts with the efforts of comparable groups. In 1978 there were very few youth groups around, so for us it was almost impossible to make any comparison at all. Thus began our involvement in the Pollok Festival, which in those days was well respected in both music and drama circles. This took place in April, which fitted in well to our programme of November and May productions.

Our first play for presentation in 1978 was "Hallowe'en" by James Scotland and, much to our delight, we were awarded two Cups ­ one for the best youth team and one for the best set and props for the entire festival! The play was produced by myself and stage managed by Robert Young. Now we knew we were doing really well! This success was repeated in 1979 and again in 1982 and 1983. The Festival was a great opportunity for us to present straight drama and gave opportunities to those more interested in that side of theatre. After the first two years when I produced the plays, it gave the opportunity for others of "have a go" at direction and Anna Brabson, Neil Paton and Alex Keith took advantage of this. It also gave the youngsters the opportunity to hear a professional make comment on their work ­ all very worthwhile outcomes. Sadly, thereafter Pollok Centre had a change of committee and interest in sustaining the Festival lapsed and, indeed, it finally died out altogether ­ a great pity and a great loss to amateur drama. For us, though, it had served a most useful purpose ­ it had given us much­needed encouragement in our early days, spurring us on to even greater efforts.

In 1979 Stewart Douglas joined our production team as Musical Director. Stewart had a vision of building up the musical side and forming our own orchestral section of youngsters with musical skills. This was what Harlequin was all about ­ giving young people the opportunity to extend their skills. And so it came about that for some years Harlequin was one of the few groups to have their own orchestra, and what a bonus that was.

In November 1979, instead of presenting a panto, we decided to break with the Christmas tradition and present a book show, "Oliver!". It was a tremendous success, so much so that we decided to present it again in May 1980, in order to fulfil the demand for tickets. My memory of it, however, is the story of the top hats. We needed hats for the male chorus for the "Who Will Buy?" scene and these were kindly loaned to us from the wardrobe department of the Orpheus Club via Walter Paul, who was guesting for us as Fagin. Walter brought them to the theatre in a black bin bag on the Sunday evening, whilst I was busy with my lighting plot. I finished the plot and went off home ­ completely forgetting about the hats. Monday morning came and memory recall of the hats!! ­ help!!! ­ where were they? Isabel Young, the Secretary, dashed up to the theatre only to find they were gone ­ the bins had been emptied that day! As we had to return the hats, we made enquiries about purchasing them, to be told that the cost would be approx £100 per hat ­ we needed 12! What to do? In the end, the local paper heard of our plight and gave us a write­up, telling the story and appealing for hats. By the end of the week we were the proud possessors of 22 top hats and could return those on loan ­ panic over!

In 1980, in order to cope with the rising numbers in the club and also to give us the opportunity to present shows more suited to the young adult performers we had by then, we extended our repertoire to three shows a year and this has been the pattern we have followed since then ­ the pantomime in November, which is for everyone; a production in March for those over fourteen ­ the senior section of the club; and a show in May for junior members between nine and fourteen years of age.

In 1981 one of our junior committee members, Fiona McClune, suggested we should investigate the possibility of taking one of our productions to the Edinburgh Festival. The committee decided not to pursue this, but instead to take a production on a week's tour in the summer. Approaches were made in various areas, culminating in an invitation from Moray District Council. We received a great deal of assistance and encouragement from the Provost of that time, Mr Ian Hutchison, who was also our Honorary President. And so, one Saturday in July 1981 saw a group of forty club members set out from Eastwood Park for Elgin to present our production of "Oliver!". We toured for a week throughout Moray District, culminating in a Civic Reception in Elgin Town Hall when gifts were exchanged on behalf of Eastwood District Council.

The set was a scaffolding set, adaptable to the various stages on which we would perform and was therefore slightly different each night. One of the adult team, Iris McIver, had to bring her six­year­old, Louise, along and I decided the best thing to do with her was put her in the show ­ then we'd at least know where she was for those 2½ hours! And so my memory is of the 6 year old scrambling up and down the scaffolding set, holding on to the braces of the person in front and pushed by the person behind ­ "and, remember everyone, you can't exit UR tonight ­ there's no ladder there ­ you'll fall 6 feet ­ so take care". One night, in Forres Town Hall, where there was very little wing space and a flight of steps down to the hall floor, Richmond Smith, our Stage Manager, placed a pile of chairs rather too near the steps; someone nudged them and the whole pile flew down the steps, skidded across the floor and landed in the front row of the audience! Gordon Runciman, who was sitting there, had the wit to pick them up and return them to the Stage Manager so that he could set up the next scene.

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The tour was a success, socially if not financially, and the following year the tour was repeated with the presentation of "Oklahoma!". Tours thus became part of the yearly programme. The two in Moray were followed up in 1984, 1985 and 1986 by tours to the island of Arran. The general verdict? "A lot of hard work", "a lot of fun", and "oh boy, do you learn about people when you live with them for a week!"

Memories of these tours crowd in thick and fast: ... of the time in Arran when Isabel Young, our Secretary, and Iris McIver, Props, fell in the mud as they went to collect the proscenium arch from the storage space in a barn; ... of the time in Elgin when the drummer was found hidden in a cupboard in the girls' bedroom!; ... of the time in Arran when we pushed an interloper out of the window as he tried to climb into the girls' bedroom ­ one floor up!; ... of the time when senior boys declared their room was haunted and only a visit by my dog coaxed them to settle down because "dogs can sense spirits, you know". These are the things we remember and smile over even now.

What other highlights have there been over the years?

The year 1981 when, after much hard work and persuasion on the part of our secretary, Isabel Young, we at last got permission to present "Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat" by Andrew Lloyd­Webber. What a feather in our cap that was! That may seem a small thing to get excited about ­ after all, schools even in this district present "Joseph" all the time. But that was the point. Schools were allowed to present it, but the licence was usually not given to amateur theatre groups and, in fact, we are still one of the very few amateur groups in the country who have been given permission to present "Joseph".

A lot of time, money and effort went into making it the very best production we had done to date. Our wardrobe mistress, Kay Sidey, made a most magnificent cloak of many colours for the finale. Over the years many schools have had the use of it and also of the ribbon belt and Joseph's golden coat. "Joseph" still holds an affectionate place in the memories of those involved in the production and even in the memories of those who saw it. Indeed, on the last night of the performance, when the band started the play­out music to entertain the audience as they left, they had to play through the whole score again because no­one in the audience would leave until it was finished!

Another highlight came in 1983 with our presentation of "Godspell", a show based on the parables of Jesus as told in Matthew's gospel. This can be played as a first class piece of entertainment, as some clubs do, or as a gentler piece looking at the meanings behind the stories. This was how I chose to present it and, for those involved, both on and off stage, it became a deeply moving piece and a highly emotional experience. The crucifixion scene, each night, moved cast and production team to tears. The memory of David Stewart, who played Jesus, as he sang on the cross and then was carried out of the auditorium on the shoulders of members of the cast still sends shivers down the spine.

“Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat” ­ 1981 Joseph – David Stewart

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In 1984 the chance came our way to present a British Amateur Première. This is an exciting opportunity for any club and we grasped it with both hands. The fact that the show was "Jesus Christ Superstar" particularly appealed to me, having seen the professional touring production only a short time before. I was bowled over by it and was, therefore, thrilled and honoured to be given the opportunity to produce and direct it myself.

Again much hard work, money and time went into this production. The music in particular was very difficult and the musical team of Anne Smith as chorus mistress, Elspeth Nimmo as pianist and Alan Howieson, our young MD, spent many long hours in rehearsal. There were numerous technical problems to be overcome ­ the flogging, when Jesus should bleed; the washing of Pilate's hands when the water should turn red with blood; the very long time the actor playing Jesus had to hang on the Cross during the crucifixion scene. We managed to solve them all and again had a memorable production.

We were most fortunate to have in our ranks at that time a number of young players who later became professional ­ David Stewart, who played Jesus; David McVicar, who played Judas and is now a professional director; Andrew Miller, Alasdair Stewart, Fiona McClune and Barrie Hunter, all of whom were in the chorus. This was again a show to remain in our memories as something very special.

“Annie” was brought to Eastwood in May 1985 ­ unfortunately, not a West of Scotland première, as Pantheon pipped us to the post in March. "Never act with children and dogs", they say. Well, of course, I work with children constantly ­ and may I say I find them easier to work with than many adults ­ but we had to find a dog! We had some difficulty, but finally our friends in Pantheon came to the rescue and the dog which had featured in their production got the chance of stardom once again, and how well he and Kirsty Steven performed!

It has always been our policy never to cast a youngster in a part which needed an adult player to give it real dramatic impact. This is where I could call upon friends in adult societies and, on this occasion, Peter Blackadder from Pantheon and Aileen Mitchell from OGADS were invited to play Daddy Warbucks and Hannigan respectively and gave memorable performances.

“Jesus Christ Superstar” – March 1984 British Amateur Premiere

L to R: Carolyn Scott, David Stewart, Aileen Mitchell in Easy Street “Annie” – May 1985

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In May 1986 we celebrated our first decade in show business by presenting an anniversary show which we called "Memories". It was an amalgamation of all the "book shows" we had presented over the years. We decided to approach as many of those who had played principal roles in these shows as was possible and ask them to return for this show to sing one of their numbers. Many of them agreed to do so, and one, by then living and working in London, flew up a few weeks before the show for a one night rehearsal, took a week's holiday for the show and spent the whole week singing Nancy's song, "As Long as He Needs Me", from "Oliver!". All this because she had loved the part so much! What a host of memories that show provided. My own personal memory is of falling in the theatre on the night of the dress rehearsal. You know how they say, "Break a leg!"? ­ well, I did!! What excitement ­ an ambulance was called and I was rushed off to hospital and spent the week there. Anne Smith had to step in to take my part as narrator, but the hospital kindly allowed me out on Friday so that I could see my show. How thrilled I was to sit and watch all these youngsters, grown up now, but all coming back to join us once again.

"Memories" was followed in July by our tour to Arran, when we presented "Four of the Best", a compilation of what we felt were some of our highlights ­ "Grease", "Superstar", "Joseph" and "Godspell". There was I in my wheelchair, plastered again! The lead in all the shows was taken by Derek Riddell, another of those who has gone forward from the ranks of the club to train as a professional.

1987 saw our production of "Half a Sixpence", a delightfully happy show with Derek and Julie Niven in the lead. It has always been our aim to encourage our youngsters to extend their skills and we were delighted to welcome Tricia Runciman to the production team as choreographer.

May 1987 saw us for the first time invite an "outsider", Joyce Maxwell, to produce/direct our Junior Show, "Bugsy Malone". "Bugsy" is a most attractive show for youngsters ­ in fact, all the seniors envied the juniors the chance to be in it ­ swaggering about as gangsters and toting splurge guns. In one way, however, it created a problem for us. A large number of new juniors came into the club and were auditioned into principal parts, had a wonderful time, and then disappeared because they felt they didn't want to be in the chorus in the panto. That taught us a lesson. Since then it has been policy that, where possible, new members must serve in the chorus first before becoming a principal.

1988 saw us present a "different" show ­ the slightly way­out "Dracula Spectacula", produced by Alex Keith. How we loved him when, at 10.30 pm on dress rehearsal, he decided he wanted to change the colour of the stage floor!

1990 brought another "different" show; this time, "Dazzle" ­ another of John Gardiner's scripts. Obviously, the author had seen "Forbidden Planet" and had come up with a junior version of that show ­ a spoof version of Star Trek ­ great fun to do and giving lots of scope to our Stage Manager, Barry Kyle, who built the set. There were lots of problems technically ­ how do you build transporter tubes, for instance? ­ but, with the help of Tom Roberts, we did it. Our lighting and sound team had a field day. Those of us involved remember Iain Plunkett's contribution ­ to stand behind the doors all week and do the sound effect ­ psssshh!!; Barrie Hunter's portrayal of the cool Captain Dan Dare and Marco Riato's brilliant portrayal of Bones.

In 1991 we chose an ambitious show for our March production ­ "The Wiz", an up­dated modern version of "Wizard of Oz". The music presented a real challenge and lots of work on the part of the youngsters. Who can forget Graeme Kerr as The Wiz in his pretty pink silk pyjamas and bunny rabbit slippers?

Over the years, we have found it increasingly difficult to choose shows. There are only a fairly limited number of suitable shows available. We feel that much of the new material, for various reasons, is not for us and, therefore, over the years many shows have been repeated ­ "Oklahoma!", "Grease", "Bugsy Malone", "The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe", "Smike" and not least "Oliver!", which we have presented five times in our thirty years ­ could that be a record? It certainly is a comment on the dearth of good material available.

“The Wiz” – March 1991 Mark Jamieson(TinMan), Judy Wylie(Dorothy), Graeme Kerr(The Wiz),

Kenneth Robertson(Lion) and Douglas McCheyne(Scarecrow)

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In 1994 we presented "Bugsy Malone" for the second time, and this marked a new development in our history ­ the emergence of the second generation, coming forward to help run the club which had given them so much pleasure. Christine Kyle (née Smith) was appointed Producer/Director, having been one of the original members of the Club 17 years before.

She has been followed in the production field by Karen MacLeod, Colin Dougall and Kenneth Robertson, and on the administration side by several youngsters coming forward to take places on the committee and as office bearers. Most of them say that they feel they want to give something back to the club which has played such a large and important part in their lives, and it gives me personally so much pleasure to feel that we have influenced them so strongly.

Some years ago, when Michael Crawford played in "Barnum" in London, a performance was televised and put out over Christmas. For some strange reason, I recorded it on video and have watched it often over the years, thinking "what a super show, I'd love to do it, but they'll never release it". Lo and behold, in 1994 they did release it for amateur presentation and, since I'm always having these mad ideas, I thought ­ let's have a go! Strong reservations were expressed by others on the committee, but I pressed on. Through friends in NODA, one of whom had done the Scottish première and another youth group who were presenting it in Alloa, we got immense assistance and encouragement ­ in fact, it's true to say, without them it might not have happened. If we got the right person to play Barnum, we were set. Michael Adair, an ex­member, was approached and agreed ­ and we were off.

What problems in “Barnum"!! Everyone had to learn different circus skills. I met a young lady, Karen Benjamin, at a circus workshop and she agreed to come along and lead the workshops. I decided to have a cast of mixed ages and that was a wise decision, since the juniors were better than the seniors at the skills. For insurance reasons and because of the limitations of Eastwood Theatre, some aspects of the production had to change ­ walking on a tightrope, Jumbo, the death slide ­ but my heart was still in my mouth as Michael walked on a barrel, jumped off the trampoline into the stage­box and the youngsters walked on stilts.

Barry Kyle, our Stage Manager, had a field day with the set and he and Tom Roberts worked long and hard over two days to give us what many people said was the best set seen in Eastwood Theatre. Barry announced he would "retire" after "Barnum", having served 10 years as Stage Manager. We gave him a lovely home­made 10 year badge inscribed with a poem (courtesy of Douglas Smith). However, he's a bit like Frank Sinatra, coming out of retirement to do the March shows ­ I'm afraid, like the rest of us, he's been bitten by the bug!

After the emotional/dramatic success of "Barnum", what were we going to do next? For some years we had looked at a show called "Zodiac" ­ an unpublished work by Alan Plater, Vince Hill and Johnny Worth. The problems were: it was unknown; it called for 14 principals; it had a lot of music, some of it very difficult, existing only in an unpublished form and some of it not even fully arranged. It was going to be a lot of work ­ but what a challenge!! Could we resist it? No! ­ so off we set on another ambitious production. Musically, it became a nightmare ­ all the principals and the MD, Gerry McLaughlin, deserve praise for battling through to the end and giving us a good show. Vince Hill and Johnny Worth kindly accepted our invitation to come up to see the production and professed themselves very pleased with our interpretation of their show. Barry built a nice set to my design and one of our youngsters, Colin Forster, did a lovely lighting design for us.

Another show which we'd considered over the years was "Little Shop of Horrors", but it also had problems. It is a black comedy, not too well known; it has only 4 principals; the professional cast numbered 9 in total; there are technical problems with the plant. However, it so happened that in 1997 we didn't have too many senior members available. This, therefore, seemed the ideal time to do this particular show. We had a very nice set ­ all the way from London, at great expense. Unfortunately, the carriers only got as far as Carlisle on the Sunday morning where they suffered a break­down. A 'phone­call came to the theatre at mid­day saying ETA would now be 10.30 pm. Barry and two crew members hopped in a van and went to Carlisle to collect the set, returning at 5 pm ­ I think they flew!! The other memory of "Little Shop" is the very strong performances from all four principals. Perhaps we can mention the fine performance given by one of the juniors, Ricki Lorenzo (aged 14), in the lead part of Seymour.

1998 saw us planning our 21st birthday celebrations. These kicked off in February with a reunion party to tie in with the date of our formation. People returned from all over the country to join the celebration; entertainment was provided by two groups, one singing the songs of shows from the first ten years, the second focussing on the second ten, with principals singing their songs from the past – great memories!!

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One show which had attracted me for years was “Return to the Forbidden Planet”, but I had always felt that technically it was too difficult. But in March 1998 we decided to present it as part of our celebration year. Out came Barry’s tools again – and together we designed a two­tier set, with one of our young members, Colin Forster, giving us a brilliant lighting plot. Since this was part of our birthday celebrations, we invited some adult members to be involved – as a result we had a large girls’ chorus, probably the best ever, and certainly Judy Sheppard (née Wylie) holds the record for being the oldest member of a Harlequin chorus – at 27!!

May 1998 saw us once again revisit the story of little orphan “Annie” and again we had to find a dog! At the time, there was a man in the park who had a dog which would be absolutely ideal. But how do you approach someone and say, “Can I borrow your scruffy dog?” Anyway, I did, and he agreed. I should have been warned though. He said something about the dog being “very independent, you know”. Did that mean we were going to have problems? Yes, we did. So I had to say “thank you, but no thank you” and three weeks before the show, we had no dog. I appealed to a friend who ran a dog­training class, who offered her dog – a beautiful flat­coated retriever. So there we were – the dog was completely mis­cast and had to be dusted down every night with talcum powder to make it look scruffy!

December saw the directorial debut of another of our young people, Kenneth Robertson, as Director of our pantomime “Snow White”, assisted by Christine Kyle as Producer. It was felt that this was appropriate in our birthday year, since these two had been members of the Club since they were nine.

In 1999 we brought “Crazy for You”, the classic Gershwin musical, to Eastwood Theatre for the first time. What a huge undertaking, particularly for our choreographer, Linda Smith. This is known as “the all­singing, all­dancing musical” – how true – the whole cast has to tap­dance, not just adequately – well!! We had a great set and lovely costumes, kindly collected from Scarborough by John and Anne Queen – another success on our hands.

The previous year, 1998, had seen a concert in Eastwood Theatre called The Battle of the Bands. This involved, amongst others, a band from the music school in Albertslund, our twin town in Denmark. They were great, and this gave me an idea. How about suggesting to them that we should do a tour to Denmark – we would bring the cast and technical team and they should provide the musical expertise – a true twinning experience.

And so it was agreed. We decided on the show – a re­run of “Forbidden Plant” ­ and started rehearsals after the Junior Show in May. There were huge problems – the set, accommodation, travel, transport, the whole financial aspect. However, June saw us set off for Copenhagen. We had a great time. The cast were great ambassadors for Scottish youth and gave great performances.

December 1999 saw my last production for Harlequin, when I directed the panto “Babes in the Wood”, with Christine as Producer – the first time a mother/daughter team had held the reins. I felt after 22 years and 52 productions I should step down and hand over to the younger generation, and it has been a great pleasure to me to watch as so many of these young people have stepped forward to take their places in the production team – long may it continue!

Kenneth takes up the story:

In 2001 we needed completely new production teams and for the Senior Show we chose to revisit “Dazzle” under the guidance of myself as Director/ Producer, Ronnie Hillis as MD, Linda Smith as Choreographer, and Lorna Wyllie as Production Assistant. This was the start of a working relationship that lasts to the present day. The set for “Dazzle” 2001 was different to the one built by Barry some 11 years earlier. As Star Trek had moved onto Star Trek – The Next Generation, so too did our set design, and Peter and John Queen built a fantastic set to embrace this new age of space travel.

I kept many of the features of the previous production, including the sliding doors with appropriate stage crew pssssshh! sound effects. Scott Manson took the lead role in this production and sat comfortably in the captain’s chair. The Friday night saw a reunion of the cast of 1990 joining in the fun and sharing some funny stories with the current cast in the bar afterwards.

“Dazzle” – March 2001 The Crew of Starship Sunbuster One

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“Bugsy Malone” was once again reprised in May and another former cast member, Kirsty Duncan (née Steven), took on the role as Director with assistance from Susan Kernohan. The filming of the cast in Rouken Glen Park one Saturday afternoon in costume for the sepia footage certainly attracted some attention from the locals out for a stroll as the splurge pies flew! Kirsty certainly made it challenging for the stage crew, with two pedal­powered sedan cars to be stored in the wings ­ thank heavens the grand piano was gone by then.

In 2002 “Calamity Jane” sold out to audiences, unfortunately an unusual occurrence for March or May shows these days, and gave Stephanie Smith the chance to shine as the tomboy lead. Scott Manson was a convincing Bill Hickock, with David Shaw as Lt Danny Gilmartin, and Julie Walters as Katie Brown. A fine set was obtained from Prosceneium and Calum Steven worked wonders to make it all fit in. I also found myself having to wander about on stage at several points during this show, as did a number of the stage crew including Iain and Calum. With so many male parts in the show, we were somewhat lacking in senior boys, so I found myself first as an Indian Chief and then with a small speaking part as the Colonel of Fort Scully hosting the party. A strange experience, but in many ways good to be back on the other side for a while.

The Junior production this year was “The Pied Piper” and another former cast member, Pamela Cunningham, cut her directorial teeth on this show.

2002 also brought a return to the pantomime “Puss in Boots”, or “Puke in Boots”, as it was later dubbed. So many people were ill throughout the week as the winter vomiting bug swept through both cast and production team that sick buckets were available on either side of the stage. I will never forget the sight of Scott Manson sitting at the back fire escape in the Dame’s French Maid outfit trying to get some fresh air and being asked by an old couple if this was the right entrance for the Carmichael Hall. The cast this week were fantastic and against considerable odds pulled off another great pantomime experience, although not one we want to repeat for many years!

The senior show in 2003 was “Hot Mikado”, an up­to­date version of Gilbert and Sullivan’s “Mikado”. The show was full of energy and the cast appeared to thoroughly enjoy the music and the dance. The set was fantastic and incredibly simple. The band were on stage on a raised scaffolding set, very much like an old night club of 30’s New York. Who would ever have thought you would see the Mikado tap dance, but tap dance he did. Scott Manson and Jennifer Smith took the leads as Nanki­Poo and Yum­Yum, and Lee Johnson gave a great performance as KoKo, the Lord High Executioner, with Melanie Morrison suitably sinister as Katisha.

As panto season loomed another new production team formed, again consisting of former cast members, all keen to put something back into the club that had given them so much. “Aladdin“ was the choice for Director David Shaw’s first time on the other side of the book. David was ably assisted by Elizabeth Tait as Producer, Karen McKay as MD, and Jill Walters as Choreographer. The new young team came at panto with fresh eyes and brought new songs and new ideas to keep our audiences coming back for more.

In the summer of 2003 Grace brought me a cutting from NODA News and, on the off­chance, I suggested that we put our name down for a major show that had just been released as a School Edition. It was with great delight that in late October Tam McLean brought in the now famous letter giving us permission as one of the first amateur (non­school) groups in the UK to present “Les Misérables – School Edition” in March 2004. Everyone was stunned and very excited, but nobody realised the enormous task we had just undertaken.

What can I say about “Les Misérables? Well, I think it took over my life for the next six months and I spent the first few weeks thinking, how could we stage it? how could we cast it? where could I get a revolving stage from? how much would all this cost?

We took the very unusual step of holding open auditions to join the club for all seniors who were interested in taking part in this production. We auditioned over 30 hopefuls and ended up taking in over 20 new members. We also took the decision that some of these new members were so good that we had to let them audition for the main parts in the show. The result was that we ended up with a fantastic cast who underwent 12 weeks of intensive rehearsals on both Wednesday and Thursday nights and a full weekend away at Auchengillan to bring the show together. Musically, the show was sounding brilliant, Ronnie once again getting the best from the cast. Directorially, I was happy too, but staging it in Eastwood was still nagging at the back of my mind.

The week arrived, so too did the revolve (eight hours to build – one to dismantle!). Technically, this is the hardest thing that I, or Harlequin, have ever attempted. I spent three days in meetings with the Lighting Designer and Sound Technicians to get every cue plotted. We had 15 radio mics, sometimes all on at the same time, and over 200 light and sound cues, not to mention poor Lorna and her revolve cues. Anne and John had driven to Cardiff to get the costumes, which were magnificent, and Peter, Lorna and I had gone to Grange Academy in Kilmarnock to get the spectacular barricades.

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The technical rehearsal was a disaster and stage­wise we still had so much to do. Peter, Lorna, Chris, David and myself worked on till about 2.30 a.m. to make sure we had everything under control. Grace came to the rescue to finish the lighting plot for me on the Tuesday afternoon before curtain­up.

Opening night arrived, we were sold out for every performance, including the matinée. I have never been as nervous or worried in all my years of involvement with amateur theatre. I sat in the centre of row C and as the band struck up the overture I got more and more tense until the first big chorus number of the act was over and the audience reaction told me everything was fine. There were audible gasps the first time the stage moved and, as the show progressed, the effect the performance was having on the audience became obvious. I have never been so proud of a cast as I was that performance and, indeed, every subsequent one. Every performance received a standing ovation from the audience, something very rarely seen in amateur theatre, and such fantastic comments, the likes of which I will probably never hear again. This was a special show and, for this generation of performers, it was their “Superstar”. How times have changed since the early days – “Les Mis” cost over £22,000 to stage and, despite being a total sell­ out, still ended up losing us nearly £6,000. I have no doubt that it was worth it and anyone who was in it or saw it would agree.

I felt sorry for the Juniors having to follow that, but follow that they did with a great production of the “Wizard of Oz” directed by Pamela Cunningham and produced by Christine Kyle. This was to be our last in Eastwood Theatre, as it closed at the beginning of August for some much­needed refurbishment. I don’t think though that anyone thought that we would spend three years in the wilderness as a result.

The committee was now faced with a number of problems. Where do we go? Will our audiences follow? Where can we afford? In the end we decided to bite the bullet and make Clarkston Halls our home for the next few shows. The pantomime chosen for 2004 was “Jack and the Beanstallk” and once again David, Jill, Liz, and Karen pulled out all the stops, especially in trying to ensure we got as many people on the stage as possible, despite it being half the size of Eastwood Theatre.

Our plans for the dress rehearsal on Sunday were plunged into darkness as all the fuses in the hall blew. No lights on stage, no power to the band, it was time for the youngsters to go home. A frantic day of phone calls, council electricians and “suits”, Health & Safety and Fire Officers followed, and it wasn’t looking good. In the end it all worked out fine and another fantastic panto week was enjoyed by our faithful if somewhat smaller audience.

“Les Misérables School Edition” – March 2004 Tom McLean as Thénardier and Jennifer Smith as Madame Thénardier in ‘Master of the House’

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Static sets seemed to be the order of the day for our new venue and so we took the bold choice of following “Les Mis” with another ensemble piece, “Godspell”. Not produced since 1983, the challenge for myself and Susan Kernohan was to bring this fantastic show up­to­date and relevant for our modern­day cast, and to do it in 8 weeks, as we performed at the end of February. We changed the theme from the traditional circus to that of a typical Saturday afternoon in a Glasgow park. The cast responded exceptionally well and the principals undertook their telling of the parables with great enthusiasm. Jonathon Abensur took on the extremely demanding role of Jesus and, as before, the crucifixion scene had many members of the cast and audience in tears.

“Bugsy Malone” followed in June, with Pamela once again taking the reins of the show and adapting it well to the confined space. “Sleeping Beauty” was chosen as the panto for 2005, and in 2006 we produced “Return to the Forbidden Planet” for the third time, this production guest­starring Sally Magnusson from “Reporting Scotland” as the Newsreader.

David Shaw returned as Director for the June show, which saw us revisit Narnia with “The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe”. Our last venture at Clarkston Halls was the 2006 pantomime, “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs”. This was our first ever production at the same venue in 1977 and hopefully our last there. Scott Manson, another one of our former cast members, cut his teeth on this production and once again the audiences left smiling, having enjoyed another fantastic show.

With thanks to Kenneth for these memories, Grace takes up the story again.

Over the years, Harlequin has been fortunate to have the services of many, many people who have given unstintingly of their time, talents and energies to ensure the smooth running of the club and the success of our productions. People like June Smith and Anne Queen, both having been Wardrobe Mistress for 35 and 34 productions respectively; Alan Mole, a non­member, who has been involved as Lighting Designer for 48 productions, and Iris McIver and Christine Kyle, two people who have carried out nine different roles during their long involvement with the administration of the Club. Some, a very few, have been mentioned in these pages, but there were so many more, impossible to list by name, without whom the club could not have functioned.

Much of the success of Harlequin, I think, is the kind of homespun, hand­knitted philosophy which forms our ethos. We have presented 97 productions to date. All but one of these has been produced/directed by a club member. This might not work for all clubs but, for us, it seems to be a formula that does work. In the very early days, I was the only member with any theatre experience or expertise, so it was a case of all learning together and that aspect has been continued over the years ­ the whole thing has been a learning experience, for youngsters and adults alike. On a personal level, Harlequin has given me opportunities I would never have had anywhere else, since adult groups just do not do the types of production we encompass. It has enriched my life, as it has that of so many others who have gone through its ranks.

We are proud of all those who have joined the professional ranks, whose names are listed in the following pages. I follow their careers with interest and wherever possible go to see them in action.

Our Constitution states that we exist to interest/encourage young people in all aspects of theatre and we can take credit for many who have gone on to become producers, musical directors, choreographers, stage managers, lighting and sound engineers in other amateur societies, having had their first opportunities in Harlequin. Many, many people have made friendships which will stand them in good stead throughout their lives and lots of "lame ducks" have been helped and given confidence through being members of Harlequin.

In the early years we tried each year to support local charities. In 1997, for example, we were able to make donations totalling almost £1100 to children's charities to help those less fortunate than ourselves.

What does the future hold? Well, who knows? This year Harlequin celebrates its 30th Birthday and plans are in hand for a busy season. As we enter our 30th year we look forward to moving back to the newly refurbished and re­branded Eastwood Park Theatre for our Senior production of “South Pacific” in March and our Junior Production of “Oliver” in June, as well as to our 100th production, which will be our pantomime, in November. A pretty amazing achievement for a Club as young as we are!

We should like to thank all of you for your support over the years. Without you, our efforts would all be in vain. Please continue to give us your support in the coming years and by so doing help us to bring to Eastwood Park Theatre something a little different to entertain you.

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We hope you will enjoy the next few pages of memories submitted by current and former members, photographs and general Harlequin trivia covering our 30 years of Youth Theatre.

Harlequin Memories

Too many great memories to mention. Best parts would be Denmark, after­show parties, and the great friends I have made over the years and, of course, Barrie Hunter.

Lorna Wyllie, 1989 to present

What a blast, loved every minute, and made friends for life. David Samuel, 1984 ­ 1990

When I think of my time, I can’t help but think of June Smith zipping about backstage in her dungarees! Great shows, great friends, great fun. Here’s to the next 30 years.

Calum Steven, 1987 ­ 1999

During The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe, I had a line and decided to deliver this in a very cheesy manner. On the Saturday night, I won an award of a block of cheese!

Glenn Allan, 2005 to present

The funniest moment was in the panto, when Douglas Smith’s false teeth fell out and brought the whole show to a stop – everyone was in fits of laughter, especially the orchestra.

Roy Henderson, Treasurer 1977 ­ 1979

My favourite memory of my time was when I was cast as Eponine in Les Mis. It was a once in a lifetime opportunity and I’m extremely grateful I was given that opportunity to be involved in one of my all­time favourite shows.

Susan Fulton, 2004 to present

Too many to single one out. I have lots of happy memories of all the shows.

Chris Henderson, 1987 ­ 1996

During a performance of Pinocchio, one of the tree flats fell on top of Nora, who was playing The Cat, very funny if you weren’t Nora! However, she did just keep on going, like a true professional. Other great memories seem to centre around lots of after­show parties – but some things are best kept between those that were there! Also Denmark – what a laugh, even if we had to perform to an audience of 16 people at one show.

Pamela Cunningham, 1992 ­ 2002

While on tour in Denmark having to mend Prospero’s (Toni Rodriguez) trousers with black gaffer tape after he melted them skidding across the stage on his knees.

Anne Queen, 1995 to present

The nervous wait by the ‘phone to find out if you had a part! Then the excitement and apprehension of costume night when you got to see what lovely ensemble you had to wear! By far the best all­round experience was doing Grease – the whole thing was fantastic.

Susan Grandfield (Maule), 1990 ­ 1997

No food in the house during Harlequin show week!

Jack McIver

While on tour in Arran with Godspell, it was decided that we should congregate at the pier to greet incoming travellers with excerpts from the show. I can just imagine the thoughts going through their heads as they disembarked to the strains of “Prepare Ye”, mmm darling, a lovely week in Arran, let’s spend it with the mad Evangelists. Staying with the religious theme, the blood used for the 39 lashes in Jesus Christ Superstar – real pig’s blood, in a pouch strapped to my back. The same pouch was to last the whole week! Understandably, I wasn’t too happy by the Saturday night, but my vocabulary was much smaller and cleaner in those days. Happy times.

David Stewart, 1981 ­ 1986

Lots of memories and hard work! Watching talent blossoming is what makes youth theatre so thrilling and we’ve seen that happen hundreds of times, not just the few dozen who have joined professional actors. That is not one of the Club’s aims, wonderful as that is, its purpose is simply to serve the community. The last night of Puss in Boots with Tricia, Linda, David and Barrie singing “Did you ever get one of these days”, David in a Dolly Parton costume singing my composition “My finger licking, belly swellin’ barbeque”, Kirsty in a giant boot with the song sheet and the audience eating out of Barrie and David’s hands. My daughter Kirsty as Annie singing “The sun will come out tomorrow”, despite loss of voice and lovable dog that was slow to come to her, despite a hidden supply of biscuits.

Bill Steven, 1986 ­ 1994

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There are so many memories, but one that stands out is nearly ending myself with laughter on stage when Graeme Henderson in one of his many outstanding dame performances ad­libbed a line hinting he had

“intimate relations” with a panto cow!! Although getting to kiss Emma Wylie every night for a whole week during

Aladdin was pretty memorable too…. Neil Davidson, 1988 ­ 1999

My best memory so far is being Snow White in panto in 2006. Jennifer Shapiro, 2003 to present

The superb Moray District Tour centred in Elgin and writing with some difficulty a different foreword for the show other than “Sit back, relax, and enjoy the show”.

Ian Hutchison, Hon President, 1979 ­ 2002

I fainted several times due to the heat in the dressing rooms. I was looked after by Dr George but was gutted that I missed the after­show party!

Morag Hunter (Roberts), 1979 ­ 1986

Where do I start – from seeing Neil in Oliver for his first show – swelling with such pride – to experiencing Barnum and

dissolving into tears of pride and joy, and all the great people I’ve come to know over the years. It’s been a real pleasure

to have been a small part of the Club. Aileen Davidson, Committee, 1990 ­ 1996

Watching Harlequin bring out the children’s hidden talents and giving each member the confidence to excel on stage and the ability to work as a team. The Club has given the Stanway family years of friendship and experience that money couldn’t buy. Thank you very much.

Karen, Cheryl, and Stephanie Stanway, 1998 to present

Meeting lots of people, going to very late after­show parties, and being madly in love with all the older men!

Fiona Wyllie, 1990 ­ 1996

I have very happy memories of the early days of the Club. While the real credit for its founding and early success belongs almost entirely to Grace, I was proud to do what little I could as President. This involved responding to

gentle bullying from Grace and trying with little success to keep her calm in the face of recurring crises. They were happy times and countless youngsters benefited greatly from their association with Harlequin. Best wishes for all

members and continued success. John W S Clark, President, 1977 ­ 1979

I have loved being part of every show, but in particular the part of the Princess in Jack and the Beanstalk

Louise Shapiro, 2003 to present

When I was Snow White and we were rehearsing the scene where Snow White eats the apple and dies. Kenny had made me wear long skirts to rehearsals as I was striding around like a principal boy and not walking like a girl. I was lying on the floor, having eaten the apple, and my eyes were closed. Then all I heard was Kenny shouting to Lee (who was Bashful),”Concentrate on your lines and stop looking up Jill’s skirt!” Everyone burst out laughing. Still makes me chuckle when I think about it now.

Jill Walters, 1997 ­ 2002

Making some friends for life and the legendary after­show parties.

Lynsey Scott (Robertson), 1987 ­ 1997 I was extremely fortunate to be a member from the age of 9 until an adult at 28. I have so many fantastic memories of the rehearsals and the shows which are both funny and touching. Harlequin has given a lot of self­confidence and an enthusiasm for drama and performing to hundreds of children in the area. I think one of the most notable assets is the fostering of life­ long friendships. What was it about those lurid purple dressing rooms that has made us stick together through thick and thin? These friendships are extremely important to me, as I am sure they are to many other members. May the new generation of Harlequin continue to flourish!

Kirsty Duncan (Steven), 1984 ­ 2002

The splurge scene on the final night of Bugsy Malone and still trying to sing!

Thomas Baillie, 2001 to present

Fainting on stage at the dress rehearsal for Hot Mikado, and my sister being in tears.

Lynne Telford, 1998 to present

My first show was Bugsy Malone and that was really fun. I played one of the dancers, Tillie, and really enjoyed it. Then I was in the junior chorus of Sleeping Beauty and it was great. My favourite memory was when I played the White Witch in The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe.

Ruth Fletcher, 2005 to present

I have many happy memories of great times both at Eastwood and on tour.

Linda Cameron, 1977 ­ 1984

After the final performance of Joseph, as the stage was being struck, the band started to play the score from beginning to end. One by one the cast left the party in the foyer to sit in the auditorium and sing the whole show again in its entirety. Happy days

Alasdair Hawthorn Stewart, 1980 ­ 1984

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My most unforgettable memory is a simple yet powerful one ­ on the final night of Les Mis as we sung the final

line “tomorrow comes”, the roar of the audience, and out in the audience five French flags flying. This is a great sentimental value to myself and all of the cast, as it

symbolised all of the effort and hard work that we had done in order to pull off one of the Club’s greatest

performances. Fraser Ralston, 1999 to present

It’s difficult to pick out just one memory from my 10 years. I have been lucky enough to take part in so many amazing shows, most notably Les Mis and Godspell, but my time has been about so much more than performing in shows. Not only has it led me into my career as a drama worker, it is where I have made my best friends. For me it is definitely about the people.

Jennifer Smith, 1997 to present

I have far too many memories to put down, but some that stand out are performing in Grease, Zodiac, and Return to the Forbidden Planet. The laughs at rehearsals and the after­show parties too! The time I probably laughed the most was when Paul Connor fell down the stairs on tour in Denmark. I suppose Harlequin for me was a very special time, where I made some very good friends for life. The thing I probably dreaded every year was June’s measuring tape for obvious reasons!

Louise McIver, 1981 ­ 2002

Going to Arran on tour with Grease and doing a performance of Greased Lightning on the sea front in Brodick. We got some strange looks! We were given some time off and so we hitched a lift in the dustbin lorry to see more of the island. And, of course, the after­show parties, but that’s a whole other story!

Carolyn McKinnon (Scott), 1983 ­ 1986

Making friends for a lifetime. Harlequin Past – my time, Present – the generation of today and our children for tomorrow’s shows! Arran tours – my lips are sealed but my photograph albums are not! Running front of house for Barnum wearing top hat and tails in stars and stripes. Working as part of the committee to help give back a bit of what I got when I was a performing member. Last show, Return to the Forbidden Planet, aged 27 years – oldest chorus member ever!

Judy Sheppard (Wylie), 1984 to present

One recent memory is my pleasure in being asked to be on the production team for Les Mis in the capacity of Asst Stage Manager. In the event, due to huge technical problems, Kenneth as Director ran out of time to do the lighting plot and I offered to step in and do this. We started at 2.30 pm on the opening night and finished at 7.10 pm, with the audience champing at the bit to get into the theatre – not good for the blood pressure! Another memory – doing the calls, and calling the prostitutes to the stage each night!

Grace Smith, 1977 to present

I have very fond memories of my time and am upset I am unable to come to the party. Best wishes to everyone.

Aileen Ballinger, 1990 ­ 1998

The laughs we used to have during the week of the show. Lorna Cunningham (Steel), 1982 ­ 1988

Les Mis – need I say more! Hazel MacGregor, 2004 to present

My memories ­ playing the King in Jack and the Beanstalk – it was excellent, the most fun I’ve had; when the flat fell on top of Laura in Puss in Boots; being part of the Magic Circle in Snow White and giving each other names; and when I broke the toilet in Mickel Hall during a water fight, which was very funny.

Richard Kelly, 1999 to present

I have been living in Dubai since 2004, it’s just a bit far to come for a weekend! Hope everything goes well and I wish the Club continued success.

Hilary Gordon, 1986 ­ 1995

When we went to Auchengillan for the Les Mis rehearsal weekend. On the Friday night we were all singing in the corridor and we noticed that the committee were standing listening. We thought we were in lots of trouble, but then we realised that they were listening because we sounded good!

Diane Speck, 2001 to present

Working backstage with my partner in crime, Karen Stanway, we were in the well at the base of the stairs in Eastwood Theatre and were told we had to maintain absolute silence at all times. A punter hammered on the fire escape doors to enquire if this was the swimming baths. Karen mimed in no uncertain terms that he wasn’t welcome, then mimed the breast stroke and held her nose and dipped down. At this point I was nearly wetting myself when the punter finally took the hint and went round the corner to the correct place. Silence was maintained, but suffice it to say Karen and I had to visit the facilities to relieve ourselves afterwards in fits of giggles.

Jane Tobias, 2003 to present

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Really excited about being involved in Jesus Christ Superstar; hating being a brother in Joseph on Tour in 1986 and having many arguments with my mum over this; while doing the props, the dancers had a quick change to do in the wings, Kirsty forgot her top and I stripped off and Kirsty wore my top for the dance, while I was setting the next scene in my bra!; being ticket secretary dressed as a clown while being six months pregnant for Barnum; while on tour in Arran, Shivaun and I shared a bedroom. Judy was insistent to the adults that our room had been ransacked by burglars due to the state it was in, but Iris and Grace casually informed her that this was just the way we lived; directing my first show, Bugsy Malone, and trying to do it all myself (not wanting to ask you know who for her ideas).

Christine Kyle (Smith), 1977 to present

When Mike Adair as dame making his grand entrance on a skateboard jumped off and the skateboard darted across the stage, hitting a door flat, which fell over, narrowly missing a chorus member; standing around in the theatre waiting for the set for Little Shop of Horrors, to discover the driver had been grounded by the police in Abingdon; hiring a lorry to collect the set ,travelling back and then starting to build at 6pm! Many great memories of building static sets (Return to the Forbidden Planet, Zodiac, Dazzle) but most especially Barnum, where I got to go to town with scaffolding to house the band and where the stage extended right into the auditorium, complete with royal boxes. Our Thursday night jinx, where either cast or crew got something wrong, when everybody relaxed after opening night.

Barry Kyle, Stage Manager, 1986 ­ 1999

Grace, Iris and Isabel putting up with so much nonsense; while performing in Mother Goose, David Samuel (Dame) referring to my uncle as baldy at the back for the entire performance; David Stewart’s Bonnie Langford impressions; being banished to another room by Grace for giggling too much at rehearsals for Mother Goose; our wooden car in Grease!; nights at Woodies in the Redhurst Hotel; Frank Skivington’s cycling as Chitterlow in Half a Sixpence. But the best thing was some of the oldest and dearest friends helped me in a big way to become a professional actor.

Derek Riddell, 1979 ­ 1987

Tours to Arran, removing intruders from a first floor bedroom, which was occupied by myself, Iris and Grace; acquiring permission to stage Joseph and Superstar. The many years of hard work by all culminating in fabulous shows, very well received by the public, and all the fun. I will never forget the scene when we had to raise David on the Cross every night. Backstage we were all in tears. I have been away from Scotland for 20 years and I still look back on my time and wonder how we managed to do as much as we did, and what would happen now with all the legislation to be followed. Continue the good work and congratulations to all past and present.

Isabel Young, 1978 ­ 1987 Marco Riato in response to Grace’s question, “Marco what are you doing?” : “Oh sorry, I was in another scene”. Marco also

getting his hair cut the week of the show when he was supposed to be a long haired tribal leader; various parts of set falling down either on or over a cast members; Mike Adair on his skateboard; our first experience of Linda as choreographer, which was a shock to the system for all the cast, as well as the thighs! Right up there would have to be directing Les Mis. I was so proud of what everyone managed to achieve in staging

this ambitious production, revolving stage and all! It was another fantastic achievement and another significant milestone

in our 30 year history, up with Superstar and Godspell for impact and memories. The biggest thing is that Harlequin has provided genuine friends for life. It is a family, whether you are in the Club for 1 year or 30 years, you are always welcome to

come back. Kenneth Robertson, 1982 to present

I have so many memories of my time, stretching from Douglas Smith’s teeth falling out on stage to holding Sammy back from a fight in a pub car park on the eve of opening night. But I think the main thing I remember was that it was all so tremendously enjoyable, both on stage and socially. I made a number of great friends, many of whom I still bump into occasionally, normally in a pub, and I hope that the

current and future members will be as lucky as myself and my contemporaries.

Neil Paton, 1977 ­ 1986

There are so many memories, I couldn’t possibly write only one. From those first terrifying steps on stage in The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe to my first principal role as Marty in Grease. My most special memory is playing Charity in Barnum opposite Mike Adair. I don’t think anyone involved will forget the tears on our closing night – a mixture of amazement that we’d pulled it off and sadness it was all over. Overall my memories are of laughter, tears, dramas, drunken escapades, romances, June’s dungarees, the list is endless. But ultimately friendship and a bond we’ll carry with us throughout our lives.

Susan Kernohan, 1989 ­ 2002

The panto Puss in Boots which rapidly became “Puke in Boots” as so many cast, including the dame, got the sickness bug. The wonderful performances of Les Mis which played to standing ovations throughout show week.

Ruth Baillie, 2002 to present

In Pied Piper panto, having just delivered my first monologue, I realised Lynn Duncan (dragon) was not ready to go on, so from the wings I was directed to ad lib until Lynn was thrown in costume on to the stage; being on stage with Douglas Smith when his false teeth came flying out! In Anne of Green Gables, my mum carrying an old fashioned heavy typewriter and catching a washing line from falling with the other hand.

Murray Constable, 1977 ­ 1983

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There are so many memories, with each show bringing a whole host more, but one of my favourites makes me chuckle with laughter whenever I think of it. During Forbidden Planet, Karen Stanway and I

were on duty in the dressing rooms and at the start of the interval we were heading across the stage laden with trays of jugs of juice and cups of coffee, when suddenly the curtains opened, revealing to the

audience a scene reminiscent of Acorn Antiques. All we could do was look out at the audience, smile, and continue across the stage with our shoogly trays! No one had told us that they weren’t going to close the

curtains during the interval. Shirley Smart, 2001 to present

Being part of the cast of Les Mis (even though I was a prostitute). Being in the panto when everyone was sick, including Scott playing the part of the dame, who puked offstage and then went back onstage as if everything was fine.

Judith Golombok, 2000 ­ 2004

At the tender age of 10, I played you might argue somewhat prophetically a rather simple childlike US president, complete with southern drawl. What at first seemed a characterisation masterstroke proved disastrous when one night the drawl led me to proclaim, “I don’t want our balls getting blown up out there in outer space” instead of “boys”! This minor setback aside, Harlequin has given me some of the happiest moments and best friends of my life. Godspell and Les Mis are two memories that will live with me forever, and not just because I didn’t balls­up any lines.

Scott Manson, 1994 ­ 2005

Copying (with the rightsholders’ permission) the entire score of Jesus Christ Superstar, which was handwritten on foolscap paper and over 100 pages long – approximately 6 copies were required and this was done on a Gestetner which with one turn of the handle gave you one copy. Several ink pads, reams of paper, and very sore wrists, and after 2 days the job was done ­ Oh for a scanner and a PC. Tours – lots of fun, Elgin – a different venue every night – we must have been mad; Arran – coffee mornings, “haunted accommodation”; Denmark – the cast singing Angels after one of the shows.

Iris McIver, 1979 ­ 1997 A rather impressive apron was added to the stage at Brodick Hall for Grease, very sturdily built and a solid extension. During the first act finale of “We go together” there was a loud crack (what I imagine a gun going off would sound like). The apron didn’t move, shudder, or give any physical indication it was going to fail. However, as one, the Pink Ladies and the T­Birds moved one step back on to the original stage (still singing and dancing). Never had June got us to move in such synchronisation! Fear is a great motivator.

Lorna McMillan, 1983 ­ 1986

Barnum was my last official show. Everyone worked really hard and we had a lot to learn. It was a great show to do but a very emotional one. Emma and I had grown up together and this was the last show for both of us. After the last night I remember everyone coming up to me and hugging me and the tears started to flow – it was a special moment. The realisation that it was all over was a time I will never forget. Luckily Emma and I got asked back to the next senior show, Zodiac. Thanks for the memories and great times.

Richard McGregor, 1987 ­ 1996

When I had to stand in for Susan as principal boy in Dick Whittington. She was fine on the Monday but unable to make it for the Tuesday dress rehearsal, so I was promoted from the front of the cow for the evening. I was told Susan would hopefully be recovered for the opening night. However, Grace told me around 2 pm on the Wednesday that I would be on that night. I managed to learn the songs as best I could but had to read from the script. Susan was unfortunately too ill to make it back at all, so I read the script all week and had no voice by the end of it. I had 11 great years and have lots of friends with whom I shared many laughs, tears and traumas along the way.

Vicki Turnbull, 1986 ­ 1997

I vividly remember a particular incident in Puss in Boots when many of our cast were unwell with a sickness bug. We had sick buckets in the wings for Scott Manson (dame), which he used often. At one point Anne Queen and myself were with Scott as he sat on a chair at the open fire exit door in the stairwell. He had removed his wig and his top as he was feeling sick and was so hot. This left him with full face make­up, a very large bra and a skirt (an image not easily forgotten). A couple wandered over from the car park looked at Scott, and asked if this was where the ceilidh was being held! We had such a laugh when Scott muttered, “Does it look like we’re at a ceilidh?” It really made us wonder about the dress code at ceilidhs in Carmichael Hall.

Margaret Walters, 1998 to present

It was panto rehearsal time and, as usual, I was going to have to make some costumes. Taking the opportunity to do some measuring, I headed over to a group of junior boys. It was Neil Davidson’s first panto and he wasn’t quite au fait with the measuring business. When I told him to pull up his thick jumper so I could measure his chest, he first of all turned to the other boys and politely told them to face the other way because it wasn’t nice to watch!

During Bugsy Malone, in the gym scene while Oliver Cram was singing “So you want to be a boxer” his battery pack wasn’t securely in the waistband of his trousers and as a result, as he sung and danced, the pack started to slip down inside his trouser leg. Before long Oliver had nearly bent double trying to clutch the pack through his trousers, but he kept singing the whole time. The audience and everyone in the wings were nearly hysterical with laughter and at the end of the number he got the biggest applause of the night.

June Smith, 1984 to present

17

“Snow White” – May 1977 Harlequin’s first production at Clarkston Halls

“Aladdin” – November 1977 Harlequin’s first pantomime with Douglas Smith as Widow Twankey

“Anne of Green Gables” – 1978 Grace Smith makes her stage debut for Harlequin

“Love from Judy” – 1979 The casts favourite number – “Go and get your old banjo!”

“Lucinda” – 1980 “Oliver!” – 1981 Tour of the Moray District cast members pictured outside Elgin Town Hall

18

“Jesus Christ Superstar” – March 1984 The British Amateur Premiere of the Andrew Lloyd Webber/ Tim Rice musical

David Stewart as Jesus

“Oklahoma!” – March 1993 the cast sing the main chorus of Oklahoma! From the Rodgers & Hammerstein classic

19

“Oliver!” – May 1996 the cast in ‘Consider Yourself’ from the ever popular Lionel Bart classic

“Les Misérables School Edition” – March 2004 One More Dawn, One More Day, One Day More – the rousing climax to Act 1 of Les Mis

20

“Barnum” – March 1995 the West of Scotland Amateur Premiere

Michael Adair as PT Barnum

“Dazzle” – March 2001 David Shaw (Mr Paddy) and Scott Manson (Sam Galactic)

“Bugsy Malone” – May 2001 the splurge fight at the end of the show

“Aladdin” – November 2003

“Godspell” – March 2005 A return to Clarkston Halls and a return to a favourite musical

“The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe” – June 2006 Euan Smart (Mr Tumnus) and Miriam Carnan (Lucy)

21

THE PROFESSIONALS AND THOSE IN TRAINING Members who have continued their interest and gone forward to train and work in the profession are listed below

Fiona McClune 1977 – 1984

Derek Riddell 1979 – 1987 Trained LAMDA

Andrew Celli 1980 – 1982 Trained RSAMD

Iain Gouck 1980 – 1982

Alasdair Stewart (Hawthorn) 1980 – 1984 Trained RSAMD

Glen Plunkett 1981 – 1986

David Stewart (Arneil) 1981 – 1986 Trained RSAMD

Andrew Miller (Gillan) 1983 – 1984 Trained RSAMD

David McVicar 1983 – 1986 Trained RSAMD

Karen MacLeod 1984 – 1990 Trained RSAMD

Barrie Hunter 1984 – 1992 Trained RSAMD

Mark Niven 1985 – 1986 Trained RSAMD (lives in Canada and has no longer has anything to do with the theatre!)

Graeme Kerr 1989 – 1991

Jodie Adshead (Jody Jameson) 1990 – 1994 HNC Theatre Studies, Edinburgh, then Academy of Live and Recorded Arts, London (married with a 3 year old son – does as much TV, theatre, and film work as circumstances allow!)

Chris Queen 1990 – 1996 HNC Langside College : Queen Margaret University College, Edinburgh – BA Drama & Theatre Arts (mainly script writing for community drama projects etc)

Neil Brown 1992 – 1996 Dance ­ Anniesland College, then graduated BA (Hons) from Doreen Bird College, London (currently with Random Dance Company)

Natasha Broomfield 1994 – 1999 Trained Bristol Old Vic Theatre School after Dance School of Scotland MT Course (Christmas season 2006/7 as Chava in “Fiddler on the Roof” at the Crucible Theatre, Sheffield)

Lissa Lorenzo 1995 Trained RSAMD (currently Education Manager for Outreach Projects, Scottish Opera)

Julie Walters 1996 – 2002 Dance – Graduated BA (Hons) from London Studio Centre (danced in “The Magical Adventures of Peter Pan”, Glasgow Pavilion Theatre Pantomime, 2006/7)

Paul Connor 1997 – 1999 Trained Mountview Academy of Theatre Arts after Dance School of Scotland MT Course (Did you see him in “Thomas the Tank Engine” at the SECC in August 2006?)

22

Pauline Milroy 1998 – 1999 Trained The Conservatoire for Acting and Musical Theatre (Guildford School of Acting)

Gregor Lauder 1998 – 1999 Broadcast Journalism, Nottingham Trent University (currently Asst Producer for T4 on Channel 4)

RECENT AND CURRENT MEMBERS

Lee Johnston 1997 – 2006 In training at Langside College

Jennifer Smith 1997 – 2006 Strathclyde University – completing BA Community Arts (working with TAG Theatre Company running weekly drama classes at Citizens’ Theatre)

Barry Greene 1999 – 2004 Dance School of Scotland, Musical Theatre Course; now training at Guildford School of Acting

Laura Tough 2003 – 2005 Langside College ­ HND in Acting and Performance (recently involved with M & M Theatrical Productions touring schools)

Hazel McGregor 2004 – 2005 Langside College – HND in Acting and Performance (recently involved with M & M Theatrical Productions touring schools)

Tom McLean 1999 – 2006 In training at Langside College/Motherwell College – Musical Theatre Course

PLEASE KEEP IN TOUCH!

Any information letting us know what you/they are doing now would be much appreciated

NODA 10 YEAR BADGE HOLDERS For 10 years’ service to amateur theatre reckoned from age of 11

March 1992 November 1992 March 1994 March 1995 March 1996 Vicki McArthur Colin Dougall Kenneth Robertson Alison McMillan Louise McIver Shivaun McIver Emma Wylie Tricia Runciman Julia Samuel Christine Smith Judy Wylie

March 1997 March 1998 March 1999 May 2000 March 2005 Vicki Turnbull Aileen Ballinger Neil Davidson Elizabeth Tait Scott Manson Kirsty Steven Lynsey Robertson Laura Mitchell David Shaw

Calum Steven

JUNIOR AWARDS For 7 years’ service to amateur theatre reckoned from age of 11

March 1997 Susan Maule Lorna Wyllie

23

PANTOMIME TRIVIA

“Three things are required at Christmas time; plum pudding, beef and pantomime; Folks could resist the former two; without the latter none could do.”

…..so says an old Pantomime playbill. The annual presentation of this uniquely British family entertainment has been a very important aspect of the Club’s contribution to the community over the years. “Snow White” was the first show staged by Harlequin in Clarkston Hall during Civic Week in May 1977, and December 2006 saw this pantomime back in Clarkston Hall for what we expect was the last show there before we return to the newly refurbished (and renamed) Eastwood Park Theatre ­ so we have most appropriately come full circle.

This was our 27th traditional Christmas pantomime. “Oliver” and “The Wizard of Oz” were presented in November 1979 and 1982 respectively instead of pantomimes and, due to unforeseen circumstances, there was no winter production in 1986.

While the pantomime production teams are documented elsewhere, you may be interested to recall those who have slapped their thighs, fallen in love, and strutted their stuff on stage over the years:

Principal Boy Principal Girl Dame

1977 Snow White (May) Aladdin (Nov)

Jacqueline Borthwick Muriel Dinsmor

Roslyn Beith Jacqueline Borthwick

­ Douglas Smith

1978 The Pied Piper Alex Keith Deborah Sloan Douglas Smith 1980 Babes in the Wood Deborah Sloan Sheila Robertson 1981 Cinderella Deborah Sloan Wendy Simpson Neil Paton and

Iain Gouck 1983 Dick Whittington Lorna McMillan Patricia Runciman Neil Paton 1984 Jack and the Beanstalk Linda Cameron Alison Roberts David Samuel 1985 Mother Goose Lorna McMillan Alison Roberts David Samuel 1987 Puss in Boots Linda McHardy Trudi Carruth David Samuel 1988 Sleeping Beauty Linda McHardy Patricia Runciman David Samuel 1989 Ali Baba Linda McHardy Karen Andrews Michael Adair 1990 Robinson Crusoe Julia Samuel Karen Andrews Alistair Runciman 1991 Babes in the Wood Julia Samuel Susan Maule Douglas McCheyne 1992 Cinderella Susan Kernohan Hilary Gordon Michael Adair and

Douglas McCheyne 1993 Dick Whittington Susan Kernohan

(* Vicki Turnbull) Julie Dougan Toni Rodriguez

1994 Aladdin Vicki Turnbull Susan Maule Graeme Henderson 1995 The Pied Piper Vicki Turnbull Julie Dougan Graeme Henderson 1996 Jack and the Beanstalk Susan Maule Pamela Mackenzie Graeme Henderson 1997 Mother Goose Susan Kernohan

(* Vicki Turnbull) Pamela Cunningham Graeme Henderson

1998 Snow White Gillian Shaw Jill Walters David Shaw 1999 Babes in the Wood Amy Sedgwick Natasha Broomfield David Shaw 2000 Ali Baba Amy Sedgwick Michelle Brown David Shaw 2001 Cinderella Amy Sedgwick Julie Walters Scott Manson and

Iain Davidson 2002 Puss in Boots Melanie Morrison Jennifer Smith Scott Manson 2003 Aladdin Stefanie Smith Laura Telford Scott Manson 2004 Jack and the Beanstalk Melanie Morrison Louise Shapiro Scott Manson 2005 Sleeping Beauty Lisa Wilson Karen Fishwick Scott Manson 2006 Snow White Karen Fishwick Jennifer Shapiro Colin MacLean

(*Vicki covered for Susan’s illness during show week)

24

MOST STAGE PERFORMANCES 30 Shows Shivaun McIver (77­90)

27 Shows Louise McIver (81­02) Christine Smith (77­87)

25 Shows Vicki McArthur (79­90) Scott Manson (94­05) Kenneth Robertson (82­02)

24 Shows Tricia Runciman (78­89)

23 Shows Alison Roberts (78­89) Lesley Smith (78­86)

21 Shows Kirsty Steven (84­02)

TOTAL : 10 20 Shows David Shaw (94­05) Vicki Turnbull (86­97) Lorna Wyllie (89­02)

19 Shows Linda Cameron (77­84) Iain Davidson (93­01) Jennifer Smith (97­06) Emma Wylie (84­98)

18 Shows Neil Davidson (88­96) Laura Mitchell (87­96) Neil Paton (77­86) Morag Roberts (79­86) Gillian Shaw (90­99) Liz Tait (90­00)

17 Shows Colin Dougall (82­98) Colin Forster (89­97) Barrie Hunter (84­92) Lee Johnston (97­06) Alex Keith (78­89) Angela McClune (79­85) Alison McMillan (84­95) Lynsey Robertson (87­97) Alastair Runciman (79­91) Calum Steven (87­99) Laura Telford (97­05)

16 Shows Hilary Gordon (86­95) Susan Kernohan (89­02) Ricki Lorenzo (94­01) Richard McGregor (87­96) Colin MacLean (99­06) Iain Plunkett (82­88) Wendy Sharp (77­83) David Stewart (81­86)

15 Shows Natasha Broomfield (94­00) Trudy Carruth (79­88) Murray Constable (77­83) Chris Henderson (87­96) Richard Kelly (99­06) Tom McLean (99­06) Stephen Maley (81­86) Chris Queen (90­96) Julia Samuel (85­92) Cheryl Stanway (98­06) TOTAL : 42

14 Shows Caroline Brabson (77­82) Nicola Clark (87­94) Stacey Cram (95­02) Julie Dougan (90­97) Audrey Fleming (77­82) Katy McDougall (00­06) Steven McGregor (81­86) Lynn McIlraith (78­82) Anne McKillop (92­00) Kathrine McLeod (80­86) David Samuel (84­90) Lisa Savage (77­83) Jennifer Sharp (77­83) Wendy Simpson (78­84) Shona Tait (96­03) Julie Walters (96­02)

13 Shows Aileen Ballinger (90­98) Pamela Cunningham (92­02) Keith Forster (89­96) Jane McIlraith (78­82) Karen MacLeod (84­90) Susan Maule (90­97) Fraser Ralston (99­06) Iain Runciman (93­00) Kenneth Runciman (80­89) Danielle Sammeroff (89­97) Gail Smith (77­86) Stephanie Stanway (00­06) Lena Wilson (77­82) Judy Wylie (84­98)

12 Shows Lynn Dougall (84­91) Lynn James (80­84) Antonia Long (78­83) Fiona McClune (77­84) Ross McDougall (01­06) Graeme McIntosh (82­86) Amy Mackay (93­98) Lesley McMillan (87­94) Ewan Maule (91­96) Laura Smart (00­06) Lorna Steel (82­88) Lynne Telford (98­06)

11 Shows Thomas Baillie (01­06) Aileen Christie (91­96) Karen Eadie (95­01) Lynne Henderson (89­95) Fraser Kemp (89­96) Laura Lister (97­02) Graham McAlpine (93­98) Colin McGuire (93­00) Linda McHardy (85­89) Kirsten McLean (01­06) Lorna McMillan (83­86) Martha Quinn (93­98) Toni Rodriguez (93­99) Catherine Sharp (82­88) Diane Speck (01­06) Marjory Walters (96­02)

10 Shows Michelle Brown (96­01) Stephanie Clark (02­06) Jane Douglas (79­86) Lynsay Dunlop (93­00) Simon Gillies (82­85) Judith Golombok (00­04) Jason Goodman (01­06) Brian Gordon (87­91) Susan Henderson (82­88) Amanda McGowan (00­04) David Muir (77­80) Derek Riddell (79­87) Gavin Scott (77­82) Euan Smart (02­06) Gary Smith (77­81) Alasdair Stewart (80­84) Jamie Stewart (01­06) Jillian Stewart (02­06) Suzanne Tobias (98­04) Jill Walters (97­02) Donna Wilson (93­97) Nanette Wilson (89­94) Fiona Wyllie (90­96) David Young (77­82) Pauline Young (97­02)

9 Shows Linda Brown (77­80) Neil Brown (92­96) Chris Cartlidge (92­97) Andrew Celli (80­82) Gail Gilchrist (81­86) Louise Harvey (97­01) Graeme Henderson (92­97) Derek Lyall (00­04) Lesley McArthur (79­83) Gregor McHardy (83­88) Alison McInnes (83­86) Pamela Mackenzie (94­99) Valerie MacLeod (84­90) Vicki McNab (94­98) Gemma Monie (94­98) Robert Montgomery (97­01) Juliet Oldfield (83­86) David Robertson (79­84) Emily Runciman (87­91) Carolyn Scott (83­88) Gillian Shenkin (92­96) Graeme Thomson (95­00) Jim Thomson (81­84)

TOTAL : 106

THE TOTAL NUMBER OF JUNIOR/SENIOR PERFORMING MEMBERS FROM 1977 TO 2006 IS 711 Complete record is available on request. By far the largest group is the one listing the 183 members who have taken part in 1 show

25

PRODUCTION PERSONNEL (Abbreviations : AD = Assistant Director : AP = Assistant Producer : PA = Production Assistant : PM = Production Manager : AC = Assistant Choreographer : AMD = Assistant Musical Director)

Director Producer Musical Director Choreographer Stage Manager Sound Lighting Wardrobe Props 1977 Snow White Grace Smith

AP: L Dunnet Grace Smith Margaret Clark Margaret Beith J Stewart No info P Stewart Kay Sidey No info

Aladdin Grace Smith/Lynne Dunnet Alan Howieson Margaret Beith J Stewart No info P Stewart Margaret Beith Anna Brabson 1978 Pollok Festival – Hallowe’en Anne of Green Gables

The Pied Piper of Hamelin

Grace Smith Lynne Dunnet

Grace Smith

Grace Smith AP: M Beith

AP: M Beith/ Anna Brabson

­ Jean Baillie/Anne Binnie George Gray

­ Margaret Beith

Margaret Beith

No info Robert Young

Norman Brabson

No info No info

No info

No info David Carmichael Richmond Smith

No info Jan Galt

No info

No info Isabel Young/ M Constable Isabel Young/ M Constable

1979 Pollok Festival – Wha’s Laird/ Do It Yourself/Hallowe’en

A Night with Harlequin Love from Judy Oliver!

Grace Smith/Anna Brabson/ George Birnie ­ as Festival ­

Grace Smith/Margaret Beith Grace Smith/Margaret Beith

­

­ Anne Binnie Stewart Douglas

­

­ Margaret Beith Margaret Beith

R Young/Norman Brabson/D Smith ­ as Festival ­

Richmond Smith Richmond Smith

No info

No info D Smith No info

No info

K Bamborough K Bamborough K Bamborough

No info

No info No info Kay Sidey

No info

No info Isabel/Marilyn Isabel/Marilyn

1980 Lucinda Oliver!

Grace Smith/Margaret Beith Grace Smith/Margaret Beith

Anne Smith Stewart Douglas

Margaret Beith Margaret Beith

George Sidey Richmond Smith

No info No info

R Smith Alan Mole

Kay Sidey Kay Sidey

Isabel/Marilyn Isabel/Marilyn

Babes in the Wood Grace Smith Grace Smith Stewart Douglas Eliz Henderson R Smith/G Sidey No info Alan Mole Kay Sidey Isabel/Marilyn 1981 Oklahoma! Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat

Moray District Tour – Oliver!

Cinderella

Grace Smith Grace Smith

Grace Smith

Grace Smith

Grace Smith Grace Smith

Grace Smith

Grace Smith

Stewart Douglas Stewart Douglas

Anne Smith

Stewart Douglas

Margaret Beith Margaret Beith

Margaret Beith

Ann Armstrong

R Smith/G Sidey G Sidey/R Smith

Richmond Smith

R Smith/G Sidey

No info No info

No info

No info

Alan Mole Alan Mole

Alan Mole/R & S Young Alan Mole

Kay Sidey Kay Sidey

No info

Kay Sidey

Isabel/Marilyn Isabel/Marilyn

Isabel Young/ Iris McIver Isabel/Marilyn

1982 Pollok Festival – Whistle and I’ll Come Tae Ye, My Lad

Smike (West Scotland Première) SCDA Showcase – Smike Moray District Tour – Oklahoma! The Wizard of Oz

Alex Keith Grace Smith Grace Smith Grace Smith Alex Keith

Alex Keith Grace Smith Grace Smith Grace Smith Grace Smith

­ Stewart Douglas Stewart Douglas Stewart Douglas Stewart Douglas

­ Ann Armstrong Ann Armstrong Margaret Beith June Watson

No info R Smith/G Sidey R Smith/G Sidey Richmond Smith R Smith/G Sidey

No info No info No info No info No info

No info Alan Mole Alan Mole Alan/S Young Alan Mole

No info Netta Stewart Netta Stewart No info Netta Stewart

No info Isabel/Marilyn Isabel/Marilyn Isabel Young Isabel/Marilyn

1983 Pollok Festival – Rules/ Us and Them

Alex Keith Neil Paton

Alex Keith Neil Paton

­ ­

­ ­

No info No info

No info No info

No info No info

No info No info

No info No info

Harlequinade Alex Keith/Neil Paton Stewart Douglas ­ Richmond Smith No info No info No info No info Godspell Grace Smith Grace Smith Alan Howieson June Watson R Smith/G Birnie Gavin Scott Alan Mole Isabel Scott Isabel/Iris Dick Whittington Grace Smith Grace Smith

AP: Neil Paton Elspeth Nimmo June Watson R Smith/G Birnie No info Alan Mole Fiona Gardiner Isabel/Iris

26

Director Producer Musical Director Choreographer Stage Manager Sound Lighting Wardrobe Props 1984 Jesus Christ, Superstar (British Amateur Première)

Three of the Best

Arran Tour – Godspell Jack and the Beanstalk

Grace Smith

Alex Keith 1 Grace Smith 2 Grace Smith Grace Smith

Grace Smith

Alex Keith 1 Grace Smith 2 Grace Smith Grace Smith

Alan Howieson AMD : Anne Smith Elspeth Nimmo 1 Alan Howieson 2 Alan Howieson Alan Howieson

June Watson

June Watson 3 June Watson June Watson

Richmond Smith/ George Birnie Richmond Smith/ George Birnie George Birnie Richmond Smith

Derek Pitt

Derek Pitt

Derek Pitt Derek Pitt

Alan Mole

Alan Mole

R Smith Alan Mole

June Smith

June Smith

No info June Smith

Isabel Young/ Iris McIver Isabel Young/ Iris McIver Isabel/Iris Isabel/Iris

1985 Grease

Annie

Arran Tour – Grease

Mother Goose

Grace Smith

Grace Smith

Grace Smith

Grace Smith

Grace Smith AP: S Maley Grace Smith AP: S Maley Grace Smith AP: S Maley Grace Smith

Alan Howieson

Alan Howieson

Alan Howieson

Alan Howieson

June Watson

June Watson

June Watson

Ann Armstrong

G Birnie/R Smith

Richmond Smith

Richmond Smith

Richmond Smith

Derek Pitt

Derek Pitt

Derek Pitt

No info

Alan Mole

Alan Mole

Alan Mole

Alan Mole

Isabel Scott

June Smith

No info

June Smith

Isabel/Iris

Isabel/Iris/ Christine Smith Isabel/Iris

Isabel/Iris/ Christine

1986 Bye Bye Birdie Memories Arran Tour – Four of the Best

Grace Smith Grace Smith Grace Smith

Grace Smith Grace Smith Grace Smith

Alan Howieson Florence Denholm Alan Howieson

Ann Armstrong Ann Armstrong June Watson

Isabel Young Richmond Smith Richmond Smith

David Hall David Hall Stuart Young

Alan Mole Alan Mole Alan Mole

Isabel Scott June Smith No info

Iris McIver Iris McIver Iris McIver

1987 Half a Sixpence

Bugsy Malone

Grace Smith

Joyce Maxwell

Grace Smith

Joyce Maxwell

Lynn McIntyre

Arthur Gray

Tricia Runciman

May McAra

Barry Kyle

Barry Kyle

No info

Derek Pitt

Alan Mole

Alan Mole

June Smith

J Smith/I Scott

Iris/Shivaun/ Lesley Smith Iris/Christine

Puss in Boots Bill Steven Bill Steven AP: Neil Paton

Aileen Scudds Lynn Duncan AC: S McIver

Barry Kyle Derek Pitt Alan Mole June Smith Iris/Christine

1988 Dracula Spectacula

Oliver!

Alex Keith

Grace Smith

Alex Keith PA: I McIver Grace Smith AP: L McMillan

Ian Stewart

Anne Smith

Kathy Dunn

Lynn Duncan

Barry Kyle

Barry Kyle

Derek Pitt

Derek Pitt

Alan Mole

Alan Mole

June Smith

June Smith

Iris/Christine/ Elaine Law Iris/Christine/ Elaine

Sleeping Beauty Neil Paton Neil Paton Frank Skivington Lynn Duncan Barry Kyle Derek Pitt Alan Mole June Smith Christine/Linda Morton

1989 Calamity Jane Grace Smith Grace Smith Margaret Kelly

AMD: A Scudds Lynn Duncan Barry Kyle Derek Pitt Alan Mole June Smith Christine/Elaine/

Linda The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe

Bill Steven Iris McIver James Dinsmore Lynn Duncan Barry Kyle Derek Pitt Alan Mole June Smith Christine/Elaine/ Linda

Ali Baba Grace Smith AD: B Hunter

Iris McIver Ian Stewart Tricia Runciman Barry Kyle Derek Pitt Alan Mole June Smith Linda Morton

1990 Dazzle Smike

Grace Smith Bill Steven

Grace Smith Bill Steven

Frank Skivington Ian Stewart

Linda Smith Lorna Gemmell

Barry Kyle Barry Kyle

Derek Pitt Derek Pitt

Alan Mole Alan Mole

June Smith June Smith

Christine Smith Vicki McArthur/ Iris McIver

Robinson Crusoe Grace Smith Iris McIver Aileen Scudds Tricia Runciman Barry Kyle Derek Pitt Alan Mole June Smith Christine Smith

27

Director Producer Musical Director Choreographer Stage Manager Sound Lighting Wardrobe Props

1991 The Wiz

Grace Smith Grace Smith AP: Iris McIver

Angela Swan Linda Smith AC: E Mullen

Barry Kyle Derek Pitt Alan Mole June Smith Iris McIver/Vicki McArthur

The Pied Piper Grace Smith Iris McIver Liz Wright Asst: S Gordon

Tricia Runciman Barry Kyle K Robertson/ Derek Pitt

Alan Mole June Smith Christine Smith/ Judy Wylie

Babes in the Wood Bill Steven Bill Steven Ian Stewart Lynn Duncan Barry Kyle Derek Pitt Alan Mole June Smith Vicki McArthur 1992 Grease

Pinocchio

Cinderella

Grace Smith

Bill Steven

Grace Smith

Grace Smith PA: D Shepherd Bill Steven PM: G Smith Grace Smith AP: C Dougall

David Edwards

Aileen Shaw

Aileen Scudds

Linda Smith

Carol Keeling

Linda Smith AC: L McIver

Barry Kyle

Chris Henderson

Barry Kyle

John Shepherd Derek Pitt

Derek Pitt

Alan Mole

Alan Mole

Alan Mole

June Smith

June Smith

June Smith

Judy/Vicki/ Shivaun McIver Judy Wylie/ S Matthews Judy Wylie/ Alison McMillan

1993 Oklahoma! Grace Smith Grace Smith Ronnie Hillis Lynn Duncan Barry Kyle John

Shepherd Alan Mole June Smith Judy Wylie/

Susan Maule The Storymaker Bill Steven Bill Steven

AP: C Kyle Aileen Scudds Lorna Steel Chris Henderson John

Shepherd Alan Mole June Smith/

Jenny Tait Alison McMillan/ Nora Sznajder

Dick Whittington Karen MacLeod

Karen MacLeod PM: G Smith

Peggy Lough Elaine Mullen AC: Linda Smith

Barry Kyle Derek Pitt Alan Mole June Smith Judy Wylie/ Lesley McMillan

1994 Viva Mexico Grace Smith Grace Smith

PM: I McIver Ronnie Hillis Lynn Duncan Barry Kyle Derek Pitt Alan Mole June Smith/

Jenny Tait Judy Wylie/ Nicola Clark

Bugsy Malone Christine Kyle Christine Kyle PA: L Davidson

Gordon Kerr Elaine Mullen Barry Kyle Derek Pitt Steve Robb June Smith/ Jenny Tait

Susan Maule/ Vicki Turnbull

Aladdin Christine Kyle Christine Kyle AP: K Robertson

David Fisher Elaine Mullen Barry Kyle Kenneth Robertson

Alan Mole June Smith/ Jenny Tait

Alison McMillan/ Aileen Ballinger

1995 Barnum (West Scotland Amateur Première)

Grace Smith Grace Smith Asst: C Kyle

Aileen Scudds/ David Fisher

Linda Smith Barry Kyle Derek Pitt Alan Mole June Smith/ Jenny Tait

Nicola/Aileen/ Laura Mitchell

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory/Charlie and the Great Glass Elevator

Karen MacLeod

Karen MacLeod PA: L Davidson/ Morag Dougan

­ ­ Chris Henderson Derek Pitt Colin Forster Jenny Tait/ June Smith

Vicki Turnbull/ Susan Maule

The Pied Piper of Hamelin Colin Dougall Christine Kyle David Fisher Elaine Mullen AC: Lisa Norval

Barry Kyle Derek Pitt Alan Mole June Smith/ Anne Queen

Susan Maule

1996 Zodiac (West Scotland Première)

Grace Smith Grace Smith AP: Iris McIver

Gerry McLaughlin Linda Smith Barry Kyle Derek Pitt/ Gary Smith

Colin Forster J Smith/J Tait/ A Queen

Pamela Cunningham

Oliver! Christine Kyle Christine Kyle David Fisher Lisa Norval Chris Henderson Derek Pitt Moray Coull Anne Queen Laura Mitchell/ Aimee Ryder

Jack and the Beanstalk Colin Dougall Christine Kyle Lorna Bailey Linda Smith Chris Henderson Derek Pitt Alan Mole Jenny Tait/ Anne Queen

Kirsty Steven/ Lorna Wyllie

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Director Producer Musical Director Choreographer Stage Manager Sound Lighting Wardrobe Props 1997 Little Shop of Horrors Grace Smith Grace Smith David Fisher Linda Smith Barry Kyle Derek Pitt Colin Forster Anne Queen Kirsty Steven/

Laura Mitchell The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe

Christine Kyle Christine Kyle Julia Heneaghan Lisa Norval Chris Queen Hamish Hibbert

Keith Forster Jenny Tait/ Anne Queen

P Cunningham/ Kirsty Steven

Mother Goose Grace Smith Kenneth Robertson

David Fisher Louise McIver Chris Henderson Derek Pitt Moray Coull Anne Queen/ Agnes Ferrans

Aileen Ballinger/ Kirsty Steven

1998 Return to the Forbidden Planet Grace Smith

Asst: C Kyle/I McIver David Fisher Linda Smith

AC: Lisa Norval Barry Kyle/ Chris Henderson

Derek Pitt Colin Forster Anne Queen Julie Dougan

Annie Grace Smith Grace Smith Aileen Scudds Carol Keeling Peter Queen/ Colin Dougall

Derek Pitt Colin Forster June Smith/ Margt Walters

Aileen Ballinger/ Gillian Shaw/ Jill Walters

Snow White Ken Robertson Christine Kyle Gerry McLaughlin Lorna Cunningham

Peter Queen G Henderson

Lynn McIntyre Moray Coull Anne Queen/ Margt Walters

Kirsty Steven/ Liz Tait

1999 Crazy for You Grace Smith Iris McIver David Fisher Linda Smith Barry Kyle

Chris Henderson Derek Pitt Robin Notman Margt Walters/

Anne Queen Susan Maule/ Amy Sedgwick

Pinocchio Christine Kyle Christine Kyle Lorna Bailey Louise McIver Chris Henderson Calum Steven Moray Coull Anne Queen/ Karen Stanway

Kirsty Steven

Denmark Tour – Return to the Forbidden Planet

Grace Smith Iris McIver David Fisher/ Morten Praëm

Linda Smith Barry Kyle Lynn McIntyre Colin Forster Anne Queen “The Cast”

Babes in the Wood Grace Smith Christine Kyle PA: K Steven

Jonathan Salmond Fiona Clarke Chris Henderson Calum Steven No info Anne Queen/ Linda Bramner

Jill Walters/ Liz Tait

2000 Half a Sixpence Victor Kennedy Victor Kennedy

PA: L Bramner David Fisher Fiona Clarke Chris Henderson Calum Steven No info Margt Walters/

Anne Queen Lorna Wyllie/ Amy Sedgwick

The Wizard of Oz Karen McConnell

Kirsty Steven Lorna Bailey Louise McIver Graeme Henderson

Calum Steven No info Linda Bramner/ Anne Queen

Lorna Wyllie/ S Kernohan

Ali Baba Kenneth Robertson

Kenneth Robertson PA: S Kernohan

Calum Steven Sarah Henry Peter Queen Tam McLean/ Lynn McIntyre

No info Anne Queen/ Shona Tait

Gillian Shaw/ Liz Tait

2001 Dazzle Kenneth

Robertson Kenneth Robertson PA: L Wyllie

Ronnie Hillis Linda Smith Peter Queen Tam McLean Theatre Staff Margt Walters/ Anne Queen

Pamela Cunningham

Bugsy Malone Kirsty Steven S Kernohan David Fisher AMD: C Steven/ Jonathan Salmond

Sarah Henry Calum Steven Mark Chisholm

Tam McLean No info Anne Queen Lorna Wyllie/ Liz Tait

Cinderella Kenneth Robertson

Kenneth Robertson PA : Liz Tait

Calum Steven Fiona Clarke AC: Gillian Shaw

Peter Queen Lynn McIntyre Moray Coull & Theatre Staff

Margt Walters/ Anne Queen

Gillian Shaw/ Jill Walters

29

Director Producer Musical Director Choreographer Stage Manager Sound Lighting Wardrobe Props 2002 Calamity Jane

The Pied Piper

Puss in Boots

Kenneth Robertson Lissa Lorenzo

Lissa Lorenzo AD: S Manson

K Robertson PA: L Wyllie Lissa Lorenzo PA: Liz Tait Lissa Lorenzo

Ronnie Hillis

Barrie McKillop

Karen McKay

Linda Smith

Fiona Clarke

Julie Walters

Calum Steven

David Shaw/ Peter Queen Kim Russell/ K Robertson

Tam McLean

Peter Sneddon Calum Steven

Theatre Staff

Steve Robb

Steve Robb

Anne Queen/ Margt Walters Margt Walters/ Anne Queen Anne Queen/ Margt Walters

L Tait/F Clarke/ Gillian Shaw Jill Walters/ Fiona Clarke M Brown/Fiona Burton/S Smith

2003 The Hot Mikado

The Rocky Monster Show

Aladdin

Kenneth Robertson P Cunningham AD: S Manson David Shaw

K Robertson PA: L Wyllie P Cunningham

Liz Tait

Alan Forrester

Ashleigh MacLeod

Karen McKay

Fiona and Karen Arthur Michelle Brown

Jill Walters

Peter Queen

David Shaw

Peter Queen

Tam McLean/ S Wallace Tam McLean/ K Robertson C Mackintosh

Steve Robb

Moray Coull & Theatre Staff Moray Coull

Margt Walters/ Anne Queen Margt Walters/ Anne Queen Margt Walters/ Anne Queen

Eilidh Stewart

Jennifer Smith

Gillian Shaw/ Fiona Clarke

2004 Les Misérables (School Edition) Kenneth

Robertson K Robertson AP: D Shaw/ L Wyllie

Ronnie Hillis AMD/Vocal Coach: Celia McArthur

Linda Smith Peter Queen/ Chris Queen

Steve Robb/ Tam McLean/ C Mackintosh

Live Systems Anne Queen/ Margt Walters

Liz Tait/Jill Walters

The Wizard of Oz

Jack and the Beanstalk

P Cunningham

David Shaw

PA: C Kyle

Liz Tait PA: L Johnson & F Dennison

Ashleigh MacLeod

Karen McKay

Gillian Shaw

Jill Walters

David Shaw

Ken Robertson/ David Shaw

Tam McLean/ J Abensur C Mackintosh

Moray Coull

ERC Technical Staff

Anne Queen/ Margt Walters Margt Walters/ Anne Queen

Jennifer Smith/ Mel Morrison S Tait/Lorna & Fiona Dennison

2005 Godspell K Robertson

AD: Susan Kernohan

Kenneth Robertson

Ronnie Hillis AMD/Vocal Coach: Celia McArthur

Linda Smith Lorna Wyllie Steve Robb Live Systems Margt Walters/ Anne Queen

Christine Kyle

Bugsy Malone P Cunningham P Cunningham PA: L Wyllie/ Shirley Smart

Karen McKay Louise McIver David Shaw Steve Robb Live Systems Margt Walters/ Anne Queen

J Smith/LSmart/ Mel Morrison

Sleeping Beauty David Shaw Liz Tait PA: F Dennison & Tom McLean

Karen McKay Gillian Shaw Lorna Wyllie/ Ken Robertson

Colin Mackintosh

Craig Allan & ERC Technical Staff

Anne Queen/ Shirley Smart

Production Team

2006 Return to the Forbidden Planet Kenneth

Robertson Kenneth Robertson

Ronnie Hillis AMD: S Roberts

Linda Smith David Shaw Steve Robb Live Systems Anne Queen/ Shirley Smart/ Karen Stanway

No info

The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe

David Shaw Lorna Wyllie PA: S Manson

Ronnie Hillis AMD: S Roberts

Gillian Shaw David Shaw/ Lorna Wyllie

Steve Robb Live Systems Anne Queen/ Shirley Smart

Jennifer Smith/ Thomas Baillie

Snow White Scott Manson Christine Kyle Karen McKay Jill Walters David Shaw Tam McLean Colin Forster Anne Queen/ Shirley Smart/ Mairi Stewart

Liz Tait/Gillian Shaw

TOTAL : 97 PRODUCTIONS OTHER PERFORMANCES include: February 1998 – Cabaret of excerpts from selected past productions ­ 21st Anniversary Party : June 1998 – Excerpts from “Forbidden Planet” ­ ER Council Youth Theatre Showcase September 1999 – Excerpts from “Forbidden Planet” ­ NODA Scotland Centenary Festival of Amateur Theatre, Dundee December 2004 – Excerpts from “Les Misérables”, other musicals, and Christmas music performed in aid of Quarrier’s Homes – Princes Square

30

Various performances of musical excerpts at Town Twinning events in the District over a number of years

PRODUCTION PERSONNEL – MOST SHOWS

DIRECTOR: Grace Smith Kenneth Robertson Alex Keith Christine Kyle Bill Steven

52 9 6 6 6

CHOREOGRAPHER: (or Assistant)

Linda Smith Margaret Beith June Watson Lynn Duncan

17 12 11 8

LIGHTING: Alan Mole Steve Robb (aka Live Systems) Moray Coull Colin Forster

48 9

8 7

PRODUCER: (or Assistant)

Grace Smith Christine Kyle Iris McIver Kenneth Robertson

45 14 11 10

STAGE MANAGER: (or Deputy)

Barry Kyle Richmond Smith Chris Henderson Peter Queen

29 24 11 9

WARDROBE: (or Assistant)

June Smith Anne Queen Margaret Walters Jenny Tait

35 34 17 9

MUSICAL DIRECTOR: (or Assistant)

Alan Howieson Stewart Douglas David Fisher Ronnie Hillis

12 11 11 8

SOUND: Derek Pitt Tam McLean Steve Robb Calum Steven

37 9 5 5

PROPS: Isabel Young Iris McIver Marilyn Constable Christine Smith (Kyle)

25 21 13 13

MOST PERFORMED SHOWS

Oliver! 5 times 1979, 1980, Tour 1981, 1988, 1996 (+ 2007)

Bugsy Malone 4 times 1987, 1994, 2001, 2005 Godspell 3 times 1983, Tour 1984, 2005 Grease 3 times 1985, 1985 Tour, 1992 Oklahoma! 3 times 1981, 1982 Tour, 1993 Return to the Forbidden Planet 3 times 1998, 1999 Tour, 2006 Smike 3 times 1982, 1982 SCDA Showcase, 1990 The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe 3 times 1989, 1997, 2006 The Wizard of Oz 3 times 1982, 2000, 2004

31

OFFICE BEARERS/COMMITTEE MEMBERS Committee 1977­78 Dr John Clark, President Mrs Grace Smith, Vice President Mr Roy Henderson, Treasurer Miss Lynne Dunnet, Secretary Mrs Margaret Beith Dr George Birnie Miss Marjory King Mr Douglas Smith

Committee 1978­79 Dr John Clark, President (1)

Mrs Grace Smith, Vice President Mr Roy Henderson, Treasurer Mrs Isabel Young, Secretary Mrs Margaret Beith Mr Douglas Smith Elaine Gunning, Junior Rep Stephen Mackay, Junior Rep

Committee 1979­80 Dr George Birnie, President Mrs Grace Smith, Vice President Mr Jim Baillie, Treasurer Mrs Isabel Young, Secretary Mr Norman Brabson (2)

Mrs Marilyn Constable Mrs Iris McIver Mrs Anne Smith Fiona McClune, Junior Rep Gary Smith, Junior Rep

Committee 1980­81 Dr George Birnie, President Miss Marjory King, Vice President Mr Jim Baillie, Treasurer Mrs Isabel Young, Secretary Mrs Marilyn Constable Mr Norman Leppard Mrs Iris McIver Mrs Anne Smith Fiona McClune, Junior Rep Gary Smith, Junior Rep

Committee 1981­82 Dr George Birnie, President Miss Marjory King, Vice President Mr Jim Baillie, Treasurer Mrs Isabel Young, Secretary Mr Alex Keith Mr Norman Leppard Mr Gordon Runciman Mrs Grace Smith Linda Cameron, Junior Rep Alasdair Stewart, Junior Rep

Committee 1982­83 Miss Marjory King, President Mr George Robertson, Vice President Mr Jim Baillie, Treasurer Mrs Isabel Young, Secretary Mr Stewart Douglas Mr Alex Keith Mr Gordon Runciman Mrs Grace Smith Andrew Celli, Junior Rep Gavin Scott, Junior Rep

Committee 1983­84 Dr George Birnie, President Mr George Robertson, Vice President Mr Jim Baillie, Treasurer Mrs Isabel Young, Secretary Mr Stewart Douglas Mrs Iris McIver Miss Elspeth Nimmo Mr Ian Stewart Steven McGregor, Junior Rep Gavin Scott, Junior Rep

Committee 1984­85 Dr George Birnie, President Mrs Anne Smith, Vice President Mr George Robertson, Treasurer Mrs Isabel Young, Secretary Mr Steven Maley Mrs Iris McIver Miss Elspeth Nimmo Mrs Grace Smith Lorna McMillan, Junior Rep Andrew Miller, Junior Rep

Committee 1985­86 Dr George Birnie, President (3)

Mrs Grace Smith, Vice President Mrs Anne Smith, Treasurer Mrs Isabel Young, Secretary Mr Steven Maley Mr Ian McMillan Mrs Mary Plunkett Mrs Helen Roberts Lorna McMillan, Junior Rep Juliet Oldfield, Junior Rep

Committee 1986­87 Mrs Grace Smith, President Mr Ian McMillan, Vice President Mrs Anne Smith, Treasurer Mrs Isabel Young, Secretary Miss Juliet Oldfield Mrs Mary Plunkett Mrs Helen Roberts Dr Bill Steven Jill Carruth, Junior Rep Derek Riddell, Junior Rep

Committee 1987­88 Mr Ian McMillan, President Mrs Iris McIver, Vice President Mrs Anne Smith, Treasurer Mrs Isabel Scott, Secretary Mrs Laura Niven Mr Neil Paton Mrs Aileen Scudds Dr Bill Steven Linda McHardy, Junior Rep Derek Riddell, Junior Rep

Committee 1988­89 Mr Ian McMillan, President Mrs Iris McIver, Vice President Mrs Anne Smith, Treasurer Mrs Isabel Scott, Secretary Mr Barrie Hunter Mrs Laura Niven Mr Neil Paton Mrs Aileen Scudds Linda McHardy, Junior Rep Christine Smith, Junior Rep

Notes (3) Resigned summer 85

Notes (1) Resigned December 78 1982 AGM – Judith Edmondson made an Honorary Member

Notes (2) Resigned during session 1979 AGM – Ian Hutchison made Honorary President; John Clark made an Honorary Member 1987 AGM – Isabel Young made an Honorary Member

Notes

32

Committee 1989­90 Mr Ian McMillan, President Mrs Iris McIver, Vice President Mrs Pat Hunter, Treasurer Mrs Isabel Scott, Secretary Mrs Sylvia Gordon Mr Barrie Hunter Mrs Grace Smith Dr Bill Steven Vicki McArthur, Junior Rep Christine Smith, Junior Rep

Committee 1990­91 Mrs Iris McIver, President Dr Bill Steven, Vice President Mrs Pat Hunter, Treasurer Mrs Avril Robertson, Secretary Mrs Aileen Davidson Mrs Sylvia Gordon Mrs Dorothy Shepherd Mrs Grace Smith Vicki McArthur, Junior Rep Graeme Kerr, Junior Rep

Committee 1991­92 Mrs Iris McIver, President Dr Bill Steven, Vice President Mrs Sylvia Gordon, Treasurer Mrs Avril Robertson, Secretary Mrs Aileen Davidson Mrs Dorothy Shepherd Miss Christine Smith Mrs June Smith Louise McIver, Junior Rep Kenneth Robertson, Junior Rep

Committee 1992­93 Dr Bill Steven, President Mrs Grace Smith, Vice President Mrs Sylvia Gordon, Treasurer Mrs Avril Robertson, Secretary Mrs Dorothy Maule Dr John Queen Miss Christine Smith Mrs June Smith Louise McIver, Junior Rep Kenneth Robertson, Junior Rep

Committee 1993­94 Dr Bill Steven, President Mrs Grace Smith, Vice President Mrs Iris McIver, Treasurer Mrs Avril Robertson, Secretary Mrs Aileen Davidson Mr Colin Dougall Mrs Dorothy Maule Dr John Queen (4) (Judy Wylie) Alison McMillan, Junior Rep Chris Henderson, Junior Rep ( 5)

(Peter Queen)

Committee 1994­95 Mrs Grace Smith, President Mrs Aileen Davidson, Vice President Mrs Iris McIver, Treasurer Mrs June Smith, Secretary Mrs Morag Dougan Mrs Christine Kyle Mr Kenneth Robertson Miss Judy Wylie Alison McMillan, Junior Rep Richard McGregor, Junior Rep

Committee 1995­96 Mrs Grace Smith, President Mrs Aileen Davidson, Vice President Mrs Iris McIver, Treasurer Mrs Avril Robertson, Secretary Mrs Morag Dougan Mrs Christine Kyle Mr Richard McGregor Mr Kenneth Robertson (Mrs Marie Forster) (6)

(Mrs Sandra Manson) (7)

Vicki Turnbull, Junior Rep Toni Rodriguez, Junior Rep

Committee 1996­97 Mrs June Smith, President Mrs Christine Kyle, Vice President Mrs Iris McIver, Treasurer Mrs Avril Robertson, Secretary Mrs Marie Forster Mrs Barbara Kernohan Mr Richard McGregor Mrs Linda McLaughlin Mrs Anne Queen Miss Emma Wylie Vicki Turnbull, Junior Rep Toni Rodriguez, Junior Rep

Committee 1997­98 Mrs June Smith, President Mrs Linda McLaughlin, Vice President Mrs Christine Kyle, Treasurer Mrs Avril Robertson, Secretary Mrs Barbara Kernohan Mrs Anne Queen Mrs Grace Smith Mrs Jenny Tait Miss Emma Wylie Miss Lorna Wyllie Aileen Ballinger, Junior Rep Pamela Cunningham, Junior Rep

Committee 1998­99 Mrs Christine Kyle, President Mrs Anne Queen, Vice President Miss Lorna Wyllie, Treasurer Mrs Avril Robertson, Secretary Mr Ronnie Brown Mrs Jem Burton (8) (Linda Bramner) Mr Lynn McIntyre Mrs Grace Smith Mrs Jenny Tait (9) (Karen Stanway) Mrs Margaret Walters Gillian Shaw, Junior Rep Elizabeth Tait, Junior Rep

Committee 1999­2000 Mrs Christine Kyle, President Mrs Anne Queen, Vice President Miss Lorna Wyllie, Treasurer Mr David Tait, Secretary Ms Linda Bramner Mr Ronnie Brown Mr Lynn McIntyre Mrs Karen Stanway Miss Kirsty Steven Mrs Margaret Walters Elizabeth Tait, Junior Rep Jill Walters, Junior Rep

Committee 2000­01 Mrs Anne Queen, President Mrs Margaret Walters, Vice President Miss Lorna Wyllie, Treasurer Mr David Tait, Secretary Mrs June Dennison Mr Tam McLean Mr Kenneth Robertson Mrs Karen Stanway Miss Kirsty Steven Miss Elizabeth Tait David Shaw, Junior Rep Jill Walters, Junior Rep

Notes (4)(5) Resigned May 93 – Judy Wylie and Peter Queen co­opted respectively

Notes June 98 – AGM date changed from March to August (8) (9) Resigned January 99 – Linda Bramner and Karen Stanway co­opted

Notes (6) (7) Marie Forster and Sandra Manson co­opted summer 95 Nov 1999 – Grace Smith offered Hon Membership, ratified at 2001 AGM

Notes

33

Committee 2001­02 Mrs Anne Queen, President Mrs Margaret Walters, Vice President Miss Lorna Wyllie, Treasurer Mr Tam McLean, Secretary Mrs June Dennison Mrs Linda McLaughlin Mr Kenneth Robertson Mrs Shirley Smart Mrs Karen Stanway Miss Elizabeth Tait Mrs Marjory Whitelaw David Shaw, Performing Member Stefanie Smith, Performing Member

Committee 2002­03 Mrs Margaret Walters, President Mr Kenneth Robertson, Vice President Mrs June Dennison, Treasurer Mr Tam McLean, Secretary Mrs Ruth Baillie Mrs Faith Golombok Mrs Linda McLaughlin Mrs Shirley Smart Mr Bob Smith Mrs Karen Stanway Scott Manson, Performing Member Stefanie Smith, Performing Member Anne Queen, Immediate Past President

Committee 2003­04 Mrs Margaret Walters, President Mr Kenneth Robertson, Vice President Mrs June Dennison, Treasurer Mr Tam McLean, Secretary Mrs Cecilia Abensur Mrs Ruth Baillie Mrs Linda Glasgow Mrs Faith Golombok Mrs Carolyn Lyall Mrs Shirley Smart Mrs Jane Tobias Scott Manson, Performing Member Jennifer Smith, Performing Member

Committee 2004­05 Mr Kenneth Robertson, President Mrs Shirley Smart, Vice President Miss Lorna Wyllie, Treasurer Mr Tam McLean, Secretary Mrs Ruth Baillie Mr Paul Carnan Mrs Linda Glasgow Mrs Corinne McDougall Mr David Shaw Mrs Karen Stanway Mrs Jane Tobias Lee Johnston, Performing Member Jennifer Smith, Performing Member Margaret Walters, Imm. Past President

Committee 2005­06 Mr Kenneth Robertson, President Mrs Shirley Smart, Vice President Miss Lorna Wyllie, Treasurer Mrs Ruth Baillie, Secretary Mr Paul Carnan Mrs Christine Kyle Mrs Corinne McDougal Mrs Karen Stanway Mr David Shaw Mrs Jane Tobias Mrs Kate Zochowski Lee Johnston, Performing Member Susan Fulton, Performing Member

Committee 2006­07 Mrs Shirley Smart, President Mr Paul Carnan, Vice President Mrs Christine Kyle, Treasurer Mrs Ruth Baillie, Secretary Mrs Corinne McDougall Mr Tam McLean Mrs Karen Stanway Mr David Shaw Mrs Mairi Stewart Mrs Jane Tobias Miss Lorna Wyllie Mrs Kate Zochowska Susan Fulton, Performing Member Colin MacLean, Performing Member Kenneth Robertson, Imm. Past President

Notes 2001 AGM – ‘Junior Rep’ title changed to ‘Performing Member’; Immediate Past President to serve ex officio for 1 year after retiring

Notes 2002 AGM – Grace Smith made Honorary President following Ian Hutchison’s resignation

Notes Notes 2004 AGM – June and Douglas Smith made Honorary Members

COMMITTEE TRIVIA

111 different people have served on committee since 1977, 43 males and 68 females; the only all­female committee was in Session 1997­98 There have been 31 different executive members in 30 years ­ 10 Treasurers, 8 Secretaries, and 13 Presidents, two of whom (George Birnie and Grace Smith) have been President twice

34

COMMITTEE MEMBERS’ YEARS OF SERVICE

35

Cecilia Abensur, Member 2003­04

Jim Baillie, Treasurer 1979­84 Ruth Baillie, Member 2002­2005, Secretary 2005­07 Aileen Ballinger, Junior Rep 1997­98 Margaret Beith, Member 1977­79 George Birnie, Member 1977­78, President 1979­82, 1983­86 (resigned summer 85) Norman Brabson, Member 1979­80 (resigned during session) Linda Bramner, Member 1998­2000 (co­opted January 1999, then elected) Ronnie Brown, Member 1998­2000 Jem Burton, Member 1998­99 (resigned January 99)

Linda Cameron, Junior Rep 1981­82 Paul Carnan, Member 2004­06, Vice President 2006­07 Jill Carruth, Junior Rep 1986­87 Andrew Celli, Junior Rep 1982­83 Rev John Clark, President 1977­79 (resigned December 1978) Marilyn Constable, Member 1979­81 Pamela Cunningham, Junior Rep 1997­98

Aileen Davidson, Member 1990­92, Member 1993­94, Vice President 1994­96 June Dennison, Member 2000­02, Treasurer 2002­04 Colin Dougall, Member 1993­94 Morag Dougan, Member 1994­96 Stewart Douglas, Member 1982­84 Lynne Dunnet, Secretary 1977­78

Marie Forster, Member 1995­97 (co­opted summer 1995) Susan Fulton, Performing Member 2005­07

Linda Glasgow, Member 2003­05 Faith Golombok, Member 2002­04 Sylvia Gordon, Member 1989­91, Treasurer 1991­93 Elaine Gunning, Junior Rep 1978­79

Chris Henderson, Junior Rep 1993­94 (resigned May 93) Roy Henderson, Treasurer 1977­79 Barrie Hunter, Member 1988­90 Pat Hunter, Treasurer 1989­91

(1)

(5) (5) (1) (2)

(7) (1) (2) (2) (1)

(1) (3) (1) (1) (2) (2) (1)

(5)

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(2) (2)

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Lee Johnston, Performing Member 2004­06

Alex Keith, Member 1981­83 Barbara Kernohan, Member 1996­98 Graeme Kerr, Junior Rep 1990­91 Marjory King, Member 1977­78, Vice President 1980­82, President 1982­83 Christine Kyle (née Smith), Member 1994­96, Vice President 1996­97, Treasurer 1997­98, President 1998­2000, Member 2005­06, Treasurer 2006­07 (also four years’ service earlier as Christine Smith)

Norman Leppard, Member 1980­82 Carolyn Lyall , Member 2003­2004

Vicki McArthur, Junior Rep 1989­91 Fiona McClune, Junior Rep 1979­81 Corinne McDougall, Member 2004­07 Richard McGregor, Junior Rep 1994­95, Member 1995­1997 Steven McGregor, Junior Rep 1983­84 Linda McHardy, Junior Rep 1987­89 Lynn McIntyre, Member 1998­2000 Iris McIver, Member 1979­81, Member 1983­85, Vice President 1987­90, President 1990­92, Treasurer 1993­97 Louise McIver, Junior Rep 1991­93 Stephen McKay, Junior Rep 1978­79 Linda McLaughlin, Member 1996­97, Vice President 1997­98, Member 2001­03 Colin McLean, Performing Member 2006­2007 Tam McLean, Member 2000­01, Secretary 2001­05, Member 2006­07 Alison McMillan , Junior Rep 1993­1995 Ian McMillan, Member 1985­86, Vice President 1986­87, President 1987­90 Lorna McMillan, Junior Rep 1984­86

Steven Maley, Member 1984­86 Sandra Manson, Member 1995­96 (co­opted summer 1995) Scott Manson, Performing Member 2002­04 Dorothy Maule, Member 1992­94 Andrew Miller, Junior Rep 1984­85

Elspeth Nimmo, Member 1983­85 Laura Niven, Member 1987­89

(2)

(2) (2) (1) (4)

(8)

(2) (1)

(2) (2) (3) (3) (1) (2) (2)

(13) (2) (1)

(4) (1) (6) (2) (5) (2)

(2) (1) (2) (2) (1)

(2) (2)

36

COMMITTEE MEMBERS’ YEARS OF SERVICE

Juliet Oldfield, Junior Rep 1985­86, Member 1986­87

Neil Paton, Member 1987­89 Mary Plunkett, Member 1985­87

Anne Queen, Member 1996­98, Vice President 1998­2000, President 2000­02, Immediate Past President 2002­03 John Queen, Member 1992­94 (resigned May 1993) Peter Queen, Junior Rep 1993­94 (co­opted May 1993)

Derek Riddell, Junior Rep 1986­88 Helen Roberts, Member 1985­87 Avril Robertson, Secretary 1990­94 and 1995­99 George Robertson, Vice President 1982­84, Treasurer 1984­85 Kenneth Robertson, Junior Rep 1991­93, Member 1994­96, Member 2000­02, Vice President 2002­04, President 2004­06, Immediate Past President 2006­07 Toni Rodriguez, Junior Rep 1995­97 Gordon Runciman, 1981­83

Gavin Scott, Junior Rep 1982­84 Isabel Scott, Secretary 1987­90 Aileen Scudds, Member 1987­89 David Shaw, Junior Rep 2000­02, Member 2004­07 Gillian Shaw, Junior Rep 1998­99 Dorothy Shepherd, Member 1990­92 Shirley Smart, Member 2001­04, Vice President 2004­06, President 2006­ 07 Anne Smith, Member 1979­81, Vice President 1984­85, Treasurer 1985­89 Bob Smith, Member 2002­03 Christine Smith, Junior Rep 1988­90, Member 1991­93 (further 8 years’ service as Christine Kyle from 1994) Douglas Smith, Member 1977­79 Gary Smith, Junior Rep 1979­81 Grace Smith, Vice President 1977­80, Member 81­83, Member 1984­85, Vice President 1985­86, President 1986­87, Member 1989­91, Vice President 1992­ 94, President 1994­96, Member 1997­99

(2)

(2) (2)

(7) (2) (1)

(2) (2) (8) (3)

(11) (2) (2)

(2) (3) (2) (5) (1) (2)

(6) (7) (1)

(4) (2) (2)

(16)

Jennifer Smith, Performing Member 2003­05 June Smith, Member 1991­93, Secretary 1994­95, President 1996­98 Stefanie Smith, Junior Rep 2001­03 Karen Stanway, Member 1999­2003 (co­opted January 1999, then elected), Member 2004­07 Bill Steven, Member 1986­88, 1989­90, Vice President 1990­92, President 1992­94 Kirsty Steven, Member 1999­2001 Alasdair Stewart, Junior Rep 1981­82 Ian Stewart, Member 1983­84 Mairi Stewart, Member 2006­07

David Tait, Secretary 1999­2001 Elizabeth Tait, Junior Rep 1998­2000, Member 2000­02 Jenny Tait, Member 1997­99 (resigned January 1999) Jane Tobias, Member 2003­07 Vicki Turnbull, Junior Rep 1995­97

Jill Walters, Junior Rep 1999­2001 Margaret Walters, Member 1998­2000, Vice President 2000­02, President 2002­04, Immediate Past President 2004­05 Marjory Whitelaw, Member 2001­02 Emma Wylie, Member 1996­98 Judy Wylie, Member 1993­95 (co­opted May 1993, then elected) Lorna Wyllie, Member 1997­98, Treasurer 1998­2002, Treasurer 2004­06, Member 2006­07

Isabel Young, Secretary 1978­87

Kate Zochowska, Member 2005­07

(2) (5) (2)

(7)

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(2) (4) (2) (4) (2)

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37

HARLEQUIN PAST PRODUCTIONS

1977 Snow White Aladdin

1978 Hallowe'en ­ Pollok Festival Anne of Green Gables The Pied Piper of Hamelin

1979 Wha's Laird/Do it Yourself/Hallowe'en ­ Pollok Festival A Night with Harlequin Love from Judy Oliver!

1980 Lucinda Oliver! Babes in the Wood

1981 Oklahoma! Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat Oliver! ­ Tour Production, Moray District Cinderella

1982 Whistle and I'll come to ye my Lad ­ Pollok Festival Smike (West of Scotland Première) Smike ­ SCDA Showcase, Mitchell Theatre Oklahoma! ­ Tour Production, Moray District The Wizard of Oz

1983 Rules/Us and Them ­ Pollok Festival Harlequinade Godspell Dick Whittington

1984 Jesus Christ Superstar (British Amateur Première) Three of the Best Godspell ­ Tour Production, Arran Jack and the Beanstalk

1985 Grease Annie Grease ­ Tour Production, Arran Mother Goose

1986 Bye­bye, Birdie Memories Four of the Best ­ Tour Production, Arran

1987 Half a Sixpence Bugsy Malone Puss in Boots

1988 Dracula Spectacula Oliver! Sleeping Beauty

1989 Calamity Jane The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe Ali Baba and the Forty Thieves

1990 Dazzle Smike Robinson Crusoe

1991 The Wiz The Pied Piper Babes in the Wood

1992 Grease Pinocchio Cinderella

1993 Oklahoma! The Storymaker Dick Whittington

1994 Viva Mexico Bugsy Malone Aladdin

1995 Barnum (West of Scotland Amateur Première) Charlie and the Chocolate Factory/Charlie and the Great Glass Elevator The Pied Piper of Hamelin

1996 Zodiac (West of Scotland Première) Oliver! Jack and the Beanstalk

1997 Little Shop of Horrors The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe Mother Goose

1998 Return to the Forbidden Planet Annie Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs

1999 Crazy for You Pinocchio Return to the Forbidden Planet – Tour Production, Denmark Babes in the Wood

2000 Half a Sixpence Wizard of Oz Ali Baba and the Forty Thieves

2001 Dazzle Bugsy Malone Cinderella

2002 Calamity Jane The Pied Piper Puss in Boots

2003 Hot Mikado The Rocky Monster Show Aladdin

2004 Les Misérables (School Edition) The Wizard of Oz Jack and The Beanstalk

2005 Godspell Bugsy Malone Sleeping Beauty

2006 Return to the Forbidden Planet The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs