Tuning in…
Tuning in…
Castaway
1 appearance
Stage actress who performed as Juliet, Miranda, Titania, Anne Page and Perdita at Stratford-upon-Avon.
On the island
Eight records
Victorian band — original version (as recalled by guest)
Guest' reason/quote: Not given in transcript.
Pretty Little Picture (from 'The Boy Friend')
Guest' reason/quote: Not given in transcript.
Adeste FidelesFavourite
Guest' reason/quote: Not given in transcript.
The Toreador Song (from 'Carmen')
Probably a performance by Feodor Chaliapin or similar
Guest' reason/quote: Not given in transcript.
I'm Falling in Love with Someone (from 'Naughty Marietta')
Original cast or Victor Herbert recording
Guest' reason/quote: Not given in transcript.
Guest' reason/quote: Not given in transcript.
A dance band (possibly Jack Hylton's or similar)
Guest' reason/quote: Not given in transcript.
In conversation
Presenter asks
0:12Both your mother and father were in the theatre, of course. Did you accept it as a foregone conclusion that you would be an actress?
Well, I did, but uh my mother didn't entirely. … she didn't want me to to go on the stage. But I was absolutely determined to, and had a very sympathetic schoolmistress who I think said a good word for me at the right time and so my mother was always wonderful about anything very important. Said, all right, but you must go to a dramatic school.
Presenter asks
1:15Your mother was a wonderfully witty but rather imperious lady. Did you find her at all daunting to work with? Were you very nervous?
Oh no, she was very kind to me. Very uh nice and I think a little anxious, you know, but it was all right.
Presenter asks
1:32You were in Sir George Alexander's company at the Saint James's Theatre. How do you remember that company and Sir George?
Oh, it was marvellous theatre to be in … because it was run so beautifully. Stage hands had white coats and rubber shoes, and we all had a very good time, and he was the most charming and delightful gentleman.
The keepsakes
Presenter asks
3:16What parts did you play at Stratford-on-Avon?
I played Perdita, Miranda. Anne Page, Titania, and Juliet. Of course Juliet was the prize.
Presenter asks
4:44In nineteen thirty-four there was a successful play called Sweet Aloes, and it was by an unknown playwright called Jay Mallory. Jay Mallory was you?
Yes, it was thought better not to be by a youngish actress at the time, so I had an aunt de plume.
Presenter asks
8:25Any particular part that you still want to play very much that you're hoping will turn up?
Well, frankly, Mr Plumley, I won't play a good … any good part.
“I played Perdita, Miranda. Anne Page, Titania, and Juliet. Of course Juliet was the prize.”
“It was wonderful, and the most wonderful time of music, too. Marvellous, marvellous era of light music. You see all the great ones, Coldwater, Richard Rogers, Gershwin, Kern. You couldn't hear a bad band. It was simply wonderful.”
“Yes, it was thought better not to be by a youngish actress at the time, so I had an aunt de plume.”
“I felt very badly and very guilty about it because it had a splendid production and I knew it was the fault of the play. Which rather depressed me.”
“He was writing this marvellous play which came right off hot off the typewriter, and I was pounding away upstairs. … the irritation that he was feeling that afternoon permeates that scene.”
“That television with an audience is really very alarming because you have divided loyalty … the microphone and there are those shadowy figures. And it leads to trying to reach them and making faces.”