Martins Bank Players (North Eastern)

MARTINS BANK PLAYERS (NORTH EASTERN)

Martins Bank Players (North Eastern) in Small Hotel by Rex Frost

Staged: 14 to 18 November 1961 at The Little Theatre Gateshead

“A most enjoyable Show” says Martins Bank Magazine in its Winter 1961 Issue, of “Small Hotel” – the latest production of Martins Bank Players North Eastern at the Little Theatre Gateshead in the Winter of 1961. In this comedy by Rex Frost, which was also made into a successful film, a crafty waiter keeps his eye on everyone, making HIS business to know everyone else’s. Martins Bank Magazine praises many of the actors for clearly having studied hard to portray their characters so well and so convincingly. Even those who had what we nowadays call “bit-parts” are commended for being on stage for such a short time, but adding the right degree of realism to the plot and the flow of the play. On this occasion, Martins Bank Magazine provides us with FIVE production photographs, which of course help to tell the story of this performance so much better than words alone could manage. By this point in time, Nora Wilkie has produced and directed so many of the north Eastern Players’ shows, that her contribution is described as “indefatigable”, which is not a word to be banded about to describe just anyone. It speaks to us of the spirit of Martins Bank staff, whose own indefatigability is perfectly summarised in the Bank’s slogan “Martins to to extremes to be helpful”…

“Small Hotel”, by Rex Frost, was the choice of the North Eastern Players for their 1961 production at the Little Theatre, Gateshead, from November 14th to 18th. The action of the play takes place in the dining room of a small country hotel where Albert, the waiter, exercises his very ‘considerable experience’ over both diners and staff alike. The dining room is his domain and over the years he has acquired a keen perception of human nature. When a crisis arises in his own personal life and he is about to lose the job he loves, he knows just how to handle the situation in his best diplomatic fashion and in the interest of all. Stephen Futers played this important role with dignity, sensitivity and poise but we felt that his interpretation was rather more restrained than Gordon Harker's must have been in the original production.

Bill McConnell Jean Firth Meredith Charlton and Stephen Futers

Sylvia King and Blanche Blaylock

It was an interesting and appealing study, however, and he is to be commended for taking on such a large part so soon after playing the leading role in another production. The Manager and his wife were played by Donald Sargeant and Anne Brown. They seemed to be rather young to handle the difficult situations which constantly occurred but manage them they did with a tactfulness and firmness which were completely convincing. This is the first time Donald has acted with the Players and he did exceptionally well with a major role. He has a pleasant appearance and should be a real asset to the Company: we hope to sec him in many more productions. Anne is a member of some experience and she played her part with competence and complete assurance. Mr. Finch, the Area Supervisor and a real upstart, was played by James Lindsay. His characterisation of the part was excellent and. considering that he took it over at short notice and it was the first time he has appeared on any stage since school, his performance was a great credit to him and we hope he will keep up the good work. He was the person from Head Office who knew just how to deal with every situation from his Office but didn't fare so well when he had to handle a crisis on the spot. Blanche Blaylock played the part of Mrs. Samson-Box, a lonely and elderly widow who was a resident of long standing with a mind of her own. She had to be treated with tact and understanding and woe betide anyone who crossed her. Blanche portrayed this part with great conviction and she held the stage whenever she appeared—a very good performance.

Nancy Watson Stephen Futers and Gaynor Stewart

Stephen Futers Blanche Blaylock Sylvia King and Gaynor Stewart

Three of the most entertaining parts were played by Sylvia King and Gaynor Stewart as waitresses, and Nancy Watson as the cook. We would say that this was Sylvia's best performance to date. As Effie Rigler, a young girl with quite a reputation, she was being given the chance to prove herself as a waitress under the fatherly and somewhat crafty guidance of Albert. She was particularly good in the scene in which she asks Mrs. Sunison-Box for help after the expert tuition of Albert. She is a ‘natural’ and her timing and sense of fun were most entertaining. Gaynor Stewart played the part of the waitress who is sent by Head Office to replace Albert, who they consider is getting too slow and old for the job.

She is everything that Albert despises—over confident, all speed, no craftsmanship and no feeling for the job—and, aided and abetted by Effie, he engineers her downfall. The resulting scene was one of the highlights of the Show. Gaynor has been in the Bank only a few months and she is to be congratulated on her excellent performance and for entering into our social life so quickly, and we hope she will continue to be a very active member of the Company. Mrs. Gammon, the cook who wouldn't stand any nonsense was played by Nancy Watson, who gave a first-class characterisation and the action of the play really went with a swing when she was on stage. The three small supporting roles of diners at the commencement of the play were well played by Jean Firth, Meredith Charlton and Bill McConnell, and we admire the members who take these parts when they are only on stage for a few minutes each evening. We would like to compliment the whole cast on the clarity of its diction.

Donald Sergeant Anne Brown and James Lindsay

The play was produced once again by Nora Wilkie, who is indefatigable in her efforts for this Company. Their achievements are due in no small measure to her enthusiasm and patience, particularly with new members. She is very ably assisted behind the scenes by a willing team of helpers who include her husband. R. H. Wilkie, as Stage Manager; Miss Joan Clarke and the Bates family (R. S. Bates, formerly at Felling, and his two sons. Kenneth and Derek), who help every year with the painting of scenery and the very detailed work which goes into the staging of all these productions. A most enjoyable Show.