SEAFORD MUSICAL THEATRE
Memories of Seaford Operatic 1956-1960
by Graham Tubb
See Also
A Brief History of Seaford Operatic Society
A History of Seaford Operatic Society by Pat Berry
A Brief History of Seaford Children's Theatre by Graham Tubb
In 1956 I was still in Seaford Children's Theatre but wanted to get into the Operatic shows. Mrs Kathleen Marsh was retiring as Producer (and from the Operatic) and Enid Wilderspin, who helped, had just married Jasper Streeter. I attended rehearsals for 'Mr Cinders' but was not allowed to perform as I was only 14.
Then in 1957 a new Producer arrived, Donald Grant-White, and he needed dancers, especially male! So I was asked to join just before I was 16! 'No, No, Nanette' was very enjoyable. There were then about eight cast members who had graduated from the Children's Theatre.
There were also to be more weddings: Christopher Whatford married Maureen Alderton, and Barbara Turner met the pianist's son, Adrian Hunkin.
Graham on the right raising a tankard in 'Maid of the Mountains' - 1958
The 1958 production was 'Maid of the Mountains'. All our shows were in the Queen's Hall and we used the Clinton Hall next door for dressing rooms and props. We had to run up the 'twitten' between the halls in all weathers! Rehearsals were held in the old Guide hut behind the Little Theatre. It often got flooded and then we had to cancel rehearsals. So once or twice we ended up at The Barn (then a run-down bar and dance hall). Pat George, from Worthing Operatic, was the Maid. Seaford had just started to 'import' talent. Membership was 12 shillings & sixpence.
In 1959 Peter Lilly produced 'The Lilac Domino', another much-loved show. Barbara Turner was to marry Adrian Hunkin, Gwen Buckland was to marry Donald Smith, and Pamela Bartholomew was to marry Tony Ivett. And I had small part, as well as being a dancer.
In 1960, I left to join a Revue Company in Eastbourne, having also performed in Brighton & Bexhill. Then in 1963 I went to London, taking on many professional engagements.
In 2004, I rejoined Seaford Operatic, now Seaford Musical Theatre. My first show was 'Bless 'Em All'.
Reg, Brian & Graham in 'Bless 'Em All' - 2004
