The Operetta was presented on November 13th, 14th, 15th and 16th, 1960, in aid of the Swimming Pool Fund. The Operetta is by Margaret Rose and John Longmire and was produced in our school by Mrs Binning.
THE STORY
The scene is set in 15th century Bruges, when the city was at the height of her prosperity. One of the best-loved figures in the city at that time was Hans, the old bellmaker. His son Franz did not seem to have his father's master touch. Franz was in love with Nita, the Baron's daughter, but her ambitious father did not approve of the match. He wanted Nita to marry a Count, which she refused to do. To bribe her, the Baron offered her anything she like to ask. Nina chose a peal of bells for her father's belfry, insisting that they must ring louder and sweeter than any in Bruges. This, she thought, would bring Franz to the castle, and thus enable her to escape with him.
The Baron, however, is so determined to succeed in his plans that he sends for Pierre of Paris, another well-known bellmaker, and offers him a great sum if he will make the bells in time for the following spring. Franz however, is able to meet the challenge, for his bells have long been ready - and they are indeed the sweetest ever heard. The Baron is forced at last to agree to the marriage, and the bells ring joyfully at Nita and Franz's wedding.
Full cast
School Operetta A Big Success Some eyebrows must have been raised when posters announced that Wellsway County Secondary School, Chandag Road, was to present the operetta, "The Belles of Bruges". Even taking into account the undoubted success of last year's production, "Cinderella", an operetta was surely a very ambitious production for a school to tackle, particularly a school as young as Wellsway. However, all those who attended any of the four performances came away feeling that the optimism of the school staff in attempting to produce an operetta was more than justified. The leading role of Nita was taken by Terry Griffiths, who gave an exceptionally good performance. She sang and spoke beautifully, and made a very charming picture in her 15th century costume. Other leading roles were taken by Nicholas Andrews (Franz), Jacqueline Wicks, and Terry Box (Hans). Alan Goodman made an excellent Baron, and one of the most popular moments of the operetta was his song "Men say come" - a drinking song, with the peddlers and other men of Bruges. The chorus did extremely well, especially the children of Bruges, who not only sang well, but performed several delightful dances. Their "Little Cuckoo Clock" song and dance with Hans was very well received. The excellent costumes and scenery greatly contributed to the success of the operetta. These were all produced under the guidance of members of the school staff. There were three evening performances, and on Wednesday afternoon the school entertained Keynsham Over Sixties' Cheerful Club and the Saltford Evergreens, as well as representatives from local schools. The producer was Mrs Olive Binning. Bath Weekly
Chronicle and Herald |
Principal Cast
Nicholas Andrew (Franz), Alan Goodman (The Baron) and Terry Griffiths (Nita))
A Pretty Girl, 14, Steals the Opening Night Thunder A pretty brown-haired girl of 14 stole what thunder there was from a spare audience at the opening night of "Bells of Bruges", an operetta performed by the Wellsway County Secondary School, Keynsham. Playing the lead, she inspired the rest of the cast with her confidence, and captured the audience with her sweet singing. Terry Griffiths told me afterwards that she had never had a singing lesson in her life and had certainly never sung on the stage before. I found it hard to believe, such was the quality of her voice. An operetta is never, at the best of times, an easy production. and when it comes to casting round a school to find pupils with reasonable singing voices, the problem becomes even more difficult. I am glad to say that Wellsway School made quite a creditable attempt. Terry was well supported by her leading man, Nicholas Andrew, the owner of a sweet, if shaky soprano. The only criticism I have to make, is that there could have been a little more enthusiasm from the chorus. It was a well-produced show which made good entertainment. It was only a pity that a larger audience could not have been there to see it. C.B. |
The Chorus
Miss Gee gave up much of her spare time so that the choir and soloists of the operetta could practise. The scenery was painted by Miss Wade and members of the school. The 15th Century costumes were made by Mrs Poulton and she was helped by members of the cast. Other members of the school sold tickets and assisted in many other ways. Members of staff helped with the making-up of the cast.
PRINCIPAL CAST
| HANS, a bellmaker of Bruges | Terry Box |
| OLGA, his wife | Jacqueline Wicks |
| FRANZ, their son | Nicholas Andrews |
| BARON DE CROY | Alan Goodman |
| NITA, his daughter | Terry Griffiths |
| PIERRE, a bellmaker of Paris | Thomas Gage |
| MARIE, a lacemaker | Madeline Earnshaw |
The dances were arranged by Mrs Ellison. Miss Gee played the piano and was accompanied by Corinna McCheyne on the bells. With the wonderful co-operation of the staff, the operetta was a great success.