Early Town Show Memories from  John Miles

"As we approached this, the 30th public performance of the Community of Hungerford Theatre Group annual show, originally called “The Town Show”, the thought came to me that I was getting old, as it was over 31 years ago that the concept of the show was first thought of and discussed by Don Bolton (Pictured right - backstage in red jumper) and myself sitting on the stage in the school hall in 1978.

The Hungerford Theatre Club, in which Don was the director, had held a production the previous Christmas at the school.  Don informed me that this had not generated the support or income that was needed to keep going. I had become the school caretaker in Nov 1977, but previously I had produced two review-type shows.  These were suggested by Cecil Hawkes who, as the local Group Scout Leader, had always wanted a "Gang Show".  The first was at the Croft Hall for the Town's voluntary Youth organisations, and the second at the Town Hall involving voluntary Youth and adult organisations. I had also directed a John O'Gaunt School production for the 'Round Table Hungerford Festival' which revived the Hungerford Carnival so Don thought I could suggest something useful.

After much discussion, sitting on the stage, I told Don that I thought the only way forward was to invite the residents of Hungerford as a whole to take part, as I was sure the School would very much like to be involved in a 'community project'.

Don said he would like to try a pantomime but that would require much rehearsal time which was difficult at Christmas because of the School needs. We agreed that the February half term would be best thereby leaving the Christmas period free for school productions. Head teacher David Lee gave his unreserved backing to the community project which was endorsed by the Governors.

It was too late to arrange and rehearse a production for 1979, so towards the end of that year the community enthusiastically joined in the project and Don, with his expertise and that of the Theatre Club members produced the first show in 1980.

Much is owed to those beginners for the longevity of the “show” as they carried on with their sterling work for many years, in particular Chris Buck with the music, Ted Fry with stage management and Fred Bailey as crew, Dennis Simmonds & John Allen with the stage lighting, and Ivy Wells for her great and infectious enthusiasm. Also Beryl Kellow, Marguerite Seaward, Sarah Fradgley, Janet Long, Carol Burnett, Viv Long, David Pomroy, Ernie Webster, Richard Gash, Richard Kingsbury and Elizabeth Young, who all continued performing for a similar period.

Regretfully Don was unwell during the lead-up to the 1981 show, but with the enthusiasm that had been generated the previous year the group put on a variety show so that the idea didn't die.

The profits from the shows were given to John O'Gaunt School to assist in improving the drama facilities, including fixed and removable stage extensions, improved stage lighting and cloth and scenery tracks, and the school also benefited from the increased community involvement.

My warmest and greatest memory though is of Don Bolton, who enthusiastically grasped my weak idea, turning it into great reality, and gave the community a lasting treasure.

Thank you Don. "

John Miles - February 2010 (Pictured in white uniform above in the 1983 Pantomime Aladdin)