Early Memories from  Ron Couldridge

"In 2009 my wife Ann and I visited Hungerford and were delighted to see that the Theatre Company is still thriving.  Back in 1978 we moved to Hungerford and in early 1979 we saw a notice board in the High Street with details of the AGM of HTC.  Having been very active in a large theatre company in Southend in Essex we decided to go along and I remember the occasion very well.  

It emerged that the HTC were mainly involved in arranging theatre trips etc but in the past had  been involved in some variety and plays and had indeed visions of acquiring the Regent Cinema as a venue.  It would appear that they lost heart when the Regent was demolished and housing took its place.  

At the meeting I kept putting forward suggestions on what the HTC could do, including a panto.  I remember saying several times "Why don't you do .....".  When it came to election of committee someone said to me "Why don't you become Chairman?" and so I was duly elected.  

Soon after this we started on Cinderella.  It soon become very obvious that HTC could not cast such a venture from its members and the Pantomime Committee was formed with me as Chairman.  

Local people were approached (or coerced) including such as Ivy Wells, Pip Pocock, Rev Kingsbury and many others.  We also involved the Liz McIndoe dancing school to provide the younger element.  The John O'Gaunt school hall provided the ideal venue for the project. Rehearsals, if I remember correctly, were at the Methodist Church Hall in Bridge Street.   The bulk of the scenery was painted in a garage by Pete Tinning, who now lives in Sussex, and Ernie Webster was largely responsible for it's artistic design.

The first production was an outstanding success with pyrotechnics, mirror balls and additional lighting which I managed to acquire from various sources.  Some may well remember when the mirror ball fell producing glass shards on the stage in the middle if the younger children. After some quick thinking, cast members in costume swept it up before the children continued their dance.  

My work in those early days was very much in administration and staging as well as assisting in the production which was my background.  I have many happy memories of those pioneering days, as do all my family (Debbie, Trudi and Ann) as we were all involved as you can see from the 1980’s programmes.  In fact I still have a tankard presented to me with the inscription - "Ron E Couldridge - Chairman - Hungerford Theatre Club and Pantomime Company - 1979 - 1982.

My work meant that we had to move back to Southend in early 1983 so I was happy that dear Ivy Wells was able to take over as chairperson.  We kept in touch with Ivy & Tony until she sadly passed away.  

When in Hungerford recently we lunched in "The Tutti Pole" and I had a chat with a charming lady who is still very much involved and I am sorry that I didn't ask her name.  If you find out who she is please thank her.  Ann & I are really looking forward to seeing the next show in February and also meeting some old friends as well as new.  

I've been up in my attic and I've found some photos and programmes of old productions including some of the 1981 Variety Show.   In the photo of production team (above)  Don Bolton is on the right, Ted Fry is in the grey jumper and I am the bearded one. I recall that we had to delay the second panto by a year for some reason so we put on the variety show instead. 

The photo of HTC's first advertising stand at the Church Fete in July 1980 (Right) shows a road sign with Cinderella and Dick Whittington on it so in July we still intended to put on DW in Feb 81.  However we did put on the Variety Show in 1981 at which I remember performing a comedy sketch which involved an imaginary dog (with real lead) and a charming lady of ill repute.  

I hope the photos will prove of interest."
(They certainly do!)  

Regards   Ron Couldridge. 2009