Ted, again as producer, remembers a seemingly minor, but unfortunate trick played on the last night. Five girls as Fairies had individual coloured ball gowns and matching names (Emerald, Golden, Pearl, Amethyst, Sapphire) and were introduced in turn. On the last night, however, they were introduced in the wrong order: the girls forgot their lines and were reduced to tears. Last night tricks were banned from then onwards. A more innocuous trick was played by Richard Young Jnr. While helping side-stage, he put green worm-shaped sweets up his nose to put off the girls on stage.
Ken Fielding was assistant producer, and goes on to produce 8 out of the next 11 shows, with various assistants (as well as writing three of them).
The Diamond Fairy was played by Denise Boyes. Her rather obscure claim to fame was that she had a relative (an uncle?) called Wally Boyes who played for West Brom, and who scored their first goal to equalise against Sheffield Wednesday in the 1935 Cup Final at Wembley. Wednesday went on to win 4-2. Wally Boyes later played for Everton, and was capped three times for England. He died in 1960 aged only 47.
Richard Salt joined this year, as Musical Director. He stayed for 13 years.
Joan remembers singing Bright Eyes, but having to have a microphone because she had tonsillitis
Roy Ritchie remembers that the part of “Jack” was a big one, in terms of time on stage. On the other hand “Igor”, though smaller, was a peach of a part. He and Ian Booth therefore shared the roles, swapping over for each performance. Good for them, but apparently very confusing for the cast! Joan remembers that Igor’s “bad” leg kept changing sides. Ian Booth went on to big things: Radio Nottingham, then the BBC in London.
One key scene was supposed to open with Princess Aurora (Joan Carr) asleep in a bed on stage, surrounded by dancing children. Prince Rupert (June Francis) then makes her entrance to discover her there. However, Princess Aurora was actually standing side-stage, rather than being actually in the bed. Prince Rupert valiantly tried to improvise by shouting “I wonder if she’s in another room?” but the audience were not fooled! He then carried Joan on from side-stage. Joan’s driving instructor later reported having heard the story in the paper shop!
For the final wedding scene, the procession came through the audience from the back. Kath Ivermee made a replica of Sarah Fergusson’s dress – where the “A” for Andrew became A for Aurora
