The Early Years

Abergavenny Pantomime Company has a long and proud history, going back to the beginning of this century. It started off in Holy Trinity Church, Baker Street in Abergavenny and the Company was called 'Trinity Sunday Schools', it changed in 1959 into Abergavenny Pantomime Company and it has virtually not stopped running since. With only a short gap in performances during the Second World War, resuming again with Aladdin in 1947. Our very first production, in 1932 was Cinderella and most of the cast were prominent figures in the town, and early stalwarts of the Company. Since then the Company have performed Cinderella eight different times, making it one of the most popular shows alongside Aladdin which also been performed eight times since 1932.

In the 1890’s a group of people in the Holy Trinity Parish performed Operas at the Abergavenny Borough Theatre, produced by Mrs Duffield and Mrs Pavord. In 1921 ‘Trinity Sunday Schools’ performed the show ‘The King of Sherwood. At the beginning of the 1930’s the Curate, Fr. Montague Holmes had apparently seen a production of the pantomime, 'Little red Riding Hood' and thought ‘Trinity Sunday Schools’ should do something more like that. This resulted in traditional amateur pantomime being staged in Abergavenny for the first time ever. It was produced by Mr Frank Lewis, his wife, Mrs Gwen Lewis assisting him and his nephew Mr Raymond Lewis, from the Abergavnny Chronicle, writing the scripts. Practice sessions were held in the Holy Trinity Church Hall in Abergavenny.

With a short break during the Second World War the Company resumed performing annual traditional pantomimes.

History: 1960 – 1989

1960s

Many well known Abergavenny families have had a long association with APC. One of these were Tony and Malcolm Brinkworth, who both joined the Company at the beginning of the decade in their early teens after starting off helping backstage. However in 1964 there was no show because of strenuous efforts to find a Producer and a Pianist were unsuccessful. The Company went out of action. Although in 1965 the Company resumed in operation as Mr and Mrs Frank Lewis were prepared to have another go at producing and APC performed ‘Babes in the Wood’. In 1969 Mr Frank Lewis and his wife decided to retire from the Company due to their own business commitments. They did not want to leave APC and both had a tremendous amount of pleasure working with the cast and children alike. It was apparent that when Mr Frank Lewis retired, he was upset as pantomime was his life. The Company made him President in recognition for all his hard work and being a found member of APC. Alan England later succeeded as Producer for the next couple of years.

1970s

Bob Symonds settled into his new role as producer and produced his first production ‘Mother Goose’ in 1972. He went onto produce for the next fifteen years. Unfortunately audiences started to decline. Part of the blame was attributed to the public’s indifferences to amateur productions, but the major blame had to be attached to television. Because people were then reluctant to leave their warm homes in the winter evenings to attend a local amateur production, when they could sit and watch entertainment on the TV without any effort. Although the appetite for live theatre grew once again in the late 80’s.

1980s

Old Mother HubbardFor our 50th anniversary show in 1982 the Company performed Mother Hubbard, which was the first time APC had performed it. Unfortunately the 50th anniversary show was postponed a couple of weeks due to very heavy snow. Bob Symons led the Company well into its Half Century existence. It was also apparent that during this period a couple of distinguished members left and had formed a new breakaway Company known as the Capricorns (named after one of the Signs of the Zodiac, as they performed Pantomime’s in December). This caused upheaval at the time, as there were now three Pantomime Company’s in the town of Abergavenny, all trying to survive. (APC, Pen Y Fal Hospital Pantomime Company and the Capricorns) In fact not long after both Pen Y Fal Hospital Pantomime Company and the Capricorns folded. This resulted in a number of new members joining APC such as Peter Holder from ‘Pen Y Fal’ Pantomime Company and Neil Harvey from the ‘Capricorns’. Newcomers Shirley Wallace arrived as Choreographer and also Alan Chislett who wrote a number of his own sketches, who had grown up surrounded by the world of entertainment and understood the importance of the actor-writer relationship. During the late eighties Bob Symons bowed out as producer and was replaced by Tony Brinkworth.

 

Cast: Puss in Boots, 1988The Company had a go at performing two shows a year, with its traditional Pantomime during February half term and a Summer Show in July. One of the main aims of staging a summer show was to give experience to the younger cast members and chorus, to ensure that their enthusiasm did not wane before rehearsals for the next major Pantomime. During the eighties Tony Brinkworth and Bob Symons shared the roles as Producers, with Shirley Wallace undertaking the role of Choreography.

In 1987 a new Musical Director was found - Nick Leek and Jane Griffiths undertook the role as Chorus Director. In 1988 the Company staged Puss in Boots with the talented Tim Ward playing Puss the Cat. In 1989 the Company was unable to provide the town with its traditional pantomime at the Borough Theatre because it was undergoing major refurbishment. Instead we performed our Winter Review, in King Henry VIII School and Pandy Village Hall, which contained sketches written by one of our experienced members Alan Chisslett. The format of the show contained magic time, Company Dancers and a brief version of the pantomime Jack & the Beanstalk. With Bob Symons acted as Compere. During this year we lost our Choreographer Shirley Wallace.

History: 1990 – 1999

1990

Mother GooseIn 1990 Abergavenny was celebrating its 900th birthday, our Production was Mother Goose. We recruited a new Choreographer; Julie Gasson and the whole show was Produced by Alan Chislett. The Curtains opened outside the cottage of Mother Goose which was played by our usual dame Neil Harvey.

1991 - 1992

In 1991 the Borough Theatre had just finished its major refurbished with a brand new looking auditorium. The Company staged ‘Babes in the Wood’ which was a firm favorite with us. During this year we lost our stalwart member Alan Chislet, who wanted a year’s break from producing and acting. Therefore Tony Brinkworths brother; Malcolm returned and took over as the familiar face of Producer. The Company also staged a Summer Show with the youngsters acting out characters from the Musical Oliver!

In 1992 our Production was to be Sinbad the Sailor. With the story of Sinbad had its origins in the ‘Tales of the Arabian Knights’ a collection of stories from which several of our traditional pantomimes are derived. Shirley Wallace rejoined the Company and undertook her usual role of Choreographer and Alan Chislett returned playing the cameo role of the Khedive of Egypt.

1993 - 1995

Sleeping BeautyFor our 60th season a milestone in the history of the Company, in 1993 we staged a pantomime classic ‘The Sleeping Beauty’. During our Diamond Jubilee the Company recruited lots of new faces. Nick Leek our Musical Director also undertook his new position asChairman.

In 1994 our production was to be The Grand Old Duke of York, which was set in the late 16th Century. Bob Woodford and Lynne Stock played their first major parts on stage as acting out The Grand Old Duke of York and Maleficent, a bad-tempered fairy. Alan Chislet decided to make this his last show and he wrote and devised one of the scenes 'The Lost Patrol'. The Junior Section also performed the musical West Side Story during July, which was one of the best shows performed by the younger members.

Dick Whittington was staged for the fourth time in 1995 with the fortunes of Richard Whittington from Gloucester, who appears at the start of the show about to walk all the way back to his home from London, who is eventually made Lord Mayor of London. Our Principal Girl – Rachel Grey, who would probably had been our youngest ever, had to drop out mid-way through December due to her selection to ’The National Music Theatre’ in Edinburgh, followed by a trip to Hong Kong, which was on the same time as our show. The junior chorus doubled in size from thirty to well over sixty. The Production Team also attempted to utilise the wonderful young talent by showing, during Dick Whittington’s inauguration, London memories through the ages.

A couple of months after the totally sold out Pantomime Week at the A.G.M Malcolm Brinkworth decided for Personal family reasons and also friction with a couple of newer Company Members to resign his post as Producer. He had voiced his concerns about certain issues at the A.G.M and at previous Committee meetings. He remains a Life Member after 31 years service. Unfortunately, despite his asking others not to do so, very many Committee, Cast and Company Members also left. His brother Tony Brinkworth who was the President and also a Life Member with 41 years in the Company also finished. The Company had to recruit many new faces to fill the void left, which we have achieved and as Malcolm had always said, the Company's interest and not individuals is the most important thing when decisions are made. In the summer the Junior Section performed ‘We kept a Welcome’, although this was not as well attended as previous summer shows.

1996

jack and the BeanstalkIn 1996 Lynee Stock, Shirley Wallace and Bob Woodford Co-Produced Jack and the Beanstalk. The Company welcomed some new comers such as Ken Jones and Stephen (Snowy) Clark from AAODS, proving themselves to be talented and skill full performers. The script was also written by Paul Alexander from Jasper Publishing and most of the scenery and the set was designed and made by Peter Sutton and Bob Woodford. The Company shared volunteers from AAODS and ALOC to help back stage with props. It proved to be a wise decision, as older members returned and new members joined, despite the fact that disaster struck during a rehearsal a couple of days before the show. The main electric curtain rail came down with the entire front of house curtains on to cast and chorus who were practicing on stage. The remainder of the rehearsal had to be cancelled and the curtain rail could not be repaired in time for the show, although the show did carry on as normal.

1997 - 1998

CinderellaCinderella was the Pantomime for 1997, Lynne stock decided to leave the Company and we welcomed a new Director Jaci Brickley-Clark. Bob Woodford undertook the role of Production Manager. The Production Team decided that Members should audition for parts. As in the past, parts were given out only on previous talent. An extra performance was put on Saturday evening for the first time which turned out to be a success. On a sad note, however, our Production Manager and Dame Bob Woodford died later that year after a short illness. Jaci went on to Direct Aladdin in 1998 and the show was dedicated to the late Bob Woodford. Peter Holder played his favorite role ‘Abanazer’, his villainous tendencies came in handy especially as being Company Treasurer. APC also decided to affiliate to the National Operatic and Dramatic Association (NODA) at the end of that year.

1999

The Pied Piper‘The Pied Piper’ was the next challenge for our Company in 1999, with Jaci Brickley-Clark taking a year out as Director. Her husband Stephen (Snowy) Clark took over as Producer as well a playing his usual role as the Village Idiot on stage. Snowy deserved credit for another successful show. Snowy, in fact, went on to produce the next six years. The Pied Piper was played by the familiar face of Len Lane. All the costumes were hired for the first time which made less work for the Wardrobe Department. The show had even more reason to be remembered, with fifteen minutes to go in the final act during a Tuesday night performance the fire alarms went off. Cast, chorus, theatre staff and audience alike were evacuated into "Red Square" with the Fire Brigade turning up. Ten minutes later everyone went back inside and the Company resumed with the show.

History: 2000 – 2009

2000

The most traditional pantomime Snow White was our Millennium production. In fact it was the first time the Company had ever staged it, as it had never been performed before. Stalwart member Rachel Grey gave a polished performance as Snow White before she embarked on her university degree. The Company for the first time used a full orchestra under the lead of Jaci Brickley-Clark and they also decided to introduce personal microphones for the cast. Nick Leek decided to retire from his position as Musical Director but carried on as Chairman. At the beginning of the year Bob Symons who was awarded for outstanding service died at the age of 58. He performed in and produced many shows and was a semi-professional to the Company. At the start of 2001 the sudden death of our Membership Secretary and Drummer Ted Hunt was reported. Ted gave so much time, skill and friendship to everyone. In mark of respect the Company decided to award annually a Ted Hunt Memorial Shield to the best boy and girl. During that year we staged Red Riding Hood. Another extra performance was included, this time on a Friday Matinee which meant the Company increased its performances to eight.

2001

At the start of 2001 the sudden death of our Membership Secretary and Drummer Ted Hunt was reported. Ted gave so much time, skill and friendship to everyone. In mark of respect the Company decided to award annually a Ted Hunt Memorial Shield to the best boy and girl. During that year we staged Red Riding Hood. Another extra performance was included, this time on a Friday Matinee which meant the Company increased its performances to eight.

2002

Robinson CrtusoeIn 2002 we decided to produce Robinson Crusoe. For the first time in while the script was written by its Production Team and was orchestrated by Janette Disson. Also at its AGM in May saw Nick Leek step down as Chairman and our Company dame Ken Jones took over to keep the Committee of the oldest Pantomime Company in Wales in order.

2003

The 2003 production was somewhat unique as we performed Peter Pan, which is usually seen as a stage show. However our talented producer Stephen (Snowy) Clark had written and transformed the story into Peter Pan the Pantomime. The show saw a first for APC with the principals and some of the chorus "flying" above the stage. Following criticism from past audiences that they were unable to hear the singing over the loud orchestra, the Company decided to get rid of the full orchestra and hire its own personal band for the week of the show from The Music Studio in Abergavenny. As the band was so professional, it was decided that they should be hired for future productions. Producer Stephen Clark, Musical Director Jaci Brickley-Clark and Choreographer Shirley Wallace deserved credit for ones of its best ever shows. In addition the Company decided to revitalise its logo, in which a cow logo was designed.

2004

AladdinIn 2004 once again the theme of flying continued, although not out of the window but on a magic carpet to the Orient. Therefore Aladdin was our next challenge in 2004 and provided most of the older members with parts. Shirley Wallace decided to resign due to her increase workload in her new job and her other wok commitments. Geraint Webb took over as Company Secretary whilst Jaci decided to undertake the role of chorography as well as her usual role as M.D. The Company managed to retain most of its regular cast but as ever there had been a turnover of some of our younger members. It was also Stephen (Snowy) Clark’s last year as Producer with newly appointed Assistant Producer Len Lane who would take over the reigns for next year.

Download a copy of the programme for the production of Aladdin in PDF format.

2005

Cinderella was again performed in 2005, Snowy also handed the Producers role to Len Lane, although Snowy remained with the Company and decided to explore his feminine side by playing one of the ugly sisters. The Cinderella script and set was hired from Owen Money Theatre Company. The end result was very entertaining and pleased Producer Len Lane who was making his debut as Producer.

2006

Dick Whittington was performed in 2006. A pantomime classic that is loosely based on a distant past Mayor of London. Rumour has it that Dick did have a cat and that whilst on a journey overseas, he took his cat with him and it earned him a lot of money killing rats. Once again the scenery was hired from Owen Money Theatre Company, although the script was written by Bob Heather. The plot was criticised as being sketchy and thin in places and perhaps failed to live up to past scripts.

Although led by the same Production Team as the previous year, Len Lane and Jaci Brickley-Clark and accompanied by the Music Studio Band, the chorus and principals raised the roof at every opportunity. Lively musical numbers included: "Is this the Way to Amarillo","The Lambeth Walk" and "Warts and All". In addition the sheer enjoyment of the large cast shone through and infected the audience which played along in true panto fashion. The end result once again notched up another rousing success.

2007

Jack and the BeanstalkJack and the Beanstalk was our 75th Anniversary show performed during half-term in February 2007. Written by panto stalwart Stephen Clark and produced by Len Lane with musical direction by Jaci Brickley-Clark. With not a spare seat in the house, the audience was thrilled with just over two hours of fun, music and laughter. Jack, played by Aimee Mogford and his less than bright brother Simple Simon played by Stephen Clark made their way up the magic beanstalk to seek fame and fortune. However, a nasty surprise awaited them in 'Cloudland!' It was a traditional panto filled with plenty of 'fee fie foe FUN!'

It was the aim of the company to make this production a memorable one, as several of the cast and chorus made their television debut by featuring on BBC Wales Today and also on BBC Radio Wales. It also celebrated its 75th Anniversary in style by holding a ball at the Lamb and Flag Hotel for present and past members.

However, it was with great sadness that APC learnt of the death of our President, Councillor Gilbert Fury after a short illness.

Download a copy of the 75th anniversary programme for 'Jack and the Beanstalk' in PDF format.

2008

Sleeping BeautyThe most magical fairytale of them all, Sleeping Beauty was brought to life from page to stage in 2008. led by the same production team once again, who decided to bring the panto right up to date by filming 'The Quest' (a scene filmed in Abergavenny Town Centre where several cast were driving at high speed on a motorbike). This was later screened on stage during the performance. Nicola Cantel returned from university and played her usual role as principal boy, while Emma Williams played the title role as Princess Aurora. From the stylish opening, powerful musical numbers and excellent choreography, sellout audiences were given a night to remember.

Download a copy of the programme for the production of Sleeping Beauty in PDF format.

2009

Hansel and GretelThis was the first time the Company had ever performed Hansel & Gretel in its 77 year history. Despite the credit crunch APC managed to keep ticket prices the same as in previous years. Stephen Clark who has a wealth of experience in all aspects of theatre returned as Producer and played the part of Tommy. While his double act Ken Jones played the familiar part as Dame Totty. Despite the show not being completely sold out, the production received excellent reviews, thanks to the talent cast and chorus. As ever audience participation was again popular as the pantomime featured its very own 'Abergavenny’s Got Talent'.

Download a copy of the programme for the production of Hansel & Gretel in PDF format.

History: 2010 – Present

2010

Treasure IslandTreasure Island was performed in 2010 for the first time ever in the Company’s long history. This production was perfect for a cold and snowy February in Abergavenny, where the Borough Theatre transformed into a tropical island in the sun. The show was slightly different to the original by Robert Louis Stevenson but contained many of the characters including Long John Silver, who was played by Len Lane with great stamina for one leg walking. Heaving chests, a secret map, beards and a seafaring yarn made up this traditional pantomime for all the family.

Download a copy of the programme for the production of Treasure Island in PDF format.

2011

Puss in BootsHalf Term in February saw the stage of the Borough Theatre sparkle with the production of Puss in Boots.  Staring Mollie Brickley-Clark as the delightful Puss. Also heading the cast as Dame Dumpling was the always popular Ken Jones, whose ever increasing eccentricities bring a new dimension to the role year after year.  Supporting him as Big Mac and Little Slack were company newcomer Colin Lewis and comedy stalwart Stephen Clark, who also directed the production with his customary gusto. The large and energetic chorus grabbed everyone’s attention, under the guidance of musical director  & choreographer Jaci Brickley-Clark, delighting with their every appearance, with I’m a Believer, Pack Up, Michael Jackson’s Thriller and the rafter-raising finale helped make this a truly memorable evening.  This was traditional pantomime, purr-fect for all the family!

Download a copy of the programme for the 2011 production of Puss in Boots in PDF format.

2012

Peter Pan, 2012With Abergavenny Pantomime Company celebrating its landmark 80th anniversary it was only fitting that it made it a memorable one by performing Peter Pan.  For the second time in the Company’s long history, cast and chorus members took to the air to fly high above the Borough Theatre’s stage with the assistance from ‘Flying by Foy’ who provided the flying effects.  Just like in 2003, when APC last staged Peter Pan, the Production Team led by Stephen Clark and his wife Jaci Brickley-Clark deserved credit once again for ones of its best ever shows. Colourful, lively and packed with great music and fun Peter Pan had the audience gripped from its dramatic piratical opening to its 60s style finale.  With APC investing much energy and money into the flying scenes, ticket prices were increased by a fraction.  However with the tremendous reviews from sell out audiences and from the local press the end result was well worth it... ...something which Abergavenny audiences have known for the past 80 years.

Download a copy of the programme for the 2012 production of Peter Pan in PDF format.

2013

Aladdin, 2013In 2013 we were flying again on a magic carpet to the orient in Aladdin. Our Producer and writer Stephen (Snowy) Clark has again put his own interpretation on an old favourite. Set in old China several hundred years ago (probably before many of the cast were born) it was colourful and traditional.

Our Pantomime cast was possibly the youngest we have had with Peter Holder, Ken Jones and Snowy bringing the average age to at least 50 years. As ever, there has been a turnover of some of our younger members who seem to grow up so quickly and move onto their future adult lives and careers.

So dust down the magic carpet, we’re off on a half-term trip to meet Aladdin, Widow Twanky, Wishy-Washy and the evil, cunning Abanazar in this traditional fun-filled family pantomime.

Download a copy of the programme for the 2013 production of Aladdin in PDF format.

2014

Rumpelstiltskin, 2014In half term 2014 it was Rumpelstiltskin, a show that the Company has not performed before. A tale by the Brothers Grimm, which is a little bit grim, a little darker than we normally perform. We managed to retain more or less the same ensemble as in previous years with perhaps some new performers in the animal skins (don’t worry no animals were hurt in this production) - you have to be fairly young and fit to perform in these.

We had to say a few goodbyes this year - Derek Symonds sadly passed away. Derek performed for many years in our productions and even when he retired he still came to support us. Thank you Derek it was a pleasure to know you.

Secondly a local businessman by the name of Arthur Alan Long passed away and although no one in the Company can recall this gentleman, he kindly left us £2,000 in his Will. Mr. Long apparently did the same for other amateur societies in the Borough Theatre area.

And last but not least, Ioan Wynne, the Borough Theatre’s Technical Manager left us for a new position with a neighbouring authority - Merthyr Tydfil - all together now - BOOO!!! Although permanently employed by Monmouthshire County Council, Ioan gave us a lot of voluntary help with sound, lighting and stage management over the years.

Ruby, a poor miller’s daughter, is forced to spin straw into gold when her drunken father boasts she can. Help comes from an unexpected source in the shape of an evil and crafty gnome, but at a high price. Find out what happens next in this traditional half-term family pantomime.

Download a copy of the programme for the 2014 production of Rumpelstiltskin in PDF format.

2015

Cinderella, 2015In 2015 it was everybody’s favourite Cinderella, a Pantomime we last performed ten years previously. The script for the show was written by ace reporter and editor of The Abergavenny Chronicle, Liz Davies. Then, as this time around, the ugly sisters were played by the same duo but after ten years they are even uglier, however their frocks are prettier and Botox helps.

Sadly one of our members prematurely passed away. Nigel Clark produced the artwork for our posters and programmes and will be greatly missed. Nigel was very talented and won several NODA awards for the design of our programmes and posters. We used the same one for this year’s show as we did ten years ago as a tribute.

It’s always pleasing to think that every new show brings in a new generation of theatre goers, to enjoy what may possibly be their first experience of live theatre. This may hopefully act as a catalyst in encouraging them to become theatre regulars or to even take to the stage themselves. This has been the case for two of our past members Alex Clarke (John in Peter Pan) who at a young age has recently made a big screen appearance. Likewise Rhiannon Wallace who has taken up the stage as a professional career.

It’s half-term and Cinderella invites you to join her in the chaos and magic that is traditional pantomime suitable for all the family. Meet the ugly sisters, the mean stepmother, a fairy godmother and Buttons as this most well-loved of stories is retold.

Download a copy of the programme for the 2015 production of Cinderella in PDF format.

2016
Sinbad the Sailor, 2016In 2016 we performed Sinbad the Sailor, which we last performed in 1992.
2017

Snow White, 2017In 2017 we again performed Snow White, for the second time in our 85 year history. Last put on in millennium year (2000 in case you forgot) it still retains some of the cast, the ‘older’ ones, but there has been a major turnaround of junior members. Every year we lose quite a number to university or who go on to do exciting things and we have to start all over again, but I think you will all agree that this corner of the world is never short of talent.

Once again we were well served by the Brickley-Clark family in their capacity as Producer, Musical Director and especially Choreographer, Molly, who was just a tiddler when we last did Snow White and had a crawl on part. We were also grateful to Liz Davies for writing the script free and gratis, as well as being quality it helped us to keep our costs down.

Snow White is one of the best known fairy tales, based on folklore and myth. The story was made even more popular when it was chosen by Walt Disney as the subject for his first animated film in 1937. Snow White was first published in 1823 by two German Brothers, Jacob and Wilhelm Grimm. The book ‘Grimm’s Fairy Tales’ is still popular throughout the world.

Our story sees the beautiful Snow White take refuge in the house of Seven Wharfers. Wharfers are slightly different to that of the original seven dwarfs that were miners, the Wharfers are men that work hard shifting boxes on the wharf day in day out.

Download a copy of the programme for the 2017 production of Snow White in PDF format.

1960s

Many well known Abergavenny families have had a long association with APC. One of these were Tony and Malcolm Brinkworth, who both joined the Company at the beginning of the decade in their early teens after starting off helping backstage. However in 1964 there was no show because of strenuous efforts to find a Producer and a Pianist were unsuccessful. The Company went out of action. Although in 1965 the Company resumed in operation as Mr and Mrs Frank Lewis were prepared to have another go at producing and APC performed ‘Babes in the Wood’. In 1969 Mr Frank Lewis and his wife decided to retire from the Company due to their own business commitments. They did not want to leave APC and both had a tremendous amount of pleasure working with the cast and children alike. It was apparent that when Mr Frank Lewis retired, he was upset as pantomime was his life. The Company made him President in recognition for all his hard work and being a found member of APC. Alan England later succeeded as Producer for the next couple of years.

1970s

Bob Symonds settled into his new role as producer and produced his first production ‘Mother Goose’ in 1972. He went onto produce for the next fifteen years. Unfortunately audiences started to decline. Part of the blame was attributed to the public’s indifferences to amateur productions, but the major blame had to be attached to television. Because people were then reluctant to leave their warm homes in the winter evenings to attend a local amateur production, when they could sit and watch entertainment on the TV without any effort. Although the appetite for live theatre grew once again in the late 80’s.

1980s

Old Mother HubbardFor our 50th anniversary show in 1982 the Company performed Mother Hubbard, which was the first time APC had performed it. Unfortunately the 50th anniversary show was postponed a couple of weeks due to very heavy snow. Bob Symons led the Company well into its Half Century existence. It was also apparent that during this period a couple of distinguished members left and had formed a new breakaway Company known as the Capricorns (named after one of the Signs of the Zodiac, as they performed Pantomime’s in December). This caused upheaval at the time, as there were now three Pantomime Company’s in the town of Abergavenny, all trying to survive. (APC, Pen Y Fal Hospital Pantomime Company and the Capricorns) In fact not long after both Pen Y Fal Hospital Pantomime Company and the Capricorns folded. This resulted in a number of new members joining APC such as Peter Holder from ‘Pen Y Fal’ Pantomime Company and Neil Harvey from the ‘Capricorns’. Newcomers Shirley Wallace arrived as Choreographer and also Alan Chislett who wrote a number of his own sketches, who had grown up surrounded by the world of entertainment and understood the importance of the actor-writer relationship. During the late eighties Bob Symons bowed out as producer and was replaced by Tony Brinkworth.

 

Cast: Puss in Boots, 1988The Company had a go at performing two shows a year, with its traditional Pantomime during February half term and a Summer Show in July. One of the main aims of staging a summer show was to give experience to the younger cast members and chorus, to ensure that their enthusiasm did not wane before rehearsals for the next major Pantomime. During the eighties Tony Brinkworth and Bob Symons shared the roles as Producers, with Shirley Wallace undertaking the role of Choreography.

In 1987 a new Musical Director was found - Nick Leek and Jane Griffiths undertook the role as Chorus Director. In 1988 the Company staged Puss in Boots with the talented Tim Ward playing Puss the Cat. In 1989 the Company was unable to provide the town with its traditional pantomime at the Borough Theatre because it was undergoing major refurbishment. Instead we performed our Winter Review, in King Henry VIII School and Pandy Village Hall, which contained sketches written by one of our experienced members Alan Chisslett. The format of the show contained magic time, Company Dancers and a brief version of the pantomime Jack & the Beanstalk. With Bob Symons acted as Compere. During this year we lost our Choreographer Shirley Wallace.

1990

Mother GooseIn 1990 Abergavenny was celebrating its 900th birthday, our Production was Mother Goose. We recruited a new Choreographer; Julie Gasson and the whole show was Produced by Alan Chislett. The Curtains opened outside the cottage of Mother Goose which was played by our usual dame Neil Harvey.

1991 – 1992

In 1991 the Borough Theatre had just finished its major refurbished with a brand new looking auditorium. The Company staged ‘Babes in the Wood’ which was a firm favorite with us. During this year we lost our stalwart member Alan Chislet, who wanted a year’s break from producing and acting. Therefore Tony Brinkworths brother; Malcolm returned and took over as the familiar face of Producer. The Company also staged a Summer Show with the youngsters acting out characters from the Musical Oliver!

In 1992 our Production was to be Sinbad the Sailor. With the story of Sinbad had its origins in the ‘Tales of the Arabian Knights’ a collection of stories from which several of our traditional pantomimes are derived. Shirley Wallace rejoined the Company and undertook her usual role of Choreographer and Alan Chislett returned playing the cameo role of the Khedive of Egypt.