‘Brontes’ popular choice

Press, 24 August 1976, Page 20

‘Brontes’ popular choice

In "The Brontes” by Alfred Sangster, the Canterbury Repertory Theatre Society seems to have made a popular choice for its 250th production. The auditions attracted almost 50 aspirants for parts. The play, which will be presented from September 11 to 18, deals with 20 years of the Bronte family from 1840. Rehearsals began late last month, with the following cast: Ingrid Prosser (Charlotte Bronte), Toni Peters (Emily), Llonia Glynn (Anne), John Hendry (Rev Patrick Bronte), Mary Turnbull (Miss Branwell), Ann Simpson (Tabitha), Chris Maher (Branwen), Dimitri Gibara (Monsieur Heger), Rosalind Peek (Madame Heger), Peter Sadler (Rev William Weightman), Jim Samuel (Rev Arthur Bell Nicholls), Sylvia Buckland (Miss Wooler), Stuart Thomson (George Smith), Len Barnard (W. S. Williams), Stephen Betts (William Makepeace Thackeray), Brian Butcher (George Henry Lewes), David Watkins (Office Assistant). “The Brontes” was a notable success when first presented by the society in September, 1944, directed by the then resident producer, Paul Latham. John Hendry, who has served the society in many capacities and is the present chairman, then played the wastrel son, Branwell. The role he now plays as the father of Branwell and the three famous sisters, was played in 1944 by L. G. Pocock. Another member of the 1944 cast, Laurence Hayston, who played Rev. William Weightman, a curate in love with Emily, hqs been the society’s publicity chairman since 1971. The effects of a stroke in 1972 now prevent him from acting. Charlotte, Emily, and Anne were played by Joyce Osmond-Smith, Frona King, and Lesley Shaw. Others in Repertory’s original cast were Nonie Enright, Florence Dalton, Sadie Davies, Erwin Kaldor, Olive Gee, Guy Cotterill, G. S. Salter, Douglas Dall, Paul Latham, Gordon Wilson, and Alex Peters. The wardrobe mistress was Dorothy Berrow.