Banbury Cross Players presented Semi-Detached by David Turner at College Theatre, Banbury in November 1974. BCP were joined by Banbury Lions Club for this production which culminated in a Gala Night for the Saturday performance with the audience asked to wear formal dress.
The following notes about cast members were printed in the programme of Semi-Detached.
MARTIN BLINKHORN Chairman of Banbury Cross Players
CLIFF GADSBY (Director) Cliff origionally joined the Cross Players in 1965, where he met his wife. He originates from Solihull, and this is his first production. He works for Smiths Industries as a Chartered Engineer and travels widely in Europe. Chairman of our Play Reading Selection Committee.
BOB CLEMENT (Fred Midway) A popular ‘Brummie’ whose livelihood depends to a certain extent on Banbury’s potential to continue consuming large quantities of Brew XI. Bob is well known for his character roles with the Cross Players, notably his portrayal of Gepetto in last year’s Pantomime success ‘Pinnochio‘. Off stage his principal responsibility for the Society is editing the monthly ‘Newsletter’ and BXP Magazine ‘On Cue’.
PETER FREEMAN (Tom Midway) Works for Automotive Products as a Qualified Engineer, and off stage uses his expertise to good effect on the technical side of the Society – notably set design. A founder member of the Banbury Radio Society.
GRACE GEMMELL (Eileen Midway) One of the longest serving members of the Players (she joined very young), Grace is an ex pupil of Banbury Grammar School and was originally a member of the Old Banburian Dramatic Society. She has played a number of major roles. Off stage her versatility lends itself to the Social side of the Players’ activities, where her undoubted talent is put to good effect.
PETER ATKINSON (Robert Freeman) Peter is a newcomer to the Society, and this is his first production. He is in the Regular Army and stationed at Bicester. We look forward to a continued happy association.
JUNE RONSON (Avril Hadfield) This is June’s major debut in a Cross Player’s production, though she is certainly no stranger to Banbury audiences. A member of the Ladies Circle, she has been responsible for the choreography in the last two Old Tyme Music Hall productions. Husband David assists on the technical side of the Society, where his experience as an architect comes in useful.
MALCOLM PUNCHARD (Nigel Hadfield) Started his interest in drama with the Colchester Rep and since coming to Banbury two years ago has proved his worth as a versatile performer. Banbury audiences will remember him best for his performance as crinkle’ in this year’s Banbury Amateur Operatic Society’s production of ‘White Horse Inn‘, and for his portrayal of Al Jolson in last year’s Music Hall.
MAUREEN PADFIELD (Hilda Midway) A schoolteacher with two children, Maureen lives in Chipping Warden. This is her second major role for the Society, and off stage she is responsible for organising our regular Monday evenings at the Clubroom which are so essential to the continuity of effort in the Society, and where new members are always most welcome.
HEATHER MACNAIR (Garnet Hadfield) One of our longest serving members, Heather is well known for her character roles, most recently Matron in ‘Forty Years On‘. Runs the Children’s Book Shop in High Street, and is Joint-Secretary of the Cross Players. Husband Alick and son Phillip make up the family membership which is always encouraged.
RICHARD WESTCOTT (Arnold Makepiece) ‘Dad’ of another Cross Players family. He and wife Anne started their career in Amateur Drama at Bridgenorth before moving to Banbury, and together with daughters Rebecca and Kate (both Cross Players Juniors) have pleased audiences wide and far with their undoubted talent. Richard has taken a number of major roles for the Society, and is our Associate Membership Secretary. He and Anne are also members of Banbury Amateur Operatic Society.
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