A View From The Terrace

The birthday children get their certificates from “Uncle Norman” c1972

In 1972 the Pocket Playhouse had been operating for 25 years. In a programme that year Norman McVicker wrote: A theatre is more than a building, actors, playwright and audience. It is a giant tapestry whose fabric is woven by many tangible and intangible things. The tangibles we can see and appreciate. The intangibles remain in the background—and usually—they are unseen and unapplauded. Often they are people. Their work is important. Without it a theatre would slowly grind to a halt.

As our theatre company approaches its 25th birthday it is sad to record the last exit (as we theatre people say) of three stalwarts who have, for many years, been part of the backbone of our theatre.

James C. Trenear, 3rd March, 1972 was 49 years of age. He was the Pocket’s first and only printer. From his printing presses came a variety of programmes, tickets, brochures, pamphlets, posters. We grew up together—he was my friend, business associate, mentor and teacher. It was an education to stand beside him at his “makeup bench” and watch his dextrous fingers manipulate slugs of type in the formes to sell the “message” the way it was wanted. In 25 years he never missed a “deadline”—and that speaks for itself.

Norman McVicker with “Bluey” Lotan the Pocket’s regular visitor at each performance. Photographed outside the original Pocket Playhouse c1960.

Dorothy Dunckley, 7th March, 1972 was 82. To those who were her friends she always looked 50. For over 20 years she was the Pocket’s make-up consultant. An actress of repute she studied at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art in London. She played in the opening production of the Minerva Theatre (“Idiot’s Delight’) and many Cinesound Films. She lived for the theatre and theatre people—and talked their language. “Darlings, I can make a young person old—but even I can’t make an old person young”—stage blood and scars were her specialty.

Dorothy Atkinson, 14th April, 1972 was only 10 days short of her 83rd birthday. In her youth she was a fine singer, and later an actress. She played many seasons at Bryant’s Playhouse. A member of the Executive and Council of the British Drama League she was stage manager for many BDL Drama Festivals. The Pocket’s Subscriber Scheme was her idea and she was our first Life Subscriber. The Pocket Children’s Theatre was her pride and joy—she celebrated her 80th birthday by dancing a “soft shoe” on stage, for the children. An ardent ‘first nighter’ her advice to actors put them on their mettle. “When you make a gesture make it mean something”.

An excited audience during a Pocket Children’s Theatre performance.

Although they are no longer with us their influence will live and always be a part of the Pocket’s history.

List of productions and awards, please click one of these links

St Peters Community Players: 1948 – 1956
Pocket Playhouse: 1957–1973
The Pocket Awards