This is a comic opera written by Alfred J Silver, and was Birley Carr’s first-ever production. The first read-through was in 1939, but because of the war, it was not produced until 1947. Kath Pagdin, aged seven, remembers a knock on the door. It was Alan Marshall Scott, looking for young people for his opera. Kath joined as a slave girl, and stayed for 68 years
Four of the original members from this show (Douglas Barrott, Margaret Bradley, Kathleen Pagdin and Adrian Ollerearnshaw) also appeared in the 50th show – Ruddigore in 1996. Furthermore, Adrian had appeared in every show in between!
Adrian and Kathleen went on to appear in the Diamond 60th production – Pirates of Penzance in 2007
Harold Ibbotson is also mentioned as a founder member, and as Musical Director when an orchestra was used. Alan Marshall Scott and his wife Eunice were also mentioned, as were Mick Barnaby and Thompson Sellars
We haven’t found a programme yet, and have only one photo so far
