Yesterday reading the Carol Browne biography, the author suggested that Bea may have had a five year relationship with Carol 1930-1935. If the relationship ended in 1935 that would explain why Bea worked so little that year and headed over to Germany. The author also confirmed that Bea had a relationship with Henrietta Bingham in the 20s (something I had wondered about since Dec last year). But she didn't say where she got this information. But it turns out that a biography of Henrietta was published just this summer! So I've ordered that. The author also discussed other relationships Bea had with women, but frustratingly none of them had footnotes, so am going to have to contact her to find the references.
Another interesting thing that was mentioned was that in 1980 just after Bea died John asked Trader Faulkner to write a biography of Bea. But Rosamond insisted that *any* reference to her sexuality was left out so the project was dropped.
So many exciting new leads to follow up on.
Wednesday, 9 September 2015
Tuesday, 8 September 2015
The Wandering Jew
Beatrix Lehmann was in
the production of this in 1933. It's the only time she was in a
play with a religious theme. She appeared in the 4th act only, set
during the inquisition, playing the character Olalla Quintana, a Harlot
(designation from the play's text).
The 4th part of the play is not so much about religion as anti-Semitism. However, Olalla as the reformed prostitute, is a rather simpering woman. She has one scene with the main character when she mentions that she was picked up yesterday and he accuses her of leading them to him, then one short scene giving testimony in court (only a couple lines). She is brought back in and sentenced to death (for what seems to be the crime of hanging out with a Jew). This is followed by a discussion on the growth of Christianity. It ends with the Jew being burned at the stake for the heresy of being a Jew.
The 4th part of the play is not so much about religion as anti-Semitism. However, Olalla as the reformed prostitute, is a rather simpering woman. She has one scene with the main character when she mentions that she was picked up yesterday and he accuses her of leading them to him, then one short scene giving testimony in court (only a couple lines). She is brought back in and sentenced to death (for what seems to be the crime of hanging out with a Jew). This is followed by a discussion on the growth of Christianity. It ends with the Jew being burned at the stake for the heresy of being a Jew.
Play pictorial
Play pictorial vol. LXX no 415 Feb 1937
Witch of Edmonton
2 photos (including one in her "boy" disguise
Actually appeared after the production had ended
Wild Decembers
Play Pictorial
Plays of the month, no. 376 vol. LXIII
It is necessary to bring one's own knowledge of the Brontes and one's own interest in the to Miss Dane's play, for she had not given to her work the form that might enable it, as a work of art, to stand alone Determined to leave none of the ground altogether unexplored, determined likewise to make a tragic heroine of Charlotte by laying the greatest possible emphasis on the episode of Monsieru Heger, she has given three scenes to Brussels, one to Smith, Elder's publishing office, and no fewer than ten, spanning a period of 13 years, to the parsonanage of Haworth. This is episodic treatment carried to an extreme. its result is that no scene can be more than a note on teh subject... Times
Miss Dane seems to have understood the Brontes intellectually, but emotionally they have escaped her. We are informed, and we believe, that we are in the presence of tragedy, but we do not fee it. There is something cold and detached in the author's manner' and her deliberate avoidance (or so it seems) of theatricality has the unfortunate result of giving the actors very little to work on. To put the case with a phrase, Wild Decembers is a play which I would rather read than see. For Miss Dane can write - Daily Telegraph
Clemence Dane and Diana Wynyard have made Charlotte Bronte into a fascinating and human figure.
The actress has really to act, and not compose a character for the eye alone, It was in achieving this difficult talks that Diana Wynyard's performance was so fine in its sensitiveness and imagination.
She brought tears to the eyes in many a scene and nothing could have been more delicate in its restrained emotion than the scene in which she at first repels the love of Arthur Bell Nichols, her father's curate, whom she laughed at in one of her novels. It was a beautifully acted scenes, not only by Diana Wynyard but by Ralph Richardson as well.
Wild Decembers is a triumph for our modern stage - news chronicle.
no. 391 vol lxv Nov 1934
Eden end by j B Priestley
produced at the duchess theatre, Sept 13th
Photos
Description of the play
Witch of Edmonton
2 photos (including one in her "boy" disguise
Actually appeared after the production had ended
Wild Decembers
Play Pictorial
Plays of the month, no. 376 vol. LXIII
It is necessary to bring one's own knowledge of the Brontes and one's own interest in the to Miss Dane's play, for she had not given to her work the form that might enable it, as a work of art, to stand alone Determined to leave none of the ground altogether unexplored, determined likewise to make a tragic heroine of Charlotte by laying the greatest possible emphasis on the episode of Monsieru Heger, she has given three scenes to Brussels, one to Smith, Elder's publishing office, and no fewer than ten, spanning a period of 13 years, to the parsonanage of Haworth. This is episodic treatment carried to an extreme. its result is that no scene can be more than a note on teh subject... Times
Miss Dane seems to have understood the Brontes intellectually, but emotionally they have escaped her. We are informed, and we believe, that we are in the presence of tragedy, but we do not fee it. There is something cold and detached in the author's manner' and her deliberate avoidance (or so it seems) of theatricality has the unfortunate result of giving the actors very little to work on. To put the case with a phrase, Wild Decembers is a play which I would rather read than see. For Miss Dane can write - Daily Telegraph
Clemence Dane and Diana Wynyard have made Charlotte Bronte into a fascinating and human figure.
The actress has really to act, and not compose a character for the eye alone, It was in achieving this difficult talks that Diana Wynyard's performance was so fine in its sensitiveness and imagination.
She brought tears to the eyes in many a scene and nothing could have been more delicate in its restrained emotion than the scene in which she at first repels the love of Arthur Bell Nichols, her father's curate, whom she laughed at in one of her novels. It was a beautifully acted scenes, not only by Diana Wynyard but by Ralph Richardson as well.
Wild Decembers is a triumph for our modern stage - news chronicle.
no. 391 vol lxv Nov 1934
Eden end by j B Priestley
produced at the duchess theatre, Sept 13th
Photos
Description of the play
List of London plays from Wearing
The London Stage 1920-1929
second edition
Wearing
The way of the world by William Congreve
Lyric Hammersmith 7/2/24-28/6/24 158 performances
1st performed Lincoln's field 5/3/1700
Peggy Elsa Lanchester, Beatril Lehmann
(Bea was 21) Listed after the servants.
Reviews
Era 13/2/24, iil London news 16/2/24, 278-9, 292, nation and athenaenum 16/2/24 700
observer 10/2/24 11; sat review 23/2/24 179-80 Spectator 16/2/24, 242,
stage 14/2/24, Sunday times 10/2/24, Times 8/2/24 8
Comment: Times called this a "rattling, jaunty, jigging almost jazzing revival."and singled
out the performances of Edith Evans and Margaret Yarde. Nation thought
that the production needed to dispose of even more of the traditional business.
The Duenna (musical) by Richard Brinsley Sheridan (lib) and Alfred Reynolds,
Lyric Hammersmith 23/10/24-21/2/25
145 performances
1st performed Covent garden 21/11/1775
Lewis Angela Baddeley/Beatrix Lehmann
Reviews: Era 29/10/24, ill london news 1/11/24 820-21, 8/11/24, 894,
Nation and athenaeum 1/11/24, 185, observer 26/10/ 24, 11; Sat review 8/11/24, 469, Spectator 1/11/24, 637
Stage 30/10/24, 18, Sunday times 26/10/24, 6 Times 24/10/24
Comment The following role was added during the run, Lay Brother Scott Russell. Nation declared that
the production was, "the best entertainment that Mr. Playfair has as yet
offered us at Hammersmith." The opening-night performance was received "With
acclamation"by the audience (Stage).
The Green hat by Michael Arlen (Adapted from his novel)
Adelphi 2/9/25-7/11/25 transferred to Apollo 9/11/25-19/12/25
124 performances
1st performed Garrick, Detroit 29/3/25
Lady's Maid - Beatrix Lehmann (also understudy for Tallulah)
(programme seen at Bristol)
Era 12/9/25 iil london news 12/9/25, 506 508, nation and athenum 12/9/25, 705
observer 6/9/25, sat review 12/9/25, 284-85, stage 10/9/25, 16 sunday times 6/9/25
times 3/9/25, 8
Comment Although the novel had proved somewhat shocking, the stage version did not shock,
and was in fact an irritating disappointment (times)
Nation noted that the were "crudely yawning gaps in the dialogue" and that the
characters had turned into "mere puppets@ the first new york production (Broadhurst 15/9/25) ran for 231 performances.
Scotch Mist by Patrick Hastings
St martin's 26/1/26-3/5/26 117 performances
Mary Tallulah, Betty Beatrix Lehmann
reviews
Era 3/2/26, 1 ill london news 6/2/26, 246 nation and a 6/2/26, 645-46, observer 31/1/26, 11
sat review 30/1/26, 118-9, sunday times 31/1/26, 6 Times 27/1/26, 12
Comment Tallulah Bankhead played a scandalous wife at the centre of a
love triangle and was apparently responsible for the play's success in
the face of mediocre reviews. The first New york production (Klaw 20.9.24) ran for 16 performances.
They knew what they wanted by Sidney Howard
St Martin's 18/5/26-21/8/26
110 performances,
1st performed Garrick, New York 24/11/24
Amy Tallulah
Italian farm hands Beatrix Lehmann
Reviews
Era 26/5/26, 1 ill london new 29/5/26, 956, nation and a 29/5/26, 207
observer 23/5/26, 13, sat review 29/5/26, 647-48, spectator, 5/6/26, 946,
stage 20/5/26, 18 sunday times 23/5/26, 6 times 19/5/26, 14
Comment
The london début of American Glenn Anders who had created his role in the New York
premier. Sat review said that Anders plays Joe "with a hoarse monotone and a subtle
intensity that are devastatingly plausible" This Pulitzer prize winning play ran for
192 performances in new york.
It is expedient by Kathleen Curzon-Herrick
Royalty 14/1/26 1 performance
Miss Carter Beatrix Lehmann
Stage director Edit Martyn
Reviews Era 17/11/26, Observer 21/11/26, 15
Comment Lyceum Club Stage Society
An American tragedy by Patrick Kearney (adaptation of Theodore Dreiser's novel)
Apollo 26/6/27 and 27/6/27 2 performances
1st performed Longacre new york, 11/10/26
Bella Griffiths Beatrix Lehmann
Plot Bes 26 399-400, Bordman/3 298, Bronner Hischack, Kabtachnik 2, Loney 141 Sobel
Reviews Era 29/6/27, observer 3/7/27, 15 stage 30/6/27, 14 sunday times
3/7/26, 6 times 27/6/27, 12
Comment Venturers Society Ltd. Times found the piece was too fragmentary
but nevertheless moving. Stage praised Tom Douglas 's "Sincere and affecting"
performance. The New York production ran for 216 performances.
The Adding Machine by Elmer Rice
Court 9/1/28-4/2/28
32 performances thurs and sat matinee)
(Young man - Laurence Olivier) Judy O'Grady Beatrix Lehmann
Director Barry Jackson (who Bea later worked with for Shakespeare)
Reviews
Era 18/1/28, ill london news 21/1/28, 120, nation and a 21/1/28 598,
observer 15/1/28, 11 Sat review 14/1/28 36-37 Spectator 14/1/28, 42 Stage 12.1.28, 16
Sunday times 15/1/28, 4 Times 10.1.28, 12
Comment The realistic acting clashed with the play's expressionism and Hugh Owen's designs
(sat review) Stage described the piece as a "strange medley of fantasy and
banal realism, with its exasperating display of human puppets jabbering
and guffawing in unison"
Thunder on the left by Richard Pryce (adapted from Christopher Morelye's novel
1925)
Arts Theatre 26/7/28-29/7/28 4 performances
Joyce Clyde Beatrix Lehmann
Reviews era 1/8/28, nation and a 4/8/28, 591, observer 29/7/28, 11
stage 2/8/28, 14 Sunday times 29/7/28, 4 Times 27/7/28, 12
Comment a ten year old boy sees what his life will be like in 20 years time
1930 So fair a satrap Laodice and danae 28/3/30
Lyric Hammersmith
1 mat performance
T G Saville
Beatrix Lehmann
Rosalind Patrick
Peggy calthrop
Doria Paston
Freda Bamford
Sheila McCarthy
Brain Savoy 27/4/30
1 performance
Comment
Times found the piece too full of pseudo scientific jargon about the development of a brain that takes over the world, and also noted that the essentially sympathetic audience grew impatient with the play. Stage echoed the same sentiments about this turgid and long winded piece. For Bernard shaw's favourable comments on the piece, including a comparison with Back to Methuselah see entertainments, times 17/3/30
Late night final 25/6/31-17/10/31
Phoenix
132 performances
Fred Ayer, George Currie, Bennett O'Loghlen, George Dillon, Allen Jenkins, Raymond Masey, Francis Sullivan, Charles Mortimer, Arther Bander, Persy Parsons, Douglas Pack, Alan Keith, Eliot Makehman, John Gordon, George Courtney, William taylor, Molly Johnson, Pamela Henry May, Carol Goodner, Beatrix Lehmann, Louis Hampton, Rosemary Ames, Maude Courtney, Peggy Baulch, ...
Comment The production employed three revolving stages. New statesman said it was an ugly play about the workings of the yellow press that ignored its victims. Times declared the play was in its effects as violednt and in astehic content as worthless as the squalor it attacks. American Rosemary Ames'London Debut. A midnight performance was given on 17/7 in aid of journalistic charities. The new york performance ran for 172 pers.
Overture by Sutton Vane
Little theatre
24/4/33-13/5/33 1st performed everyman 11/4/25
Allan Jeayes, Arthur Pusey, George Thirwell, Hay Petrie, David Horne, Randold Mcleod, John Rea, William FazAN, Earle Grey, Reginald Peldon, Kenneth Howell, Jonathan Field, Elizabeth Maude, Beryl Laverick, Nancy Price, Louise Hampton, Betty Hardy, Edith Sharpe Beatrick Lehmann (Another cockney),
Pres - People's national theatre
reviews observer 30/4/33 Sat review 29/4/33, Stage 27/4/33 Sunday times 30/4/33
Comment the play presented a group of characters on their way to their birth, fragments of their lives, and their return to death.
Wild Decembers by Clemence Dane
Apollo 26/5/33-8/7/33 50 performances
Marcus Barron, Emlyn Williams, Ralph Richardson, Austin Trevor, Edmund Tottenham, Cyril HOrrocks, Diana Wynward, Bea, Thea Holme, Frances Ross Campbell, Stella Arbenia, Joan Swinstead, Agnes Imlay, Ethel Wellesley, Marriot Watson,
reviews Era 31/5/33, ill London news 10/6/33 New statesmans 3/6/33 10/6/33, Observer, stage, sunday times, times
Comment an episodic biographical play on the Brontes that provided little dept to the characters (times) the play was to be withdrawn on 2/6 but Diana Wynard decided to continue the run under her own management.
The wandering Jew by E Temple Thurston
Princes 26/8/33-18/11/33 102 performances
Matheson Lang, Lennon Cleland, Frank Woolfe, Ernest Bodkin, George Del Lara, George E Bancroft, Hector Abbas, George Skillan, Wilfred WAlter, Hutin Britoon, Margraet damer, Stella Arbenia, Jane wood, Patience Rignold, Beatrix (Olalla Quintana)
era 30/8/33 ill london news 16/9/33 stage times
Comment the play presented four historical phases, from the crucifixion of Christ to the Spanish inquisition, depicting the wandering Jew, Matheson Lang played his roles in the original London production.
The Tudor wench by Elswyth Thane
Alhambra 16/11/33-16/12/33 36 performacnes, first performed a tthe embassy 23/10/33
Derrick De Marney, John Laurie, Herbert Lomas, Frederick Piper, Reginal Beckwith, Cyril hay, Bea, Annie Esmond, Mollie Hartley Milburn, Ruth Wynn OWen,
era 22/11/33 new statesman 25/11/33 stage sunday times times
Comment This play on Elizabeth I's girlhood owed much to the performance of Beatrix Lehmann.
Success story by John Howard Lawson
15/2/3
4-3/3/34 20 performances
Hugh Brooke, Jack Minister, Abraham Sofaer, Esme Percy, Elliot Seabrooke, Stuart Boult, Bea, Merle Tottenham, Jeanne de Casalis, Susan Otto, Thomas Bostock,
Ill London News 24/2/34 3/3/34 observer, sunday times, times
comment stage said that the play worked better on the smaller Shilling theatre stage. The new york production ran for 121 perf.
Eden end by Priestly duchess 13/9/34-2/2/35 162 perf
John teed, Edward Irwin, Franklyn Bellamy Ralph RIchardson, Nellie Bowman, Alison Leggatt, Bea,
Era 19.9 ill London news 29/9 new statesman 22/9 observer, spectator 21/9 stage sunday times times
Comment Times thought that priestley's fluid unassertive, undeclamatory style was not yet successful in this play about a failed actress returning home. Spectator thought that it was preiestley's best and most valuable play. see also pictorial 65, no. 391 the first new york production ran 24 p.
French as she is learnt by E F Watling
Daly's
23/9/34 1 perf
Edward Chapman Ralph Richardson, Beatrix Lehmann, Margret Yarde,
Produced Bruce Belfage
Review Times 24/9/34,
comment Green Room Rag in aid of various charities.
The witch of Edmonton Thomas Decker
Old vic
8/12/36-2/1/37, 27 performances
Marius Goring, George hayes, Alec Guinness, Ernest Hare, Michael Redgrave, Leonard Sachs, William Devilin, Ian Mackenzie, Hedly Briggs, John Abott, Beatrix Lehmann, Anna Konstam, Eve Robere, Edith Evans, Betty Potter,
Era 16/12/36, new statesman 12/12/36 sunday times times
Comment the attribution of the play solely to Dekker is the progmans. Times thought that the revival was an experiment worth making. but not much more. A supremely good production (New statesman) although stuart Burge listed his performance here as his debut he had appeared in two early productions. See also pictorial 70 no 415 (1937)
First night by Sheila Donisthorpe arts 21/2/37-22/2 3 performances
Edward Irwin, Christopher Quest, Jack Livesey, Derrick Paxton, Felix Irwin, Frith Banbury, Beatrix (Judith Armstrong) Ann Wilton, Nadine March, Margaret Damer, Ethel Coledrige, Phyllis Birkett, Maude Lambert Cobie Court Christine Lindsay,
era 24/2/37 observer stage times
comment a performance scheduled for 23/3 did not take place because Edward Irwin collapsed just before the start of the performance (see times 24/2/37) Irwin died on 25/2 the play was about the rise of a successful female dramatist.
Mourning becomes Electra Eugene O'Neill
Westminster
19/11/37015.1.38 transferred to New 19/1/38-26/3/38 106 performances
John Abbott, William Devlin, Craighall Sherry, John Ford, Reginald Tate, Mark Dignam, Philip Godfrey, Enid Price Hill, Mona Washobourne, Laura Cowie, Bea, Jean Winstanley, Jean Moncrieff,
era 27/11/37, ill london news 27/11/37, new statesman 27/11/37 observer spectator 26/11/37, stage sunday times, times
comment The performance lasted four hours. Among several fine performances Beatrix Lehmann's Lavinia belonged in the "Highest rank" (Times) Mona Washbourne's London debut. The new york production ran 150 per.
No more music rosamond lehmann
Duke of yorks 27/2/38-13/3/38 3 performances
Morland Graham Gordon Mcleod, Jack Hawkins, Benjamin Danso, Mae Haygood, Margaret Rutherford, Margaret Scudamore, Bea, Ruth Taylor, Jane Baxter, prd Bertold,
observers spectator 4/3/38, stage sunday times, times,
comment London International Theatre club, the play was about the indifference of the born dilettante to real life (Times) Spectator suggested that the piece was too witty and well written to be given a regular production.
The human voice Jean Cocteau
Westminster
17.7.38 1 performance
pd berthold
reviews New statesman 23/7/38 stage times
Comment preceded by a eulogy by stephen spender. Diseuse Marianne Oswald also performed several items before and after the playlet.
They walk alone Max catto
Shaftesbury 19/1/39-29/44/39 transf to comedy 1/5/39-3/6/39 156 performances
Beckett Bould, Alastair Macintyre, Jimmy Hanley, Peter Standfast, Rene Ray, Carol Goodner, Bea,
Ill London news 28/1/39
new statesman 26/1/39 observer stage sunday times times
Comment the new york production of this murder drama with music by Benjamin Britten ran for 21 performances.
1940s
Desire under the elms
Eugene O'Neill Wesminster
24/1/40-6/4/40 86 performances
Stephen Murray, Richard George, Woodbridge, Mark Dignam, Beatrix Lehmann, Georgia MacKinnon, Marie Ault,
Ill lond news 10/2/40 new statesman 3/2/40 obs, spectator 2/2/40 Sunday times times
Close quarters by Gilbert Lennox
apollo 31/7/41-23/8/41 28 performances
Karel Stepanek Beatrix Lehmann
New states 9/8/41 observer times
Jam today Denis Waldock and Roger Burford
St Martin's 19.2.42-9/5/42 92 performances
Firth Banbury, Frank Pettingell, John Stuart, Betty Jardine, Olga Lindo, Bea (Ilona Benson) DOreen Percheron,
obs 22/2/42 spectator 27.2.42 stage times
Ghosts ibsen
Norman Ginsbury translation
Duke of Yorks's 25/6/43-28/8/43 74 performances
Harry Herbert, Edward Byrne, John Carol, Elizabeth Hunt, Bea (mrs alving)
New states 10/7/43 obs spectator 2//7/43 stage times
Uncle Harry by Thomas Job
Garric ck 29/3/44-8/7/44 121 perf
Michael Redgrave, Ian Colin, Keith Campbell, Arthur Davis John Garside, Robert Young, Hugh Stewart Lee Fox, Donald FInlay, Ena Burrill, Bea, (lettie) Susan Richards, Rachel Kempson, Grace Debeigh Russell,
New states 8/4/44 29/4/44 Obs spec 7/4/44 stage times sunday times
Uncle Harry
Garrick 7/9/44-17/2/45 188 performances
cast as above
Vicious circle Satre
Trans marjorie Gabain and Joan Swinstead
arts 16/7/46-11/8/46 27 performances
Alec Guiness, Donald Peasance, Bea, Betty Ann Davies,
Dir Alec Cunes
New statesman 27/7/46, obs, stage sunday times times
On the way Helge Krog
Arts 10/10/46-20/10/46 14 perf.
Frederick Richter, Micahel Gwynn, Derek Birch, Roderick Lovell, Micheal Godfrey, Susan Richmond, Dir Alec Cunes, Prod Beatrix Lehmann
Obs 13/10/46 stage 17/10/46 Times 11/10/46
The Rising Son Herman Jeijermans
Arts 16/11/46-1/12/46 23 performances
Bea produced Alec directed
Denis Carey, Robet Cartland, Michael Gwynn, Bernard Bennett, Geoffrey Parkes, John Lindsay,Marjorie Zeidler, Dorothy Gordon, Yvonne Coultette
Obs 10.11.46 stage 14/11/46 times 7.11.46
Fatal curiosity George lillo
Arts 5/12/46-29/12/46 29 perf
Bea producer, Alec directed
Hugh Griffith, Michael Gwynn, Robert Cartland, Julian Randall, Susan Richmond, Rachel Kempson, Peggy Taylor.
Obs 8/12/46, stage 12/12. sunday times 8/12 times 6/12
Richard II
His Majesty's
2/10/47-4/10, 13/10-14/10, 24/10-25/10 9 perf
Robert Harris John Ruddock Michael Golden, Myles Eason, JOhn Harrison, David Oxley, John Warner, Julian Amyes, William Avenell, Joss Ackland, Maxeell Jackson, Donald Sinden, George Cooper, ... Bea (duchess) Joy Parker,
ILN 11/10/47, New states 11/10/47 stage sunday times times
Romeo and Juliet
His Majesty's
6/10-7/10, 11/10, 17/10-18/10 22/10-23/10 11 perf
As stratford cast
Ill london news 11/10/47, new statesman 18/10 obs staege sunday times,
times
Comment Shakespeare memorial theatre co.
Twelfth night, or what you will
His Majesty's
8/10-10/10, 15/10-16/10, 20-10-21/10 10 perf
Julian Amyes, Michael Golden, Leigh Crutchley, John Warner, John Blatchley Paul Scofield, Dudley Jones, Duncan Ross Walter HUdd, Douglas Seale, Laurence Payne, Bea (viola) Helen Burns, Daphne Slater, Gwen Williams,
Ill london 11/10/47, new statesman 18/10 obs stage, sunday times times
No trees in the street Ted Willis
St James
27/7/48-7/8/48 14 performances
Russel Waters, John Stratton, Arthur Lane, harry Herbert, Duncan lamont, Hilda Fenemore, Bea (Jess Gold), Charmian Eyre, Diana Hely-Hutchinson, Prince Littler,
New states 7/8/48, obs, stage, sunday times, times
Shall we join the ladies? J M Barrie
Drury lane, 26/10/48
1 matinee perf.
Mervyn Johns, Ronald Squire, Denys Blakelock, William Douglas Home, James Hayter, Alan Napier, Francis Lister, Valerie Taylor, Beatrix Lehmann (Lady Wraithe) Fabia Drake, Sonia Dressel, Barbara Couper, Celia Johnson Marian Spencer, Joan Swinstead,
times 27/10/48
comment also performed short items & excerpts from other pieces.
The day's mischief Lesley Storm (mabel Cowie)
Duke of Yorks 11/12/51-2/2/52 60 perf
Ian Hunter, Walter Fitzgerald, Muriel Pavlow, Catherine Lacey, Marjorie manning, Bea, Nuna Davey, Barbara Fletcher, Betty Blackler, Mavis Walker, Marianne Davis,
Dir Norman Marshall
ill London news 5/1/52, new states 22/12/51 observ spectator 14/12/51 ssunday times, times
Comment The play examines a schoolgirl's crush on one of her teachers and its ramifications. New Statesman praised virtually every aspect of the play although it attempted to cover too much ground.
The father August Strindberg version by Max Faber
Arts 26/2/53-22/3/53 30 performances
wilfrid Lawson, Oliver Johnston, Paul Stasino, Gerald Harper, Kynaston Reeves, Bea, Nora Nicholson, Dorothy Gordon, dir Alec Clunes
Ill lond news 14/3/53 new statesman 7/3/53 obs spectator 6/3/53 Stage times
Comment Spectator declared Wilfrid Lawson's performance was a masterpiece of its kind. New statesman agreed adding praise for both Beatrix Lehmann and the translation On the production see Trewin, 50.
No sign of the dove Peter Ustinov
Savoy 3/12/53-12/12/53 11 performances
Raymond Huntley, Robin Bailey, David Kossof, Miles malleson, Norman Pierce, Stanley van Beers, Bea, Suzanne Cloutier, Alvys Maben.
Ill London 19/12/53, New states 12/12/53, Obs, plays and plays 1/54 spectator, 11/12/53, Stage, sunday times, times
comment: This reworking of the Noah story let loose the dreaded flood from the gallery on opening night (Times)
The new statesman critic saw the play on the second night and found that the audience was sympathetic and enjoyed the play throughout. Stage noted both audience reactions.
Blood wedding Lorca trans O'connel and Lujan
Arts 3/3/54-28/3/54 31 perf
Nicolas Amer, Alec Mango Linoel Jeffries, Maurice Kaufmann, Tader Faulkner, Bea, Gladys Boot, Gillian Webb, Heather Chasen, Hazel Penwarden, Ruth Dunning, Rosalind Bozall, ...
New states 13/3/54 obs, plays and plays 4/54 spectator 12/3/54, stage, sunday times, times,
comment This translation was published in 1941. Peter Hall's production deals almost entirely successfully with Lorca's impossible requirements (Spectator). New Statesman found the production commendable but not the translation. This production is a brave attempt at the impsottible (Stage) on the production see trewin 53-54
The waltz of the toreadors 0 Jean Anouilh
Arts 24/2/56-25/3/56, trfd to Criteriion 27/3/56-30/11/57 737 performances
Lists two sets of cast members but not how long each was in the play.
ill london news 14/4/56, new statesman 10/3/56, obs, plays and players 4/56 spectator 9/3/56 stage, sunday times.
This translation was broadcast on BBC radio on 11/1/53. On the production which Spectator found intelligent but lacks astringincy, see also Trewin 58, Derek Nimmo's london debut. Performed in NY for 132 p.
The birthday part Harold Pinter
Lyric hammersmith
19/5/58-24/5/58 8 performances
1st perd arts cambridge 28.4.58
Willougby Gray, Richard Pearson, John Slater, John Stratton, Bea, Wendy Hutchinson,
Ill London news 31/5/58, new state 31/5/58, obs, plays and players 7/58 spectator 30/5, stage sunday times times
Comment while times gave up in despair on the puzzling plot, sunday times declared pinter, on the evidence of his work, possesses the most original, disturbing and arresting talent in theatrical london. The play is like a vintage hitchocock trailer which has been, in the immortal tear-stained words of orson welles, edited by a cross eyed janitor with a lawn mower (Spectator). New states said Pinter showed very considerable promise, but thought the play maddeningly elusive. The first NY production ran for 126 perf.
Something unspoken
arts 16.9.58-26/10.57 48 perf (as below for suddenly)
Beryl measor, Beatirx Lehmann
Ill London news 27/9/58, new states 27/9/58, obs, plays and players 11/58, spectator 29/9/58, stage, sunday tiems, times,
comment, were performed under the general title, Garden district. on the production see Trewin, 62
Suddenly last summer (Same)
David Cameron, Philip Bond, Bea, Margo jOnes, Beryl Measor Patricia Neal, Gewn Newlson.
Reviews as above
Times dubbed the play a highbrow thriller whose denouement was somewhat puzzling. Beatrix Lehmann and Patricia neal (making her London debut) gave powerful performances (stage) Spectator discussed in detail the theme of homosexuality in Williams plays and items 240-241 in particular.
Macbeth Old vic
17/12/58 -23/4/59 (see photo for exact dates) 59 performances
derek francis, Jeremy Kempt, Daniel Thorndike, Barrie Ingham, Dennis Chinnery, Michael Horden, Jack May, Edward Harwicke, ...
ill london news 3/1/59, new states 3/1/59, obs 21/12 plays and players 2/59, spectator 2/1/59, stage sunday, times,
Times said that Beatrix Lehmann and Michael Horden appear totally miscast (Spectator agreed) and that the production was as a whole a somewhat hollow and swaggering affair. However,stage declared the entire production, one of the most impressive in years.
The aspern papers Michael redgrave
Queens
12/8/59-2/7/60 370 perf.
Micahel redgrave, Robert Beatry. Bea whole run, Olaf Pooley, Paulien Jameson, Nancy Nevinson, Flora Robson, Harold Gosling,
Ill London news 29.8/59 new satesman 22/8/59, obs, plays and players 9/59, spect 21/8/59, stage, sun, times,
Fine performances from Redgrave, Lehmann and Robson (Spect) the first NY production 93 perf.
second edition
Wearing
The way of the world by William Congreve
Lyric Hammersmith 7/2/24-28/6/24 158 performances
1st performed Lincoln's field 5/3/1700
Peggy Elsa Lanchester, Beatril Lehmann
(Bea was 21) Listed after the servants.
Reviews
Era 13/2/24, iil London news 16/2/24, 278-9, 292, nation and athenaenum 16/2/24 700
observer 10/2/24 11; sat review 23/2/24 179-80 Spectator 16/2/24, 242,
stage 14/2/24, Sunday times 10/2/24, Times 8/2/24 8
Comment: Times called this a "rattling, jaunty, jigging almost jazzing revival."and singled
out the performances of Edith Evans and Margaret Yarde. Nation thought
that the production needed to dispose of even more of the traditional business.
The Duenna (musical) by Richard Brinsley Sheridan (lib) and Alfred Reynolds,
Lyric Hammersmith 23/10/24-21/2/25
145 performances
1st performed Covent garden 21/11/1775
Lewis Angela Baddeley/Beatrix Lehmann
Reviews: Era 29/10/24, ill london news 1/11/24 820-21, 8/11/24, 894,
Nation and athenaeum 1/11/24, 185, observer 26/10/ 24, 11; Sat review 8/11/24, 469, Spectator 1/11/24, 637
Stage 30/10/24, 18, Sunday times 26/10/24, 6 Times 24/10/24
Comment The following role was added during the run, Lay Brother Scott Russell. Nation declared that
the production was, "the best entertainment that Mr. Playfair has as yet
offered us at Hammersmith." The opening-night performance was received "With
acclamation"by the audience (Stage).
The Green hat by Michael Arlen (Adapted from his novel)
Adelphi 2/9/25-7/11/25 transferred to Apollo 9/11/25-19/12/25
124 performances
1st performed Garrick, Detroit 29/3/25
Lady's Maid - Beatrix Lehmann (also understudy for Tallulah)
(programme seen at Bristol)
Era 12/9/25 iil london news 12/9/25, 506 508, nation and athenum 12/9/25, 705
observer 6/9/25, sat review 12/9/25, 284-85, stage 10/9/25, 16 sunday times 6/9/25
times 3/9/25, 8
Comment Although the novel had proved somewhat shocking, the stage version did not shock,
and was in fact an irritating disappointment (times)
Nation noted that the were "crudely yawning gaps in the dialogue" and that the
characters had turned into "mere puppets@ the first new york production (Broadhurst 15/9/25) ran for 231 performances.
Scotch Mist by Patrick Hastings
St martin's 26/1/26-3/5/26 117 performances
Mary Tallulah, Betty Beatrix Lehmann
reviews
Era 3/2/26, 1 ill london news 6/2/26, 246 nation and a 6/2/26, 645-46, observer 31/1/26, 11
sat review 30/1/26, 118-9, sunday times 31/1/26, 6 Times 27/1/26, 12
Comment Tallulah Bankhead played a scandalous wife at the centre of a
love triangle and was apparently responsible for the play's success in
the face of mediocre reviews. The first New york production (Klaw 20.9.24) ran for 16 performances.
They knew what they wanted by Sidney Howard
St Martin's 18/5/26-21/8/26
110 performances,
1st performed Garrick, New York 24/11/24
Amy Tallulah
Italian farm hands Beatrix Lehmann
Reviews
Era 26/5/26, 1 ill london new 29/5/26, 956, nation and a 29/5/26, 207
observer 23/5/26, 13, sat review 29/5/26, 647-48, spectator, 5/6/26, 946,
stage 20/5/26, 18 sunday times 23/5/26, 6 times 19/5/26, 14
Comment
The london début of American Glenn Anders who had created his role in the New York
premier. Sat review said that Anders plays Joe "with a hoarse monotone and a subtle
intensity that are devastatingly plausible" This Pulitzer prize winning play ran for
192 performances in new york.
It is expedient by Kathleen Curzon-Herrick
Royalty 14/1/26 1 performance
Miss Carter Beatrix Lehmann
Stage director Edit Martyn
Reviews Era 17/11/26, Observer 21/11/26, 15
Comment Lyceum Club Stage Society
An American tragedy by Patrick Kearney (adaptation of Theodore Dreiser's novel)
Apollo 26/6/27 and 27/6/27 2 performances
1st performed Longacre new york, 11/10/26
Bella Griffiths Beatrix Lehmann
Plot Bes 26 399-400, Bordman/3 298, Bronner Hischack, Kabtachnik 2, Loney 141 Sobel
Reviews Era 29/6/27, observer 3/7/27, 15 stage 30/6/27, 14 sunday times
3/7/26, 6 times 27/6/27, 12
Comment Venturers Society Ltd. Times found the piece was too fragmentary
but nevertheless moving. Stage praised Tom Douglas 's "Sincere and affecting"
performance. The New York production ran for 216 performances.
The Adding Machine by Elmer Rice
Court 9/1/28-4/2/28
32 performances thurs and sat matinee)
(Young man - Laurence Olivier) Judy O'Grady Beatrix Lehmann
Director Barry Jackson (who Bea later worked with for Shakespeare)
Reviews
Era 18/1/28, ill london news 21/1/28, 120, nation and a 21/1/28 598,
observer 15/1/28, 11 Sat review 14/1/28 36-37 Spectator 14/1/28, 42 Stage 12.1.28, 16
Sunday times 15/1/28, 4 Times 10.1.28, 12
Comment The realistic acting clashed with the play's expressionism and Hugh Owen's designs
(sat review) Stage described the piece as a "strange medley of fantasy and
banal realism, with its exasperating display of human puppets jabbering
and guffawing in unison"
Thunder on the left by Richard Pryce (adapted from Christopher Morelye's novel
1925)
Arts Theatre 26/7/28-29/7/28 4 performances
Joyce Clyde Beatrix Lehmann
Reviews era 1/8/28, nation and a 4/8/28, 591, observer 29/7/28, 11
stage 2/8/28, 14 Sunday times 29/7/28, 4 Times 27/7/28, 12
Comment a ten year old boy sees what his life will be like in 20 years time
1930 So fair a satrap Laodice and danae 28/3/30
Lyric Hammersmith
1 mat performance
T G Saville
Beatrix Lehmann
Rosalind Patrick
Peggy calthrop
Doria Paston
Freda Bamford
Sheila McCarthy
Brain Savoy 27/4/30
1 performance
Comment
Times found the piece too full of pseudo scientific jargon about the development of a brain that takes over the world, and also noted that the essentially sympathetic audience grew impatient with the play. Stage echoed the same sentiments about this turgid and long winded piece. For Bernard shaw's favourable comments on the piece, including a comparison with Back to Methuselah see entertainments, times 17/3/30
Late night final 25/6/31-17/10/31
Phoenix
132 performances
Fred Ayer, George Currie, Bennett O'Loghlen, George Dillon, Allen Jenkins, Raymond Masey, Francis Sullivan, Charles Mortimer, Arther Bander, Persy Parsons, Douglas Pack, Alan Keith, Eliot Makehman, John Gordon, George Courtney, William taylor, Molly Johnson, Pamela Henry May, Carol Goodner, Beatrix Lehmann, Louis Hampton, Rosemary Ames, Maude Courtney, Peggy Baulch, ...
Comment The production employed three revolving stages. New statesman said it was an ugly play about the workings of the yellow press that ignored its victims. Times declared the play was in its effects as violednt and in astehic content as worthless as the squalor it attacks. American Rosemary Ames'London Debut. A midnight performance was given on 17/7 in aid of journalistic charities. The new york performance ran for 172 pers.
Overture by Sutton Vane
Little theatre
24/4/33-13/5/33 1st performed everyman 11/4/25
Allan Jeayes, Arthur Pusey, George Thirwell, Hay Petrie, David Horne, Randold Mcleod, John Rea, William FazAN, Earle Grey, Reginald Peldon, Kenneth Howell, Jonathan Field, Elizabeth Maude, Beryl Laverick, Nancy Price, Louise Hampton, Betty Hardy, Edith Sharpe Beatrick Lehmann (Another cockney),
Pres - People's national theatre
reviews observer 30/4/33 Sat review 29/4/33, Stage 27/4/33 Sunday times 30/4/33
Comment the play presented a group of characters on their way to their birth, fragments of their lives, and their return to death.
Wild Decembers by Clemence Dane
Apollo 26/5/33-8/7/33 50 performances
Marcus Barron, Emlyn Williams, Ralph Richardson, Austin Trevor, Edmund Tottenham, Cyril HOrrocks, Diana Wynward, Bea, Thea Holme, Frances Ross Campbell, Stella Arbenia, Joan Swinstead, Agnes Imlay, Ethel Wellesley, Marriot Watson,
reviews Era 31/5/33, ill London news 10/6/33 New statesmans 3/6/33 10/6/33, Observer, stage, sunday times, times
Comment an episodic biographical play on the Brontes that provided little dept to the characters (times) the play was to be withdrawn on 2/6 but Diana Wynard decided to continue the run under her own management.
The wandering Jew by E Temple Thurston
Princes 26/8/33-18/11/33 102 performances
Matheson Lang, Lennon Cleland, Frank Woolfe, Ernest Bodkin, George Del Lara, George E Bancroft, Hector Abbas, George Skillan, Wilfred WAlter, Hutin Britoon, Margraet damer, Stella Arbenia, Jane wood, Patience Rignold, Beatrix (Olalla Quintana)
era 30/8/33 ill london news 16/9/33 stage times
Comment the play presented four historical phases, from the crucifixion of Christ to the Spanish inquisition, depicting the wandering Jew, Matheson Lang played his roles in the original London production.
The Tudor wench by Elswyth Thane
Alhambra 16/11/33-16/12/33 36 performacnes, first performed a tthe embassy 23/10/33
Derrick De Marney, John Laurie, Herbert Lomas, Frederick Piper, Reginal Beckwith, Cyril hay, Bea, Annie Esmond, Mollie Hartley Milburn, Ruth Wynn OWen,
era 22/11/33 new statesman 25/11/33 stage sunday times times
Comment This play on Elizabeth I's girlhood owed much to the performance of Beatrix Lehmann.
Success story by John Howard Lawson
15/2/3
4-3/3/34 20 performances
Hugh Brooke, Jack Minister, Abraham Sofaer, Esme Percy, Elliot Seabrooke, Stuart Boult, Bea, Merle Tottenham, Jeanne de Casalis, Susan Otto, Thomas Bostock,
Ill London News 24/2/34 3/3/34 observer, sunday times, times
comment stage said that the play worked better on the smaller Shilling theatre stage. The new york production ran for 121 perf.
Eden end by Priestly duchess 13/9/34-2/2/35 162 perf
John teed, Edward Irwin, Franklyn Bellamy Ralph RIchardson, Nellie Bowman, Alison Leggatt, Bea,
Era 19.9 ill London news 29/9 new statesman 22/9 observer, spectator 21/9 stage sunday times times
Comment Times thought that priestley's fluid unassertive, undeclamatory style was not yet successful in this play about a failed actress returning home. Spectator thought that it was preiestley's best and most valuable play. see also pictorial 65, no. 391 the first new york production ran 24 p.
French as she is learnt by E F Watling
Daly's
23/9/34 1 perf
Edward Chapman Ralph Richardson, Beatrix Lehmann, Margret Yarde,
Produced Bruce Belfage
Review Times 24/9/34,
comment Green Room Rag in aid of various charities.
The witch of Edmonton Thomas Decker
Old vic
8/12/36-2/1/37, 27 performances
Marius Goring, George hayes, Alec Guinness, Ernest Hare, Michael Redgrave, Leonard Sachs, William Devilin, Ian Mackenzie, Hedly Briggs, John Abott, Beatrix Lehmann, Anna Konstam, Eve Robere, Edith Evans, Betty Potter,
Era 16/12/36, new statesman 12/12/36 sunday times times
Comment the attribution of the play solely to Dekker is the progmans. Times thought that the revival was an experiment worth making. but not much more. A supremely good production (New statesman) although stuart Burge listed his performance here as his debut he had appeared in two early productions. See also pictorial 70 no 415 (1937)
First night by Sheila Donisthorpe arts 21/2/37-22/2 3 performances
Edward Irwin, Christopher Quest, Jack Livesey, Derrick Paxton, Felix Irwin, Frith Banbury, Beatrix (Judith Armstrong) Ann Wilton, Nadine March, Margaret Damer, Ethel Coledrige, Phyllis Birkett, Maude Lambert Cobie Court Christine Lindsay,
era 24/2/37 observer stage times
comment a performance scheduled for 23/3 did not take place because Edward Irwin collapsed just before the start of the performance (see times 24/2/37) Irwin died on 25/2 the play was about the rise of a successful female dramatist.
Mourning becomes Electra Eugene O'Neill
Westminster
19/11/37015.1.38 transferred to New 19/1/38-26/3/38 106 performances
John Abbott, William Devlin, Craighall Sherry, John Ford, Reginald Tate, Mark Dignam, Philip Godfrey, Enid Price Hill, Mona Washobourne, Laura Cowie, Bea, Jean Winstanley, Jean Moncrieff,
era 27/11/37, ill london news 27/11/37, new statesman 27/11/37 observer spectator 26/11/37, stage sunday times, times
comment The performance lasted four hours. Among several fine performances Beatrix Lehmann's Lavinia belonged in the "Highest rank" (Times) Mona Washbourne's London debut. The new york production ran 150 per.
No more music rosamond lehmann
Duke of yorks 27/2/38-13/3/38 3 performances
Morland Graham Gordon Mcleod, Jack Hawkins, Benjamin Danso, Mae Haygood, Margaret Rutherford, Margaret Scudamore, Bea, Ruth Taylor, Jane Baxter, prd Bertold,
observers spectator 4/3/38, stage sunday times, times,
comment London International Theatre club, the play was about the indifference of the born dilettante to real life (Times) Spectator suggested that the piece was too witty and well written to be given a regular production.
The human voice Jean Cocteau
Westminster
17.7.38 1 performance
pd berthold
reviews New statesman 23/7/38 stage times
Comment preceded by a eulogy by stephen spender. Diseuse Marianne Oswald also performed several items before and after the playlet.
They walk alone Max catto
Shaftesbury 19/1/39-29/44/39 transf to comedy 1/5/39-3/6/39 156 performances
Beckett Bould, Alastair Macintyre, Jimmy Hanley, Peter Standfast, Rene Ray, Carol Goodner, Bea,
Ill London news 28/1/39
new statesman 26/1/39 observer stage sunday times times
Comment the new york production of this murder drama with music by Benjamin Britten ran for 21 performances.
1940s
Desire under the elms
Eugene O'Neill Wesminster
24/1/40-6/4/40 86 performances
Stephen Murray, Richard George, Woodbridge, Mark Dignam, Beatrix Lehmann, Georgia MacKinnon, Marie Ault,
Ill lond news 10/2/40 new statesman 3/2/40 obs, spectator 2/2/40 Sunday times times
Close quarters by Gilbert Lennox
apollo 31/7/41-23/8/41 28 performances
Karel Stepanek Beatrix Lehmann
New states 9/8/41 observer times
Jam today Denis Waldock and Roger Burford
St Martin's 19.2.42-9/5/42 92 performances
Firth Banbury, Frank Pettingell, John Stuart, Betty Jardine, Olga Lindo, Bea (Ilona Benson) DOreen Percheron,
obs 22/2/42 spectator 27.2.42 stage times
Ghosts ibsen
Norman Ginsbury translation
Duke of Yorks's 25/6/43-28/8/43 74 performances
Harry Herbert, Edward Byrne, John Carol, Elizabeth Hunt, Bea (mrs alving)
New states 10/7/43 obs spectator 2//7/43 stage times
Uncle Harry by Thomas Job
Garric ck 29/3/44-8/7/44 121 perf
Michael Redgrave, Ian Colin, Keith Campbell, Arthur Davis John Garside, Robert Young, Hugh Stewart Lee Fox, Donald FInlay, Ena Burrill, Bea, (lettie) Susan Richards, Rachel Kempson, Grace Debeigh Russell,
New states 8/4/44 29/4/44 Obs spec 7/4/44 stage times sunday times
Uncle Harry
Garrick 7/9/44-17/2/45 188 performances
cast as above
Vicious circle Satre
Trans marjorie Gabain and Joan Swinstead
arts 16/7/46-11/8/46 27 performances
Alec Guiness, Donald Peasance, Bea, Betty Ann Davies,
Dir Alec Cunes
New statesman 27/7/46, obs, stage sunday times times
On the way Helge Krog
Arts 10/10/46-20/10/46 14 perf.
Frederick Richter, Micahel Gwynn, Derek Birch, Roderick Lovell, Micheal Godfrey, Susan Richmond, Dir Alec Cunes, Prod Beatrix Lehmann
Obs 13/10/46 stage 17/10/46 Times 11/10/46
The Rising Son Herman Jeijermans
Arts 16/11/46-1/12/46 23 performances
Bea produced Alec directed
Denis Carey, Robet Cartland, Michael Gwynn, Bernard Bennett, Geoffrey Parkes, John Lindsay,Marjorie Zeidler, Dorothy Gordon, Yvonne Coultette
Obs 10.11.46 stage 14/11/46 times 7.11.46
Fatal curiosity George lillo
Arts 5/12/46-29/12/46 29 perf
Bea producer, Alec directed
Hugh Griffith, Michael Gwynn, Robert Cartland, Julian Randall, Susan Richmond, Rachel Kempson, Peggy Taylor.
Obs 8/12/46, stage 12/12. sunday times 8/12 times 6/12
Richard II
His Majesty's
2/10/47-4/10, 13/10-14/10, 24/10-25/10 9 perf
Robert Harris John Ruddock Michael Golden, Myles Eason, JOhn Harrison, David Oxley, John Warner, Julian Amyes, William Avenell, Joss Ackland, Maxeell Jackson, Donald Sinden, George Cooper, ... Bea (duchess) Joy Parker,
ILN 11/10/47, New states 11/10/47 stage sunday times times
Romeo and Juliet
His Majesty's
6/10-7/10, 11/10, 17/10-18/10 22/10-23/10 11 perf
As stratford cast
Ill london news 11/10/47, new statesman 18/10 obs staege sunday times,
times
Comment Shakespeare memorial theatre co.
Twelfth night, or what you will
His Majesty's
8/10-10/10, 15/10-16/10, 20-10-21/10 10 perf
Julian Amyes, Michael Golden, Leigh Crutchley, John Warner, John Blatchley Paul Scofield, Dudley Jones, Duncan Ross Walter HUdd, Douglas Seale, Laurence Payne, Bea (viola) Helen Burns, Daphne Slater, Gwen Williams,
Ill london 11/10/47, new statesman 18/10 obs stage, sunday times times
No trees in the street Ted Willis
St James
27/7/48-7/8/48 14 performances
Russel Waters, John Stratton, Arthur Lane, harry Herbert, Duncan lamont, Hilda Fenemore, Bea (Jess Gold), Charmian Eyre, Diana Hely-Hutchinson, Prince Littler,
New states 7/8/48, obs, stage, sunday times, times
Shall we join the ladies? J M Barrie
Drury lane, 26/10/48
1 matinee perf.
Mervyn Johns, Ronald Squire, Denys Blakelock, William Douglas Home, James Hayter, Alan Napier, Francis Lister, Valerie Taylor, Beatrix Lehmann (Lady Wraithe) Fabia Drake, Sonia Dressel, Barbara Couper, Celia Johnson Marian Spencer, Joan Swinstead,
times 27/10/48
comment also performed short items & excerpts from other pieces.
The day's mischief Lesley Storm (mabel Cowie)
Duke of Yorks 11/12/51-2/2/52 60 perf
Ian Hunter, Walter Fitzgerald, Muriel Pavlow, Catherine Lacey, Marjorie manning, Bea, Nuna Davey, Barbara Fletcher, Betty Blackler, Mavis Walker, Marianne Davis,
Dir Norman Marshall
ill London news 5/1/52, new states 22/12/51 observ spectator 14/12/51 ssunday times, times
Comment The play examines a schoolgirl's crush on one of her teachers and its ramifications. New Statesman praised virtually every aspect of the play although it attempted to cover too much ground.
The father August Strindberg version by Max Faber
Arts 26/2/53-22/3/53 30 performances
wilfrid Lawson, Oliver Johnston, Paul Stasino, Gerald Harper, Kynaston Reeves, Bea, Nora Nicholson, Dorothy Gordon, dir Alec Clunes
Ill lond news 14/3/53 new statesman 7/3/53 obs spectator 6/3/53 Stage times
Comment Spectator declared Wilfrid Lawson's performance was a masterpiece of its kind. New statesman agreed adding praise for both Beatrix Lehmann and the translation On the production see Trewin, 50.
No sign of the dove Peter Ustinov
Savoy 3/12/53-12/12/53 11 performances
Raymond Huntley, Robin Bailey, David Kossof, Miles malleson, Norman Pierce, Stanley van Beers, Bea, Suzanne Cloutier, Alvys Maben.
Ill London 19/12/53, New states 12/12/53, Obs, plays and plays 1/54 spectator, 11/12/53, Stage, sunday times, times
comment: This reworking of the Noah story let loose the dreaded flood from the gallery on opening night (Times)
The new statesman critic saw the play on the second night and found that the audience was sympathetic and enjoyed the play throughout. Stage noted both audience reactions.
Blood wedding Lorca trans O'connel and Lujan
Arts 3/3/54-28/3/54 31 perf
Nicolas Amer, Alec Mango Linoel Jeffries, Maurice Kaufmann, Tader Faulkner, Bea, Gladys Boot, Gillian Webb, Heather Chasen, Hazel Penwarden, Ruth Dunning, Rosalind Bozall, ...
New states 13/3/54 obs, plays and plays 4/54 spectator 12/3/54, stage, sunday times, times,
comment This translation was published in 1941. Peter Hall's production deals almost entirely successfully with Lorca's impossible requirements (Spectator). New Statesman found the production commendable but not the translation. This production is a brave attempt at the impsottible (Stage) on the production see trewin 53-54
The waltz of the toreadors 0 Jean Anouilh
Arts 24/2/56-25/3/56, trfd to Criteriion 27/3/56-30/11/57 737 performances
Lists two sets of cast members but not how long each was in the play.
ill london news 14/4/56, new statesman 10/3/56, obs, plays and players 4/56 spectator 9/3/56 stage, sunday times.
This translation was broadcast on BBC radio on 11/1/53. On the production which Spectator found intelligent but lacks astringincy, see also Trewin 58, Derek Nimmo's london debut. Performed in NY for 132 p.
The birthday part Harold Pinter
Lyric hammersmith
19/5/58-24/5/58 8 performances
1st perd arts cambridge 28.4.58
Willougby Gray, Richard Pearson, John Slater, John Stratton, Bea, Wendy Hutchinson,
Ill London news 31/5/58, new state 31/5/58, obs, plays and players 7/58 spectator 30/5, stage sunday times times
Comment while times gave up in despair on the puzzling plot, sunday times declared pinter, on the evidence of his work, possesses the most original, disturbing and arresting talent in theatrical london. The play is like a vintage hitchocock trailer which has been, in the immortal tear-stained words of orson welles, edited by a cross eyed janitor with a lawn mower (Spectator). New states said Pinter showed very considerable promise, but thought the play maddeningly elusive. The first NY production ran for 126 perf.
Something unspoken
arts 16.9.58-26/10.57 48 perf (as below for suddenly)
Beryl measor, Beatirx Lehmann
Ill London news 27/9/58, new states 27/9/58, obs, plays and players 11/58, spectator 29/9/58, stage, sunday tiems, times,
comment, were performed under the general title, Garden district. on the production see Trewin, 62
Suddenly last summer (Same)
David Cameron, Philip Bond, Bea, Margo jOnes, Beryl Measor Patricia Neal, Gewn Newlson.
Reviews as above
Times dubbed the play a highbrow thriller whose denouement was somewhat puzzling. Beatrix Lehmann and Patricia neal (making her London debut) gave powerful performances (stage) Spectator discussed in detail the theme of homosexuality in Williams plays and items 240-241 in particular.
Macbeth Old vic
17/12/58 -23/4/59 (see photo for exact dates) 59 performances
derek francis, Jeremy Kempt, Daniel Thorndike, Barrie Ingham, Dennis Chinnery, Michael Horden, Jack May, Edward Harwicke, ...
ill london news 3/1/59, new states 3/1/59, obs 21/12 plays and players 2/59, spectator 2/1/59, stage sunday, times,
Times said that Beatrix Lehmann and Michael Horden appear totally miscast (Spectator agreed) and that the production was as a whole a somewhat hollow and swaggering affair. However,stage declared the entire production, one of the most impressive in years.
The aspern papers Michael redgrave
Queens
12/8/59-2/7/60 370 perf.
Micahel redgrave, Robert Beatry. Bea whole run, Olaf Pooley, Paulien Jameson, Nancy Nevinson, Flora Robson, Harold Gosling,
Ill London news 29.8/59 new satesman 22/8/59, obs, plays and players 9/59, spect 21/8/59, stage, sun, times,
Fine performances from Redgrave, Lehmann and Robson (Spect) the first NY production 93 perf.
Tuesday, 1 September 2015
Archives Hub material to view
V&A
THM/319/9/90 - Letter from Roy Dotrice
THM/319/9/178 - Letter from Beatrix Lehmann
Scripts for Peer Gynt originally by Henrik Ibsen
Reference Number(s) GB 71 THM/319/1/37
Dates of Creation 1970-1994
Physical Description 7 folders
Scope and Content
Typed play scripts and revisions, version by Christopher Fry based on original translation by Johan Fillinger. Handwritten annotations by Christopher Fry. First performed on stage in 1970 at the Chichester Festival.
Reference Number(s) GB 71 THM/420/21
Dates of Creation 1973
Physical Description 1 folder
Scope and ContentTyped transcript of Beatrix Lehmann describing her memories of Laurence Olivier. Interview by Ronald Proyer.
35. Letter to Binkie Beaumont from Beatrix Lehmann dated July 24th (no year)
Reference Number(s) GB 71 THM/178/2/2
Dates of Creation 1941-1961
Physical Description 51
Tate Gallery
Photographs of Beatrix Lehmann
This material is held at Tate Gallery Archive GB 70
Reference Number(s) GB 70 TGA 974/6/28
Dates of Creation nd
Physical Description 2 pieces
This material is held at Tate Gallery Archive GB 70
Reference Number(s) GB 70 TGA 200410
Dates of Creation 1882-1990s
Name of Creator John Piper
Language of Material English
Physical Description 105 boxes
University of Manchester (probably not worth noting just employment)
DEA/2/3/23-31 - Copy Letters from Basil Dean
(In folder on Aspern papers)
DEA/2/3/23, Barbara Bolton, 1 item, 1959.
DEA/2/3/24, Peter Daubney, 1 item, 1959.
DEA/2/3/25, Norman Johnson, 1 item, 1959.
DEA/2/3/26, Beatrix Lehmann, 1 item, 1959.
DEA/2/3/27-28, Paul Mayo, 2 items, 1960.
DEA/2/3/29, Mick Orr, 1 item, 1959.
DEA/2/3/30, Michael Redgrave, 1 item, 1959.
DEA/2/3/31, Flora Robson, 1 item, 1959.
Hull archives
This material is held at Hull University Archives
Reference Number(s) ; GB 050 U DAR/x1/2/49
Alt. Ref. Number GB 050 U DAR/2/49
Dates of Creation 1939 - 1965
Physical Description 1 bundle
Manchester
This material is held at The University of Manchester Library
Reference Number(s) GB 133 NCN
Dates of Creation 1899-1987
Name of Creator Nicholson, Norman Cornthwaite, 1914-1987, poet, dramatist, novelist, critic, biographer, topographer.
Language of Material English
Physical Description 16 classes; 1,201 items; 4,455 pieces.
Location Collection available at John Rylands Library, Deansgate.
Thursday, 27 August 2015
Guardian, Stage, Variety and Observer digitised records post 1979
Bea post 1978
April 24 1979
The stage
Equity annual general meeting
Included, The president spoke of the plight of British
Theatre and of Equity’s campaign to get VAT removed from theatre seats, of the
ITV dispute and the coming second channel. He spoke of the BBC, of the film
industry and, in some detail, of Equity’s domestic affairs, paying special
tributes to three former Presidents of the Union who had died in the previous
year: Beatrix Lehmann, Andre Morell and Sir Feliz Aylmer.
Nov 20, 1980 The stage
(mentions radio performance that is referred to in the obit
letter)
Well qualified
That great actor Wilfrid Lawson is the subject of a Radio
Three profile programme scheduled to go out on December 2 at 8.30pm.
The material for the tribute, entitled, This fabulous Genius,
has been compiled by Peter Cotes, and among those participating on tape will be
J.C. Trewin, the late Beatrix Lehmann, Donal Pleasance, Leonard Rossiter, Eric
Shorter, Trevor Howard, Joseph Losey and John Boulting. The producer is Alan Haydock.
Cotes is, in fact, well qualified to compile such a programme;
he directed Lawson in The father back in 1953 and is an expert on the “big”
style of acting Lawson specialised in.
Saturday 28th Feb 1981
Screen international reviewed by Marjorie Bilbow
The cat and the
canary
Comedy horror based on the play by John Wilard,
Story outline (go
back and re-read after watching)
Audience rating: for fans of the stars and horror fans
interested in seeing another re-make of the good old oldie.
Business prediction average in popular cinemas
Critical comment: This begins well with Wendy Hiller and
Beatrix Lehmann giving richly melodramatic performances as Alison Crosby and
Mrs Pleasant and all the more avaricious of the possible heirs exchanging
insults and innuendoes which suggest developing sub-plots. And the staging of
the reading of the Will, with the screen image of the long dead Cyrus playing
host at the head of the dinner table, makes a very diverting variation on the
original story. But, from then on, Radley Metzger lets the batteries run down by
treating the plot as if it were more of a detective mystery than a good old
fashioned creepie packed with screams and laughter provoking shock effects of
bodies falling out of cupboards and hairy hands clutching at pretty throats.
There is more talk than action and too little comedy to compensate for the loss
of suspense as the story winds to its predictable end.
Sep 25, 1983 Observer
MY TWENTY MINUTES
IN POLITICS
Author:
Redgrave, Michael
Extract from biography about People’s convention with diary
extracts
(biography on order from TH)
Mentions Bea only in relation to giving a speech and seems
rather reluctant about the whole thing.
Nov 29, 1984 The stage and television today
Chit chat
Thesps with a Bee [sp] in their bonnet
Dame Wendy Hiller (photo)
Dame Wendy Hiller, Michael Denison and the pianist Eric
Hope, who frequently shared the poetry readings and musical soirees given by
the late Beatrix Lehmann for the Pro Arte Society, informed a distinguished
gathering at the Purcell Room the other evening of their wish to see a Poetry
Reading Prize established in her memory at the Central School of Speech and
Drama.
Bee, as her friends knew her, had left her collection of
theatrical books to the school.
After the evening’s recital, Dame Wendy spoke admiringly of “Bee”
Lehmann’s Lavinia in Mourning becomes Electra at the Westminster in the 30s,
the only time, believe it or not, she told us, that she had actually seen this
remarkable actress on the stage.
Michael Denison paid tribute to Bee’s three years as
President of Equity in the 40s, while Eric Hope invited friends and admirers to
send donations to the Pro Arte Society, c/o Lloyds Bank, Southampton Row,… to
help get the prize off the ground.
Among Bee’s other interests, he reminded us, was the law,
which might account for the ranks of judges, barristers and solicitors in the
Purcell Room. For a further explanation one had only to note the name of the
barrister-cum playwright Jacques Sarch, on the programme, responsible for
devising the items that ranged far and wide, from Humbert Wolfe to T.S. Eliot,
via Chopin, Poulenc and Villa Lobos. Anybody, like myself, who was chilled to
the bone by Denison’s horrific rendering of Edgar Allan Poe’s The tell tale
heart should immediately have reached for their cheque books!
April 11, 1987
Poetic choice
Author:
de Jongh, Nicholas
John’s obit.
“earlier he had perhaps been overshadowed by his brilliant
sisters – the novelist Rosamond and the actress, Beatrix, both of whom ranked
very high in their fields, …
Jul 10, 1987 Guardian
Publication or Rosemond Lehmann’s album
(requested at BL)
Research plan updated
Research plan
Plays - Read all at BL
Reviews in Variety, Stage, Guardian and observer done
Women's parliament Done
Our time- done
To do
Add in research notes to full docment
Books on communism in the Britain (from work)
BL
Weavering's entries for each decade (40s onwards)
Follow up in Theatre World magazine for those months
Finish reading Daily worker for articles re equity 1946-1949
Equity
Annual reports, meetings etc
Arts Council
archives - reports etc
Central
Teaching info?
library collection
Cambridge
Personal letters
Communism archives in Manchester
Hunt down missing play texts
Watch available TV and films
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