Falstaff

This photo shows a posed rehearsal shot in Micklefield School, Reigate (probably for the Surrey Mirror) of some of the cast from our Falstaff production back in 1988. Arthur Coomber took the title role (complete with fat suit), Lawrie Reed, standing, was Pistol and Simon Davies Bardolph. The boy is Falstaff’s Page but, as yet, I can’t locate his name. It’s neither mentioned in the actual programme nor in our 21st Anniversary Book. An embarrassing error on our part and he and his family must have been pretty peeved at the omission.

Apologies seem a bit feeble now. The Page, whoever he was, is probably in his 40’s now! If anyone can shed any light on the matter I should be most grateful. The production was directed by Stephen Medcalf and the design, by Carmen Holender, caused much comment, particularly the hanging mobiles, which represented all sorts of excesses etc. in Falstaff’s life. The only problem was that our audiences weren’t always sure what they were, but at least it kept them interested in the production. Looking through the programme I notice that the orchestra numbered some 48 players. Those were the days and just what was needed for Verdi! JB.