History of Sedbergh School in 50 Objects #31: H.M.S. Pinafore production
The mid twentieth century saw a resurgence of creative arts at Sedbergh. After the drought of the war years, the whole School productions, commonly well known Gilbert and Sullivan musicals, were a genuine highlight of the School calendar for members of both the School and town communities.
All forms of art were encouraged by Headmaster J. H. Bruce-Lockhart. During his Speech Day address in 1949 the Headmaster assured his audience that ‘we here feel very strongly that music is not a subject reserved for the odd few people troubled with something they call an artistic temperament but that it is the birthright of every civilised man.’ Bruce-Lockhart, a watercolourist who had shown at the Royal Academy, encouraged his pupils to explore their artist interests and recognised that labour expended on art had great value.
One of the first major post war production was H.M.S. Pinafore, performed in July 1950 with the final performance timed to coincide with Speech Day and an Art Exhibition when the School was thronged with visitors.
The Sedberghian Magazine of July 1950 records the production in detail. Highlights of the review are recorded below:
‘In a production of uniform quality there were several outstanding successes. In D. A. O. Edward we were lucky to have one of the best actors in a female part – notoriously the most difficult to portray convincingly – that the School has ever seen on the Powell Hall stage. Indeed his voice, deportment and every action would have done credit to most leading ladies. The chorus of sailors was perhaps even more deserving of praise than the principals. Many hours of rehearsals resulted in perfect timing, excellent nautical action – outstanding in the Hornpipe – and well contrasted singing. They were always lively and a joy to watch as well as to listen to.’
‘For the excellent production, in which every step and action had to be carefully worked out, and which contributed so largely to the success of the opera, we must thank Mr. Thornely. His industry and enthusiasm resulted in three most enjoyable performances of ‘H. M. S. Pinafore’.
‘But beyond anything that may be said particularly, there was in this production a wonderful zest which came right across the footlights and transmuted mere enjoyment in sheer delight. For this we are indebted to the high-spirited enthusiasm and hard work of all concerned.
After Bruce-Lockhart’s retirement Michael Thornely stepped in to the reins, continuing the mid twentieth century golden era of performance at Sedbergh. Michael and his wife Jennifer were both keen musicians and delighted in performing together. Their living room in School House had an unusual set up with two grand pianos back-to-back on which the pair played duets, delighting visitors and boys alike.
Performing arts have remained strong at Sedbergh with successive staff bringing their own creativity and dynamism to the productions they staged. Sedbergh’s 500th year has showcased all that is best at Sedbergh with performances of Sedberghian musicians from around the globe flying in to join a special night of music at the Bridgewater Hall, a carousel of plays for the gala weekend, and still to come a night to remember as Sedberghians past and present come together for a carol service in York Minister in December.
