Actual events during the Cold War inspired this thriller that takes place in a suburb of London during the autumn and winter of 1960-1961. Loyalty, duty and friendship collide when the Jacksons slowly discover the Krogers, their neighbours and cherished friends, are not what they appear.
Report in the Newsletter by Peter Moore: A very successful production indeed. We played to good houses, although not to capacity. Wednesday and Thursday were very satisfactory in this regard. Plaza Suite will go down on the records as being a credit to us in every way. We can be very stylish at times. Good teamwork was a feature of this production and congratulations to all who took part.
by Peter Coke - Directed by Esther Boss - click to enlarge
When Dame Beatrice is given a mink stole by her maid, she is reminded of the maid's shady past and immediately suspects that it was stolen from the next flat. A former army officer and other lodgers endeavour to return the stole. The plan is devised with care and all of them take such delight in the secretive scheme that they wonder why they don't do this more often.
Newsletter report from Peter Moore (in his own inimitable style!): Voices Off! It could be argued that any self respecting vocal chord faced with the average panto script would take to the hills. I would join them. Just I and the dulcets out on the windswepts, hand in hand, exalting in the fresh script-free air. Whatever the reason for this exodus (and pantos and their words being long-established, it had to be bugs) the cast went out almost speechless to face an enthusiastic and appreciative audience. Good houses too. Picture this if you will. There am I, along with those little trembly things, doing my best to sabotage all this perennial nonsense by leaving it alone. Then it gets away with it! Sails away on a self indulgent ocean of actual audience reaction. Why not bring back silent films?
So Mary won the day. It must have been with all that excellent and skilful help, and those new refreshing faces. She deserves to succeed. Her garrison was beleaguered long before that last minute voice walkout. Take for example: Carol (the sound) Hudson broke her leg. This must have given her a very miserable time. I am sure that you will all join me in wishing her a speedy recovery. In saying this I know that these things are never speedy, and she must be sorely tried by the matter. The voices and I, out on the hills, were thinking of her.
by J B Priestly - click to enlarge
A group of three couples, old friends and all married on the same day in the same chapel, gathers at the Helliwells’ home to celebrate their silver anniversary. When they discover that they are not legally married all three couples find themselves re-evaluating their marriages.