Description:Pictured are members of the cast in the 1965 annual pantomime held in Stychfields Hall at the English Electric’s main works in Stafford. Despite snow and wintry weather it was reported that the show ran with packed houses for six nights and a Saturday matinee from January 18th to 24th.
Cinderella was played by Barbara Lewis and Dorothy Fyffe was Prince Charming, the Ugly sisters were Patrick Fyffe and Cal Buckle, Buttons was George Bramhall, Basil and Bert were Bill Welham and Fred Price, the Fairy Godmother was Anne Backshell, Baron Stoneigh-Broke was Les Astles (who was 6 feet 7 inches tall), Lord Slightly was Ron Oliver, Lady Rowena was Margaret Goring, Dandini was Helen Roye, George Bailey played Dame Salubria and the Court Magician was Laurie Dennie. Among those in the dance troupe were Carol Atkin (who was aged 15 and had just started work at the factory) and Lesley Neary.
The Producer was Eric Copeland, the Orchestra was directed by Alf Hornsey, costumes were designed by Ian Tavernor and made by volunteers, Choreography was by Lesley Hewitt and Mrs Nora Evans who was the Principal of the Malinsky School of Ballet, the 30 feet by 26 feet back cloths, cut-outs and side flats were designed and painted by Bill Welham.
Nimmy (full name Newton Nimrod) the 26 year old Shetland pony drew Cinderella’s coach for his fee of 2 pints of stout per show. Nimmy was owned by Mr W. Firkin, a Storekeeper in the Works Pattern Shop Stores.
Acknowledgement: The English Electric and its People magazine, February 1965.
In 1964 Dorothy Fyffe and her brother Patrick were members of the Stafford and District Operatic Society. In later years Patrick Fyffe played Dame Hilda Bracket to George Logan's Dr Evadne Hinge. 'Hinge and Bracket' was a very successful double act on Radio, Television and in cabaret after their debut at the 1974 Edinburgh festival. They also appeared in two royal variety performances and a televised Royal Opera House production of Die Fledermaus in 1983, conducted by Placido Domingo and starring Kiri Te Kanawa.
During English Electric's time George Bailey was an Apprentice Welfare Officer (later the site became GEC, GEC ALSTHOM and then Alstom). He was a member of the GEC theatrical company. Following his retirement in 1971 he became a Labour Councillor and represented the Forebridge Ward. He was Deputy Mayor in 1972/3, with his niece, Rose Voss as Mayoress. In 1976 he received the MBE in recognition of his substantial contribution. George Bailey Court at Stychfields and The Bailey Hotel on the Lichfield Road in Stafford are named after him.