PORT TALBOT PASSION PLAY 1978 - 1999
BEHOLD THE MAN
“You have only to live on in me and I will live on in you. Do not fear.
I will be with you to the end of time. And beyond!"
I will be with you to the end of time. And beyond!"
The project has had several names over the years, the Afan Community Project, Afan Community Association and the Port Talbot Passion Play Association but the aim was always the same – to share friendship with fellow members , to release their gifts and talents and to help them discover that they have a valuable contribution to make to their community.
For this history we have relied heavily on the words and thoughts of the time as expressed in the programmes and letters produced through the twenty one years of the project.
“A Short History of the Project” written by Rev. Fr. S.M. Kearney in 1985
For this history we have relied heavily on the words and thoughts of the time as expressed in the programmes and letters produced through the twenty one years of the project.
“A Short History of the Project” written by Rev. Fr. S.M. Kearney in 1985
It seems so long ago since someone had the idea of bringing all sections of the community together. The idea seemed so simple but unity of effort was not the norm six or seven years ago. Social, cultural and religious difficulties were very divisive factors; whole sections of the community just didn’t associate. The challenge was issued and a meeting was called. The attendance was indeed large and very mixed – young and old – the known and those unknown. It was an exciting evening.
Naturally, doubts were expressed as to the practicality of the proposal to produce an open-air play. A play in the open-air for two-weeks at Port Talbot!! It seemed like the brain-child of someone out of touch with reality. But in practice, the idea was taken up with various degrees of commitment. Fortunately, sufficient enthusiasm was engendered to get the project off the ground – the meeting decided to work to present a Passion Play.
Had we the talents, expertise and facilities locally? Yes, indeed we had. There were several drama groups – a ready supply of willing “crowds” – and when the costumes were designed there were skilled women to make them – expert stage staff etc – all the personnel required were available locally. It was a tremendous asset to have an acknowledged author in Leo Arthurs who undertook to write the play for us which, in the end, we came to know as “Behold The Man”.
Naturally, doubts were expressed as to the practicality of the proposal to produce an open-air play. A play in the open-air for two-weeks at Port Talbot!! It seemed like the brain-child of someone out of touch with reality. But in practice, the idea was taken up with various degrees of commitment. Fortunately, sufficient enthusiasm was engendered to get the project off the ground – the meeting decided to work to present a Passion Play.
Had we the talents, expertise and facilities locally? Yes, indeed we had. There were several drama groups – a ready supply of willing “crowds” – and when the costumes were designed there were skilled women to make them – expert stage staff etc – all the personnel required were available locally. It was a tremendous asset to have an acknowledged author in Leo Arthurs who undertook to write the play for us which, in the end, we came to know as “Behold The Man”.
It was a powerful play and all who have been a part of it came to love it greatly. This contribution, plus all the expertise offered and work undertaken, was completely voluntary. This in itself was a tremendous influence in uniting us all more closely. A unity which received a further boost in the decision to present the play in beautiful Margam Park. As the build-up for the first presentation of the play proceeded, there was an air of great excitement and the release of much friendship among us all. It was indeed a great experience on which we can look back with much happiness.
Rev. Fr. S.M. Kearney
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Then the problems began to appear. Some of them were technical, some the normal difficulties of rehearsing several hundred people – and of course, we remember the obstinacy of the donkey!! More seriously remembered were the financial issues which grew more grave as the bills mounted and mounted. In the absence of sponsors the Committee of the time faced a bill of many thousands which, in the event of the project’s failure – would be their personal responsibility!
It was a moment of crisis made more dramatic as the few Committee members pledged themselves to accept full financial responsibility in the event of failure. This act of faith in what they had undertaken was the seal on their commitment to the Community’s Passion Play. It was a decision more than vindicated by the sell-out performances which had attracted 20,000 people to date.
Each Passion Play year began following Easter when rehearsals and beards were begun in earnest. Church and chapel halls and schools were used throughout the borough and the Arts Centre and its grounds at Talbot Road were extremely useful. The first time the crosses were ever tried out was in the grounds of the Arts Centre. It is difficult to imagine the thoughts of the bus passengers and car drivers as they passed a man hanging on the cross as they travelled down Talbot Road. On one occasion the police were notified that a group of National Front members were using the grounds of the Central School to hold meetings. The police were reassured when they were informed that it was merely the Roman Army practising its marching!
1985 was to be a significant year for the Society. That was the year that our Chairman Father Kearney was moved to a parish in Newport. From the very first thoughts of a community project it had taken us ten years to reach this point and Father Kearney had lead us every inch of the way. A Presentation Dinner was held at the Afan Lido on the 20th February 1996 to say our goodbyes.
The following tribute was written by Ina Jones our Director.
REVEREND FATHER SEAN M KEARNEY
Chairman of Afan Community Association
March 1875 : December 1985
(No! It is not an Obituary!)
Like his hero, Sir Thomas More, it could be said of our dear Chairman, that he too was
“A Man for All Seasons”. For has he not lead us through many, many different seasons? He has led us through the sunshine, through the rain, through the wind and rain, through the driving wind and rain and through torrential wind and rain – and just like Moses he even led us safely through the great plague of gnats!
He has cheered us through difficult days and given generous praise in our success. He has calmed doubts and fears and whipped up flagging enthusiasm. He has cooled rising tempers (not always perhaps his own – but who is perfect?) and led and guided us through ten exciting years of effort...............and every man, woman and child of us has known his smile and friendship.
Some of us here tonight can remember all the difficult hurdles that he led us over in the first, difficult and frustrating months. Some of us remember an eventful Saturday morning when with all hope gone defeat stared at us. It was at that moment, that only “Father’s” humour and encouragement, and a borrowed bottle of Irish Whiskey, gave us the courage to go on!
We have indeed much to thank him for................without him our Passion Play “Behold The Man” ..........would never have been. Sadly now....we have to say our fond farewells – but we will, all, always remember. As he too will always remember, the friendship and love that we have shared.
Ina
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
However, the society was not finished with Father Kearney and he became the Patron of the Society. He continued to support us through the next fourteen years and during the last performances in 1999 he was still there. The “man in black” urging us on as we made our entrances onto the playing area and welcoming us back as we made our exits.
1987 was again a year of changes for the play. Ina Jones was joined by Alan Davies, a well-known local actor and director, to co-direct the play. By the end of this year’s performances on June 20th the audience figures had passed 30,000. It was also in this year that plans were laid to take the play directly to the people of Port Talbot. Consequently on Good Friday 1988 excerpts from the play were performed for the first time in the town centre. Costumed players mingled with shoppers, the steps of Bethany Chapel provided a setting for the trial before Pilate, the pedestrian precinct substituting for the dusty streets of Jerusalem and the crucifixion was portrayed in the Civic Square. A large following witnessed the procession of the cross, many noticeably moved, others slightly bemused at the dramatic spectacle unfolding in their midst. This presentation became an annual event.
By 1991 we were in the happy circumstance of being able to cast two sets of performers for the main parts. Each cast played for one week and the situation gave some insurance to cover illness or accidents. Thanks to the tradition and philosophy of the Society there were no great rivalries between the casts. You may be Jesus one week and a disciple the next or a High Priest one week and a humble Temple trader the next but what mattered was the play!
Rev. Fr. S.M. Kearney
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Then the problems began to appear. Some of them were technical, some the normal difficulties of rehearsing several hundred people – and of course, we remember the obstinacy of the donkey!! More seriously remembered were the financial issues which grew more grave as the bills mounted and mounted. In the absence of sponsors the Committee of the time faced a bill of many thousands which, in the event of the project’s failure – would be their personal responsibility!
It was a moment of crisis made more dramatic as the few Committee members pledged themselves to accept full financial responsibility in the event of failure. This act of faith in what they had undertaken was the seal on their commitment to the Community’s Passion Play. It was a decision more than vindicated by the sell-out performances which had attracted 20,000 people to date.
Each Passion Play year began following Easter when rehearsals and beards were begun in earnest. Church and chapel halls and schools were used throughout the borough and the Arts Centre and its grounds at Talbot Road were extremely useful. The first time the crosses were ever tried out was in the grounds of the Arts Centre. It is difficult to imagine the thoughts of the bus passengers and car drivers as they passed a man hanging on the cross as they travelled down Talbot Road. On one occasion the police were notified that a group of National Front members were using the grounds of the Central School to hold meetings. The police were reassured when they were informed that it was merely the Roman Army practising its marching!
1985 was to be a significant year for the Society. That was the year that our Chairman Father Kearney was moved to a parish in Newport. From the very first thoughts of a community project it had taken us ten years to reach this point and Father Kearney had lead us every inch of the way. A Presentation Dinner was held at the Afan Lido on the 20th February 1996 to say our goodbyes.
The following tribute was written by Ina Jones our Director.
REVEREND FATHER SEAN M KEARNEY
Chairman of Afan Community Association
March 1875 : December 1985
(No! It is not an Obituary!)
Like his hero, Sir Thomas More, it could be said of our dear Chairman, that he too was
“A Man for All Seasons”. For has he not lead us through many, many different seasons? He has led us through the sunshine, through the rain, through the wind and rain, through the driving wind and rain and through torrential wind and rain – and just like Moses he even led us safely through the great plague of gnats!
He has cheered us through difficult days and given generous praise in our success. He has calmed doubts and fears and whipped up flagging enthusiasm. He has cooled rising tempers (not always perhaps his own – but who is perfect?) and led and guided us through ten exciting years of effort...............and every man, woman and child of us has known his smile and friendship.
Some of us here tonight can remember all the difficult hurdles that he led us over in the first, difficult and frustrating months. Some of us remember an eventful Saturday morning when with all hope gone defeat stared at us. It was at that moment, that only “Father’s” humour and encouragement, and a borrowed bottle of Irish Whiskey, gave us the courage to go on!
We have indeed much to thank him for................without him our Passion Play “Behold The Man” ..........would never have been. Sadly now....we have to say our fond farewells – but we will, all, always remember. As he too will always remember, the friendship and love that we have shared.
Ina
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
However, the society was not finished with Father Kearney and he became the Patron of the Society. He continued to support us through the next fourteen years and during the last performances in 1999 he was still there. The “man in black” urging us on as we made our entrances onto the playing area and welcoming us back as we made our exits.
1987 was again a year of changes for the play. Ina Jones was joined by Alan Davies, a well-known local actor and director, to co-direct the play. By the end of this year’s performances on June 20th the audience figures had passed 30,000. It was also in this year that plans were laid to take the play directly to the people of Port Talbot. Consequently on Good Friday 1988 excerpts from the play were performed for the first time in the town centre. Costumed players mingled with shoppers, the steps of Bethany Chapel provided a setting for the trial before Pilate, the pedestrian precinct substituting for the dusty streets of Jerusalem and the crucifixion was portrayed in the Civic Square. A large following witnessed the procession of the cross, many noticeably moved, others slightly bemused at the dramatic spectacle unfolding in their midst. This presentation became an annual event.
By 1991 we were in the happy circumstance of being able to cast two sets of performers for the main parts. Each cast played for one week and the situation gave some insurance to cover illness or accidents. Thanks to the tradition and philosophy of the Society there were no great rivalries between the casts. You may be Jesus one week and a disciple the next or a High Priest one week and a humble Temple trader the next but what mattered was the play!
In 1995 a special year was marked by the director’s letter in the programme.
THE DREAM by the Producer Ina D. Jones
“Memories live longer than words” so an old song tells us. I think perhaps that is true. Way back in 1977/78 this community project, this association, this play was still only a new and exciting dream. Those dreams have now become a treasure house of precious memories. Happy memories, sad memories, funny memories. Memories that I, and all those who have shared them with me, will treasure always.
Now in 1995, as we celebrate a 100th performance and our 10th production, I look back and remember the dreams, but hold the memories close in my heart (Don’t we all)
It has been an honour and a privilege for me to have produced this play from its first beginnings. What I have received in return has been immeasurable – love, friendship, loyalty, affection – all those things that make life so good and worthwhile.
Oh yes – it has been hard work.......the preparation, the wet nights of production, the stinging gnats........But what are they, compared to the joy of the rewards........?
Following this 10th production Ina retired as Director and was honoured with the role of the Associations Life President.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
In 1997 with the absence of Ina we had to rethink the production/direction of the play. In an endeavour to share the workload the work was carried out by six of her protégés, all of them very able and talented whose main aim was maintain the high standards of previous productions. The six members of the production team were David S Davies, Howard Davies, Moyra Davies, Ken Rees, Ken Tucker and Carol Scott.
Before the 1999 play, with great sadness, the decision had been made that this would be our last production. There were no rivalries, no feuds, no defections – simply the passing of time. The association was still being organised and the work carried out by many of the same people who had worked and committed themselves for over twenty years. So many of our young people had grown up with the play and some of us had just grown old! The financial responsibility of running the association was also becoming increasingly difficult. The costs of hiring the stand, the lighting and sound, the hire of the Orangery and the hire of the Park had increased enormously over the twenty years. In later years the site for the stand had been moved in order to increase the seating capacity to 850 per night. In the last few years the association was paying ten per cent of the ticket money to the Council for the privilege of using our park.
On aspect of the play which has always attracted interest was the music that had been chosen by Ina. The two main pieces were Vaughan William’s “Fantasia on a Theme by Thomas Tallis and the Adagio in G Minor by Albinoni. Both these pieces are so evocative of scenes from the play and hearing them today we are instantly transported back to Margam Park.
No history of the Association would be complete without acknowledging the passion and commitment of the crowd – the people of Jerusalem. The young and the old turned out night after night whatever the weather and performed their part with great pride and passion. For the two weeks of the play Margam Park became their home and the story became theirs. They were fiercely proud of their story and most of them knew everyone’s lines. They were loyal and supportive of all the cast but if a line was missed or a mistake made they knew instantly and heads would rise like a mob of meerkats. As in everyday life we experienced births (our youngest ever player was carried on in her mother’s arms at only a few months old), losses, romances, accidents, (Carol Mends spent a strange evening in
A & E trying to explain she had been bitten by a donkey on the road to Jerusalem), friendships and as is natural a few disagreements. All of life was there!
On wet nights the crowd moved with a quiet rustle as they lined their costumes with black bin bags. During the interval the Orangery there was a gentle steam rising above the crowd they we dried out. On cold nights it appeared that they had cornered the market in Welsh blankets and if it was cold and wet the smell was a flock of wet sheep. On the warmer nights the aroma was of gnat repellent, which was not unpleasant, but at least they could stay outside for the interval. It was wonderful to sit in the warm sun with their picnics and watch the children play and the Temple Guards try to throw each other in the pond.
What a life we shared together!
OFFICERS AT TIME OF FIRST PLAY 1978
PRESIDENT: Rt. Hon. The Lord Heycock
VICE PRESIDENT: Rt. Hon. John Morris MP .
CHAIRMAN: Rev. Fr. S.M. Kearney
HON. SECRETARY Dan. O’Neill
HON.TREASURER J Michael Perry
TICKET SECRETARY Cheryl Davies
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
D.J. Adams Miss I D Jones
Cty. Cllr. C. Lewis S.R. Page
Cllr L.D. Stanton T. Curran
Rev. Glyn Carter
Peter Davies
Mrs. T. Lloyd
Mrs U.E. Thomas
Cty. Cllr. C.J. Crowley
PRODUCTION FOR THE FIRST PERFORMANCE IN 1978
DIRECTOR Ina D. Jones
ASST. DIRECTOR Carol Mends
PROD SECRETARY Tess Kenure
STAGE MANAGERS Trevor Cross, Jim Sutton, Len Cottey
PROPERTIES Albert E Diamond, Gwladys Cross
LIGHTING Clayton Leyshon, Harold Salisbury, Dennis Allen,
Derek Salisbury
MAKE-UP Cath Heard, Jennifer Davies, Port Talbot Operatic Society
COSTUME DESIGN Derek Cobley
COSTUMES MADE BY Mary Pugh with
C. Penhale D. Williams S. James V. Davies
B. Jones D. Gomer M. Beynon M. Morgan
A. Allen H. Williams B. Bowditch M. Williams
N. Burgess C. John M. Mescall M. Evans
E. Hockin P. Woolley E. Gall P. Way
E. Norton G. Evans G. John R. Kenure
Music arranged and taped by John Quirk – West Glamorgan Resources Centre
Sound by “Vaughan Sound” Swansea
PASSION PLAY CAST OVER THE YEARS
NARRATOR John Adams, Vida Nelson, Viv Walter, Gill Esias,
Moyra Davies, Muriel Lucas, J Jeffrey Morgan,
Wyn Philpin, Pat Lloyd, Andrew Sage, Ann Morgan,
Felicity Hardwick, Doug Roberts, Huw Nicholas,
Meyrick Sheen
CAIAPHUS Elved Lody, Wyn Philpin, Doug Roberts, Hugh Jarrett,
Ken Rees, Howard Davies,
ANNAS Alan Davies, David Davies, Colin Nelson, Peter Davies,
Hugh Jarrett, Ken Tucker
JOSEPH OF Viv Walters, Peter Davies, David Scott, Ken Rees,
ARIMATHEA Wyn Philpin, Huw Nicholas, J Jeffrey Morgan,
Hugh Jarrett, Gareth Morgan, Gareth Richards
PRIEST Alwyn Jones, Lyndon Prosser, Michael Sheppard,
Hugh Jarrett, Huw Nicholas, Philip Mays,
Tom Edwards, Mike Diplock, John Jones,
Lawrie Evans, Alan Taylor, John Jones
JESUS David S Davies, Ken Tucker, Peter Davies,
Mike Sheppard
ROMAN SARGEANT Ken Rees, Dennis Joseph, Roger Cotton, Paul Hughes,
Gareth Edwards
PETER Stephen Wharmby, Edward Dowding, Alan Davies,
Ken Rees, David Scott, Alan Jones, Meirion Prosser,
MATTHEW David Davies, Peter Davies, David Scott, David Hughes
Dennis Joseph, Tom Edwards, Richard Lewis,
Roger Cotton, Graham Rees, Andrew Tovey
JUDAS Ken Tucker, David S Davies, Mike Sheppard,
David Hughes
BARABBAS Don Walters, John Preece, Bill Matthews, Ken Tucker
JOHN John Dummer, David Hughes. Philip William
Howie Johnson, John Newman, Graham Rees,
Gareth Davies, Owen Griffiths
CAPTAIN TEMPLE Alan Davies, Brian Evans, Anthony Llewellyn
GUARDS Ken Rees, Mark Ashton, Philip Williams
MARY MAGDALENE Pauline Mills, Terry Prosser, Val Grace, Mary Wood
Tracey Hunt, Marlene Lloyd-Jones, Gill Esias,
Felicity Hardwick, Marian Keen, Andria Bryant,
Donna Richards, Alison Whitelock, Sarah Evans,
Geraldine Davies, Catie Parry
MARY THE MOTHER Hilda Walters, Moyra Davies, Joan Segieth,
Denise Cavalli. Mair Thomas, Vida Nelson.
Ann Morgan, Marlene Lloyd-Jones, Val Turnbull,
Susan Evans, Sandra Pengelly, Hilary Donovan,
Donna Richards, Janet Jarrett, Tess Oliver
MARY OF BETHANY Susan Grant, Mary Wood, Tracey Hunt, Catie Parry ,
Gill Esias, Alison Whielock, Karen Hughes,
Marie James, Barbara Jenkins, Ann Morgan,
Jean Davies, Karen Hughes
MARTHA Mair Thomas, Tess Kenure, Pat Nilsson, Carol Scott,
Marion keen, Janet Jarrett, Hilary Donovan,
Elizabeth Mackrill, Rachel Mackrill, Marlene Tovey
JOANNA Pat Lloyd, Gill Esias, Susan Evans, Valerie Turnbull,
Sandra Pengelly, Sian Evans
MARCUS Mike Sheppard, Huw Nicholas, Ken Rees, Brian Evans.
Philip Mays, Philip Williams, Graham Rees,
Gareth Edwards, Colin Hardy, Jonathon Morgan,
Owen Griffiths, Nigel Hunt, John Jones
TRILOGY Althea Rooke, Rita Suter, Elizabeth Colucci
PILATE Peter Morgan, J Jeffrey Morgan. John Adams,
Howard Davies, Elved Lody, David Scott, John Jones,
Huw Nicholas
SIMON OF CYRENE Dan O’Neill, Ken Rees, Mike Diplock, John Jones,
Alan Jones, Trevor McGuirl, Mark Ashton,
Meirion Prosser, George Edwards
VERONICA Muriel Lucas, Monica Hanford. Pauline Matthews,
Joan Lewis, Emma Davies, Jean Davies
DISCIPLE Peter Davison, Roger Davison, Barrie Davies,
John Meredith, Alun Adams, Robert Thomas,
Paul Bigmore, Bill Lowrie. Jeff Bath,
Raymond Richards. Michael Campfield,
Lyn Matthews, David Scott, Ken Williams, Griff John. Alan Jones, John Jones, Paul Johnson, Chris Lewis, John P Jones, Bill Matthews, John Purchase, Richard Lewis, Trevor Mc Guirl, Hywel Selway, John Preece, Peter Davies, David Davies, Anthony Argyle, Roger Cotton, Derek Davies, Lawrie Evans, Dennis Joseph
CROWD PARTS Ethel Norton, John Strange, Brian Evans, Carol Scott, Julie Gale, Simon Edwards, Christopher Walters, Les Cotton, Phyllis Cotton, Mike Diplock, Andrew Sage Gill Esias, Beryl Leyshon, Carl Neilson, Ted Warnock,Dorothy Warnock, Anne Bendall, Rhys Evans, Gareth Rees, James Davies, Christian John, Anthony Rogers, Rachel Mackrill
THIEVES Brian Evans, Ted Morris, John Meredith, Mark David,
Simon Bartlett, Philip Williams. John Strange,
Raymond Richards, Peter Davies, David S. Davies,
David Hughes, Ken Tucker. Mike Sheppard,
Hywel Selway, Howie Johnson, Tom Edwards, Andrew Tovey
All the other wonderful people who played the people of Jerusalem ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I hope I have provoked happy memories for all the past members who are still with us and done justice to the memory of those who have passed but are remembered with love and affection.
Carol Scott
THE DREAM by the Producer Ina D. Jones
“Memories live longer than words” so an old song tells us. I think perhaps that is true. Way back in 1977/78 this community project, this association, this play was still only a new and exciting dream. Those dreams have now become a treasure house of precious memories. Happy memories, sad memories, funny memories. Memories that I, and all those who have shared them with me, will treasure always.
Now in 1995, as we celebrate a 100th performance and our 10th production, I look back and remember the dreams, but hold the memories close in my heart (Don’t we all)
It has been an honour and a privilege for me to have produced this play from its first beginnings. What I have received in return has been immeasurable – love, friendship, loyalty, affection – all those things that make life so good and worthwhile.
Oh yes – it has been hard work.......the preparation, the wet nights of production, the stinging gnats........But what are they, compared to the joy of the rewards........?
Following this 10th production Ina retired as Director and was honoured with the role of the Associations Life President.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
In 1997 with the absence of Ina we had to rethink the production/direction of the play. In an endeavour to share the workload the work was carried out by six of her protégés, all of them very able and talented whose main aim was maintain the high standards of previous productions. The six members of the production team were David S Davies, Howard Davies, Moyra Davies, Ken Rees, Ken Tucker and Carol Scott.
Before the 1999 play, with great sadness, the decision had been made that this would be our last production. There were no rivalries, no feuds, no defections – simply the passing of time. The association was still being organised and the work carried out by many of the same people who had worked and committed themselves for over twenty years. So many of our young people had grown up with the play and some of us had just grown old! The financial responsibility of running the association was also becoming increasingly difficult. The costs of hiring the stand, the lighting and sound, the hire of the Orangery and the hire of the Park had increased enormously over the twenty years. In later years the site for the stand had been moved in order to increase the seating capacity to 850 per night. In the last few years the association was paying ten per cent of the ticket money to the Council for the privilege of using our park.
On aspect of the play which has always attracted interest was the music that had been chosen by Ina. The two main pieces were Vaughan William’s “Fantasia on a Theme by Thomas Tallis and the Adagio in G Minor by Albinoni. Both these pieces are so evocative of scenes from the play and hearing them today we are instantly transported back to Margam Park.
No history of the Association would be complete without acknowledging the passion and commitment of the crowd – the people of Jerusalem. The young and the old turned out night after night whatever the weather and performed their part with great pride and passion. For the two weeks of the play Margam Park became their home and the story became theirs. They were fiercely proud of their story and most of them knew everyone’s lines. They were loyal and supportive of all the cast but if a line was missed or a mistake made they knew instantly and heads would rise like a mob of meerkats. As in everyday life we experienced births (our youngest ever player was carried on in her mother’s arms at only a few months old), losses, romances, accidents, (Carol Mends spent a strange evening in
A & E trying to explain she had been bitten by a donkey on the road to Jerusalem), friendships and as is natural a few disagreements. All of life was there!
On wet nights the crowd moved with a quiet rustle as they lined their costumes with black bin bags. During the interval the Orangery there was a gentle steam rising above the crowd they we dried out. On cold nights it appeared that they had cornered the market in Welsh blankets and if it was cold and wet the smell was a flock of wet sheep. On the warmer nights the aroma was of gnat repellent, which was not unpleasant, but at least they could stay outside for the interval. It was wonderful to sit in the warm sun with their picnics and watch the children play and the Temple Guards try to throw each other in the pond.
What a life we shared together!
OFFICERS AT TIME OF FIRST PLAY 1978
PRESIDENT: Rt. Hon. The Lord Heycock
VICE PRESIDENT: Rt. Hon. John Morris MP .
CHAIRMAN: Rev. Fr. S.M. Kearney
HON. SECRETARY Dan. O’Neill
HON.TREASURER J Michael Perry
TICKET SECRETARY Cheryl Davies
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
D.J. Adams Miss I D Jones
Cty. Cllr. C. Lewis S.R. Page
Cllr L.D. Stanton T. Curran
Rev. Glyn Carter
Peter Davies
Mrs. T. Lloyd
Mrs U.E. Thomas
Cty. Cllr. C.J. Crowley
PRODUCTION FOR THE FIRST PERFORMANCE IN 1978
DIRECTOR Ina D. Jones
ASST. DIRECTOR Carol Mends
PROD SECRETARY Tess Kenure
STAGE MANAGERS Trevor Cross, Jim Sutton, Len Cottey
PROPERTIES Albert E Diamond, Gwladys Cross
LIGHTING Clayton Leyshon, Harold Salisbury, Dennis Allen,
Derek Salisbury
MAKE-UP Cath Heard, Jennifer Davies, Port Talbot Operatic Society
COSTUME DESIGN Derek Cobley
COSTUMES MADE BY Mary Pugh with
C. Penhale D. Williams S. James V. Davies
B. Jones D. Gomer M. Beynon M. Morgan
A. Allen H. Williams B. Bowditch M. Williams
N. Burgess C. John M. Mescall M. Evans
E. Hockin P. Woolley E. Gall P. Way
E. Norton G. Evans G. John R. Kenure
Music arranged and taped by John Quirk – West Glamorgan Resources Centre
Sound by “Vaughan Sound” Swansea
PASSION PLAY CAST OVER THE YEARS
NARRATOR John Adams, Vida Nelson, Viv Walter, Gill Esias,
Moyra Davies, Muriel Lucas, J Jeffrey Morgan,
Wyn Philpin, Pat Lloyd, Andrew Sage, Ann Morgan,
Felicity Hardwick, Doug Roberts, Huw Nicholas,
Meyrick Sheen
CAIAPHUS Elved Lody, Wyn Philpin, Doug Roberts, Hugh Jarrett,
Ken Rees, Howard Davies,
ANNAS Alan Davies, David Davies, Colin Nelson, Peter Davies,
Hugh Jarrett, Ken Tucker
JOSEPH OF Viv Walters, Peter Davies, David Scott, Ken Rees,
ARIMATHEA Wyn Philpin, Huw Nicholas, J Jeffrey Morgan,
Hugh Jarrett, Gareth Morgan, Gareth Richards
PRIEST Alwyn Jones, Lyndon Prosser, Michael Sheppard,
Hugh Jarrett, Huw Nicholas, Philip Mays,
Tom Edwards, Mike Diplock, John Jones,
Lawrie Evans, Alan Taylor, John Jones
JESUS David S Davies, Ken Tucker, Peter Davies,
Mike Sheppard
ROMAN SARGEANT Ken Rees, Dennis Joseph, Roger Cotton, Paul Hughes,
Gareth Edwards
PETER Stephen Wharmby, Edward Dowding, Alan Davies,
Ken Rees, David Scott, Alan Jones, Meirion Prosser,
MATTHEW David Davies, Peter Davies, David Scott, David Hughes
Dennis Joseph, Tom Edwards, Richard Lewis,
Roger Cotton, Graham Rees, Andrew Tovey
JUDAS Ken Tucker, David S Davies, Mike Sheppard,
David Hughes
BARABBAS Don Walters, John Preece, Bill Matthews, Ken Tucker
JOHN John Dummer, David Hughes. Philip William
Howie Johnson, John Newman, Graham Rees,
Gareth Davies, Owen Griffiths
CAPTAIN TEMPLE Alan Davies, Brian Evans, Anthony Llewellyn
GUARDS Ken Rees, Mark Ashton, Philip Williams
MARY MAGDALENE Pauline Mills, Terry Prosser, Val Grace, Mary Wood
Tracey Hunt, Marlene Lloyd-Jones, Gill Esias,
Felicity Hardwick, Marian Keen, Andria Bryant,
Donna Richards, Alison Whitelock, Sarah Evans,
Geraldine Davies, Catie Parry
MARY THE MOTHER Hilda Walters, Moyra Davies, Joan Segieth,
Denise Cavalli. Mair Thomas, Vida Nelson.
Ann Morgan, Marlene Lloyd-Jones, Val Turnbull,
Susan Evans, Sandra Pengelly, Hilary Donovan,
Donna Richards, Janet Jarrett, Tess Oliver
MARY OF BETHANY Susan Grant, Mary Wood, Tracey Hunt, Catie Parry ,
Gill Esias, Alison Whielock, Karen Hughes,
Marie James, Barbara Jenkins, Ann Morgan,
Jean Davies, Karen Hughes
MARTHA Mair Thomas, Tess Kenure, Pat Nilsson, Carol Scott,
Marion keen, Janet Jarrett, Hilary Donovan,
Elizabeth Mackrill, Rachel Mackrill, Marlene Tovey
JOANNA Pat Lloyd, Gill Esias, Susan Evans, Valerie Turnbull,
Sandra Pengelly, Sian Evans
MARCUS Mike Sheppard, Huw Nicholas, Ken Rees, Brian Evans.
Philip Mays, Philip Williams, Graham Rees,
Gareth Edwards, Colin Hardy, Jonathon Morgan,
Owen Griffiths, Nigel Hunt, John Jones
TRILOGY Althea Rooke, Rita Suter, Elizabeth Colucci
PILATE Peter Morgan, J Jeffrey Morgan. John Adams,
Howard Davies, Elved Lody, David Scott, John Jones,
Huw Nicholas
SIMON OF CYRENE Dan O’Neill, Ken Rees, Mike Diplock, John Jones,
Alan Jones, Trevor McGuirl, Mark Ashton,
Meirion Prosser, George Edwards
VERONICA Muriel Lucas, Monica Hanford. Pauline Matthews,
Joan Lewis, Emma Davies, Jean Davies
DISCIPLE Peter Davison, Roger Davison, Barrie Davies,
John Meredith, Alun Adams, Robert Thomas,
Paul Bigmore, Bill Lowrie. Jeff Bath,
Raymond Richards. Michael Campfield,
Lyn Matthews, David Scott, Ken Williams, Griff John. Alan Jones, John Jones, Paul Johnson, Chris Lewis, John P Jones, Bill Matthews, John Purchase, Richard Lewis, Trevor Mc Guirl, Hywel Selway, John Preece, Peter Davies, David Davies, Anthony Argyle, Roger Cotton, Derek Davies, Lawrie Evans, Dennis Joseph
CROWD PARTS Ethel Norton, John Strange, Brian Evans, Carol Scott, Julie Gale, Simon Edwards, Christopher Walters, Les Cotton, Phyllis Cotton, Mike Diplock, Andrew Sage Gill Esias, Beryl Leyshon, Carl Neilson, Ted Warnock,Dorothy Warnock, Anne Bendall, Rhys Evans, Gareth Rees, James Davies, Christian John, Anthony Rogers, Rachel Mackrill
THIEVES Brian Evans, Ted Morris, John Meredith, Mark David,
Simon Bartlett, Philip Williams. John Strange,
Raymond Richards, Peter Davies, David S. Davies,
David Hughes, Ken Tucker. Mike Sheppard,
Hywel Selway, Howie Johnson, Tom Edwards, Andrew Tovey
All the other wonderful people who played the people of Jerusalem ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I hope I have provoked happy memories for all the past members who are still with us and done justice to the memory of those who have passed but are remembered with love and affection.
Carol Scott