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Anne Dalton’s award-winning musical
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“The sights and sounds of our city”
A
century ago a quarter of the world’s map was coloured red. The British Empire, the greatest Empire the world has ever seen, was in its hey-day and no one disputed that its second city and port was Liverpool. Ships filled the Mersey, the docks were forested with masts and every day the noisy, crowded streets pulsated with the clangour of prosperity.
Teams of sweating, muscle-rippling labourers raised sparks from the road as they slithered and strained to pull heavily laden wagons over the stone setts; wagons piled high with bales of raw cotton and tobacco, sacks of sugar and grain, kegs of rum and balks of timber, on their way from the docks to the warehouses. The yells of the carters mingled with the shouts of the coach-drivers and the shrill cries of the flower girls, the paper boys and the match sellers. It was a period which saw Liverpool’s population rise to more than six hundred thousand and the merchant princes began to move away from the overcrowded city centre into the cleaner air of the leafy areas to the south and ‘over the water’ into the Wirral.
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It was also a period when Liverpool for all its wealth had the biggest workhouse in Britain, the highest infant mortality rate and more than three thousand prostitutes, while a large part of its population lived at near starvation level in squalid, foul smelling cellars or in crumbling houses with the notorious ‘courts’. Many were even without a roof over their heads and men, women and children alike spent their nights huddled in shop doorways, in narrow alleyways, under arches, on basement steps and in any corner which afforded some protection from the elements. Poverty in Victorian times was not solely a Liverpool problem: it was everywhere. An observer of the English scene at the time described those wretched people as ‘the submerged tenth’ and the phrase became a popular euphemism among the middle and upper classes. In Liverpool’s case that fraction was possibly on the low side. The number of paupers, who had to beg, borrow andwithout hesitation – steal to stay alive was beyond count. As soon as a child from the slums was old enough it was taught how to beg and it soon learned how to steal. Many were sent out on the streets soon after daybreak and ordered not to return until they had ‘earned’ by begging or other means a specific sum – say, sixpence or a shilling. Some might be given a penny with which to buy two halfpenny boxes of matches. They would take up a position on the landing stage or outside one of the railway stations or big stores and offer matches for sale to ‘the gentry’. More often than not the gentleman accosted would part with a penny to get rid of the dirty, ragged ‘street Arab’ that was pestering him to buy. If the matches were actually taken the penny would buy another box and leave a halfpenny change. In this way their earnings increased.
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Begging and street trading were only two of the devices. Rag collecting, shoe shining, carrying travellers’ baggage, street singing, turning cartwheels, picking pockets, snatching from market stalls and barrows, robbing drunks who had fallen unconscious in the street, and stealing from the docks were all prevalent. Theft from the docks was particularly rife. At one time, gangs of Liverpool slum children were so highly organised that they set up ‘markets’ in the cellars of empty warehouses where unscrupulous shopkeepers came to buy. As soon as the youngsters had sold everything and shared the receipts they scampered off for more. But there were exceptions. In 1879, the Rev. Silas K Hocking, a Methodist minister in Liverpool, wrote a heart-rending story about two of them. Appearing for the first as a serial and then in book form, Her Benny, based on living characters, was an instant best seller. ‘They are not all bad,’ he wrote, ‘as many people seem to think. Many of them try hard to earn an honest living, though they find it a difficult matter, especially when at home they receive no encouragement, while in the streets temptation is being continually put in their way…’ Silas Hocking vividly describes the neighbourhood in which his story is set ‘on the Western side of Scotland road – that is to say, between it and the docks – there is a regular network of streets, inhabited mostly by the lowest class of the Liverpool poor, and those who have occasion to penetrate their dark and filthy recesses are generally thankful when they find themselves safe out again. In winter those streets and courts are kept comparatively clean by the heavy rains; but in the summer the air fairly reeks with the stench of decayed fish, rotting vegetables, and every other conceivable kind of filth…. The children seem to swarm in this neighbourhood and are nearly all of a pale, sallow complexion, and of stunted growth. Shoes and stockings and underclothing are luxuries that they never know, and one good meal a day is almost more than they dare to hope for, cuffs and kicks they reckon upon every day of their lives; and in this they are rarely disappointed….’
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In a town like 19th century Liverpool where the rich were very rich and the poor were wretchedly poor it must not be thought that the former were blind to the latter’s plight. The well to do generally were magnanimous in response to appeals for help and many prominent men and women took practical steps to alleviate suffering wherever they could. Indeed, many of them looked upon assistance to the lower classes as being something of an obligation imposed upon them by the fortuity of their own station in life. Throughout Victorian England there were hundreds of committees, societies and institutions established for bringing relief to the destitute, providing shelter for the homeless, food for the starving, education to the illiterate and salvation for the sinners. In Liverpool, which had seen the establishment of the world’s first school for the blind, the world’s first Medical Officer of Health and the first council houses, William Rathbone (in keeping with his family’s long philanthropic tradition) had initiated the first District Nurses and Kitty Wilkinson had set up the first public wash-house in her own home. Josephine Butler founded homes for waifs and strays. Canon major Lester set up a Ragged Schools and the great Father Nugent devoted most of his adult life to helping the poor, deprived and the intemperate. There were many others who in one way or another had worked hard to raise the quality of life among the deprived section of the populace. Yet there was a grey area where little or nothing was done because no one thought much could be done. Cruelty to children was not a crime. Corporal punishment generally was an accepted part of life. In the armed forces and the public schools it was routine and even in the better class homes ‘spare the rod and spoil the child’ was a fully accepted dictum. Among the lower orders, as in the case of Benny Bates, parental punishment, however severe, was considered to be no ones business but the parents’. Even when chastisement went beyond reasonable bounds and a child suffered cruelly, it was still considered to be something in which no one had any right to intervene. It was an aspect that gave some people misgivings when the formation of a society for the prevention of cruelty was mooted. Might they not be infringing the liberty of the subject? When Queen Victoria ascended the throne in 1837 at the age of 18 there was no such offence in English law as ‘ill treatment’ or ‘neglect’ of children, and she was an old lady of 70 before the Prevention of Cruelty to, and the Better Protection of, Children Act became law in 1889. Quoted with permission from ‘All You Need Is Love’ by Alan Brack (The Story of the Liverpool Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children 1883–1983).
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Anne Dalton
Artistic Director/Writer Anne Dalton is a multi-talented composer, director and lyricist. ‘Her Benny’ is her biggest triumph in a career encompassing all aspects of musical theatre Anne Dalton first wrote ‘Her Benny’ the musical back in 1990. It won The International Quest for new Musicals. Since then it’s gone through a series of changes, but staying true to the original storyline. Based on Silas K Hocking’s much loved novelit’s become as synonymous with Liverpool as the Liver Birds and Scouse. A production was staged at the Liverpool Empire to celebrate Liverpool’s cultural year, 2008. Since then Benny stalwarts will notice a few subtle changes, most notably a beautiful new ballad called ‘I know That I Belong’. Since ‘Her Benny’ was first staged at the Liverpool Empire in 1993 Anne has gone on to write and produce a succession of popular musicals. Adaptations of Charles Dickens’ ‘Copperfield’ and ‘A Christmas Carol’, Nathaniel Hawthorne’s ‘The Scarlet Letter’ and J.M Barrie’s tireless children’s classic- ‘Peter Pan’. Anne’s original musicals ‘Who Can Save Christmas?’ and ‘Lorenzo’s Quest’ have also proved firm favourites amongst a home grown audience receiving much critical acclaim. Anne received a ‘Scouseology’ award, for services to theatre, as voted for by readers of the Liverpool Echo and received the North West Women of Achievement Merit Award. Anne has plans to take Benny to a wider audience during the next few years and there are plans to stage her musical “David Copperfield” next year, Charles Dickens’ bicentennial.
Mike Littlewood Mike has had an extensive career in all aspects of the theatre including set and lighting design and production. His knowledge of all kinds of theatre work is vast and he has worked on too many productions to mention. He has worked in a wide variety of theatres throughout the UK with stars such as Norman Wisdom, Tommy Cooper and Ken Dodd. Anne is delighted to be working again with someone of his expertise and professionalism. It is a happy partnership.
Chris Woolfenden Chris is a fully qualified member of the British Theatre Dance Association and Council for Dance and Educational Training. Chris has had the privilege of running her own dance academy for 31 years and has helped students to progress into the West End, cruises and full time dance and performing arts colleges. More recently Chris and her students enjoyed performing at Sadlers Wells and Euro Disney. Chris says she feels very privileged working with Anne and her team at ABD, it has been the most exciting show she has worked on, the wonderful story line and lyrics have inspired her imagination! She would also like to thank Anna Shimmin for all her help.
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Adult Principals Johnny Kennedy
(Joe Wragg)
Famed for his radio shows on Radio City, including the acclaimed Bride of the Week, Johnny has won the Whitbread Personality of the Year award 3 times and was voted “Greatest Ever Living Scouser”, an award he refused to accept. As well as being a professional broadcaster and public speaker, Johnny is also an accomplished actor and classically trained tenor. He starred in a sell out production of Shakespeare’s “The Winter Tale”, and has performed at The Liverpool Empire 175 times! Johnny appeared in ABD production’s inaugural run of “Her Benny” back in 1993, and again in 2008, and is delighted to being appearing once more in the musical which he describes as very special to him.
Julie Davitt
(Sally Wragg)
Julie began performing at an early age and has appeared on BBC Nationwide, and Liverpool’s Channel 1. She has sung across Europe and as part of the duo “Touch of Class.” Theatre work includes “Hello Dolly”, “Half a Sixpence”, “Anything Goes” and the lead role of Florence Vassey in “Chess.” She also toured the UK in ABD’s “Moments of Magic” performing the songs of Judy Garland. She is thrilled to be returning to “Her Benny” to resume her previous principal role of Sally Wragg which she has performed on many occasions.
Neil Newton
(Jazzer)
Neil is a highly experienced radio presenter and producer who is incredibly proud of his scouse roots. At 13 he began his career at Radio City, alongside his long term mentor Johnny Kennedy, programmes with Billy Butler and Wally Scott ensued. Recently he’s worked on and appeared within nearly every programme on BBC Radio Merseyside! No stranger to theatre, Neil is an acclaimed compere and commercial host – working with the likes of Ken Dodd and Bobby Davro Amongst his many appearances for ABD Productions he has played lead roles in ‘Peter Pan’, and ‘Who Can Save Christmas? and is thrilled to be appearing in Her Benny as Jazzer. Neil wishes the cast, crew and audience all the very best! Neil is delighted to become a patron of the West Lancs Women’s Refuge.
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Adult Principals Les Rowlands
(Mr Lawrence)
Les Rowlands has had a long career in music, television and theatre, playing Bobby O’Rourke in “The Beat Goes On” for Mersey Television with guest appearances on “Coronation Street” and many other television shows too numerous to mention. His first love is musical theatre and he is proud to say he appeared in the original cast of “Her Benny”. Les has played leading roles in many musical productions and with his rich tenor voice he is easily cast. We are proud to have him appearing with us in “Her Benny” again as Mr. Lawrence.
Chloe Gleave
(Older Eva)
Chloe has been dancing, singing and attending drama lessons from an early age and is currently studying Performing Arts. Her television appearances include Waterloo Road and Grange Hill. Theatre productions include “Annie” at the Liverpool Empire, “Bugsy Malone” at the Chester Gateway and she played the principle role in “Little Red Riding Hood” at the Pavilion Theatre New Brighton. Chloe is delighted to be taking on the lead role of Older Eva and working with such an experienced cast and production team.
Chris Jones
(Older Benny)
Chris has been involved in performing for several years. Some of his credits include roles in theatres such as The Liverpool Empire, Floral Pavilion and Manchester Opera House. After gaining recognition for Performing Arts by the Mayor of Wirral in 2004, he went on to presenting on 7 Waves Radio and hosting Spotlight on Youth for Mayor of Wirral’s Charities which he continues to do every year. Chris is privileged to be working with Anne Dalton and the team at ABD Productions in such a spectacular musical and wishes the fantastic cast and crew all the best for the run.
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Young Principals David Warren
(Benny in Nell’s team)
David is 13 years old and attends Birkdale High School in Southport. He joined ABD in 2008 to play Spider in Our Benny at the Liverpool Empire and is delighted to be asked to return to the show in the role of Benny Bates after 2010’s successful runs. Other stage experience includes the role of Tiny Tim for Birkdale Orpheus, Olou for Sefton Schools Opera at Liverpool Cathedral and several G&S shows with Hoghton Players in Southport. He began singing with Julie Ann Carr at the age of 6 and recently passed Grade 7 Singing with Distinction. He has won numerous 1st prizes in singing classes at festivals in Liverpool, Crosby and Southport. David also plays trumpet and cornet in Sefton Schools Brass Band and enjoys following his favourite football teams Everton and Southport!
Jacob Bailey
(Benny in Benny’s team)
Jacob is a member of ABD Young performers. He has had a few roles in productions having played Tweedle Dum in ‘Alice in Wonderland’, a Mechanical in ‘It’s a Dream’ and a Spirit in ‘Lorenzo’s Quest’. Jacob enjoys all his roles but this, as the title role, Benny Bates, is his most challenging yet. He is delighted to have been asked to perform the role again after 2010’s successful runs. Jacob is in Year 8 at Birkdale High School and is already a member of the Drama group. Jacob’s talents do not end there because he is also a member of the Sefton Junior Brass band and plays the trumpet.
Emily-Jayne Prescott
(Nell in Benny’s team)
Emily- Jayne has been dancing since the age of 2 at the Miss Sutcliffe Academy of dance in Wigan. She has danced with the English Youth Ballet Company in productions of “The Nutcracker” and “Giselle”, and was awarded the “Joy of Dance Scholarship” giving her 12 months free dance tuition. She has performed with ABD when she took on the role of Small Alice in Disney’s “Alice in Wonderland” and is glad to be taking on the role of Little Nell again. Other theatre credits include Molly in ‘Annie’.
Megan Basford
(Nell in Nell’s team)
Despite having only recently celebrated her 9th birthday, Megan is a seasoned performer. She has appeared in several local musical productions, followed by “Chitty Chitty Bang Bang” at the Liverpool Empire Theatre. Megan studies dance, drama and singing and has played roles in several school productions. She is very happy at gaining the part of Nell in such a prestigious production. It is the first time she has had such a large solo part and she is excited about her forthcoming lead role
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Production Team Producer/Director
Anne Dalton
Musical Arranger
Phil Bush
Soundtrack Engineer
Andy Wade
P. A.
Valerie Warren
Stage Manager
Mike Littlewood
Choreographer
Chris Woolfenden
Set Design
Mike Littlewood
Alan Gosling
Peter Oakley
Lighting
The Pavilion Theatre New Brighton
Sound
Mike Haxby
Sound Assistants
Liam Garnett
James Melling
Company Manager
Mike Dalton,
Marketing/Publicity Manager
Neil Newton
Programme Design
Champion Media Group
Costumes
ABD Productions
Set
ABD Productions
Props/Dresser
Charlotte Hirons
Wigs
Jay Rabiei
Special Thanks Anne Dalton would like to give special thanks to: The entire cast Members of previous casts who have shaped the piece over the years. All the parents of young members of cast for their patience and support Councillor Les Rowlands Merseytravel Kevin West Dave Kelly Chris Jones Ray Jones Linda Withers Mark Thurston Anne-Marie Mills and Joyce Rylett Tricia, Katie and Shaun Moran Helen Walker All matrons The Almond Family Bob Kiernan BKPL Kate Brown (Headteacher Pensby Primary School) Eat Ezee (H and co) The management and staff of The Pavilion Theatre New Brighton And anyone who has helped in any way towards the success of the show
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Cast List Benny’s Team
Johnny Kennedy Julie Davitt Les Rowlands Neil Newton Chris Jones Chloe Gleave Jacob Bailey Emily-Jayne Prescott Sacha Vormawah Sarah Quirk Darcy Burchall Andrew Baxendale Helen Baxendale Abbie Bradbury Peter Brindle Steve Coghlan Katie Moran Shaun Moran Michelle Rhodes Toni Shrimpton Valerie Warren Fiona Johnson Ellie Edwards Adam Baxendale
Nell’s Team
Adult Principals Joe Wragg Sally Wragg Mr Lawrence Jazzer Older Benny Older Eva
Johnny Kennedy Julie Davitt Les Rowlands Neil Newton Chris Jones Chloe Gleave
Young Principals Benny Nell Perks Sniffer Young Eva
David Warren Megan Basford Robert Hilton Abbie Bradbury Elizabeth Baxendale
Other Characters Inspector Sharpe / Teacher Bertha / Duchess Milkmaid Lamplighter / Alf / Pete / Cricketer Jack / Doorman / Mr Fisher / Mr Morgan Bread Seller / Bridget Reg the Rags Mrs. Fisher Gert, Lil, Nurse Martha/Queenie Older Maisie Young Maisie Spider
Andrew Baxendale Helen Baxendale Abbie Bradbury Peter Brindle Steve Coghlan Katie Moran Shaun Moran Michelle Rhodes Toni Shrimpton Valerie Warren Zoe Jackman Molly Press James Warren
Adult Ensemble Lucy Alderton, Adam Hird, Ian Murphy, Faye Newell, Mark Newell, Dezi Oakes, Sam Skett
Young Ensemble Emily Fessey Chris Hird Rachel McDowell Stephanie Mills Amir Rabiei Jersey Range Taylor Range Elisabeth Rigby Jessica Rigby Sarah Rowlands Lauren Wood 12
Elizabeth Aitcheson Emily Apter Olivia Doyle Isabelle Jefferies Susie Jefferies Ben Murphy Hannah Price Anna Roberts Charlotte Roberts Danielle Whittaker Annie Winstanley Jamie Wong Jennifer Wong
Musical Numbers
Act One
The Sights and Sounds of Our City The Boy We Lost Pictures in the Firelight Addlers Alley Drunken Parents God Help Me The Lord’s Elect Funny How Things Turn Out I Know That I Belong Eastham Ferry A Boy Like Him Christmas Time Pictures in the Firelight (reprise)
The Company Joe and Sally Wragg Nell and Company Jazzer and Company Jack and Bertha Bates Jack Bates Joe Wragg Sally, Ins. Sharpe, Jazzer, Reg and Company Joe and Sally Nell, Benny, Sally and Company Eva Lawrence Sally and Company Sniffer and Company
Act Two Joe Wragg’s Vision Thoughts of love Funny How Things Turn Out (reprise) Mr. Lawrence’s Lament/Quartet Mastery of Fate What’s Done is Done As Long As I Believe The Progress of Our Hero Time the Healer Funny How Things Turn Out (reprise) Like An Answer to My Prayer Follow Your Destiny
Joe Wragg Mr Lawrence and Young Eva Sniffer, Sally, Young Eva, Young Benny, Mr Lawrence, Mr. Morgan Mr. Lawrence, Ins. Sharpe, Young Benny, Young Eva Jazzer , Queenie, Pete, Perks and Company Sniffer, Joe, Mr. Lawrence Joe Older Benny, Young Benny, Mr. & Mrs. Fisher, Milkmaid, Cricketer, Duchess and Teacher Older Eva Mr. Lawrence Older Benny and Eva The Company
The successful ‘Her Benny’ tour continues … The Pavilion Theatre
ELLESMERE PORT
Tues 4 – Sat 8 October
Wed 12 – Sat 15 October
Rhyl
2011 • 7.30pm
Matinees Wed/Sat 2.30pm
Box Office 01745 330000 www.rhylpavilion.co.uk
CIVIC HALL
2011 • 7.30pm
Matinees Wed/Sat 2.00pm
Box Office 01606 814640 www.cheshirewestandcheshire.gov.uk
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Synopsis
N
ell and Benny Bates are two Liverpool street children forced to earn a few coppers for their drunken parents by selling matches and carrying bags.
The diversity and richness of Victorian life unfolds, urchin children who live by their wits, street traders and the inhabitants of Addlers Alley who are no better off than they ought to be. Life is a curious mixture of hardship, humour, violence, generosity, drunkenness and neglect. One night after a severe beating, Nell and her Benny decide to run away from home and seek help from their friend, Joe Wragg. When he learns that their remorseful father has drowned in the Mersey whilst searching for his children, Joe decides to take them home to Sally. The children bring Sally and Joe closer together and for a while they live like a happy family. Their ferry trip and day spent in Eastham will remain an abiding memory and then later that year the children enjoy their first real Christmas. Despite the Wragg’s love and care, however, Nell’s poor health deteriorates. One day Benny is devastated to learn that Nell has collapsed and has been taken to the infirmary. Her death, when it comes is a cruel blow to them all and intensifies Joe’s despair at the inevitable fate of the poor and helpless. He does not have Sally’s faith. One stormy night Joe is visited by a heavenly vision in which Nell and others who have gone before explain to him that the poor and meek are blessed. Joe tells Sally that his faith and hope are restored, and he communicates this to all who are drawn to his fire for comfort, advice and companionship. Benny meanwhile has found it difficult to adjust to life without Nell, but a chance meeting with Eva, the young daughter of a wealthy Liverpool businessman changes his life. Eva takes pity on Benny and gives him a silver shilling, which he regards as a lucky talisman and resolves never to spend. Later, at Eva’s insistence, Mr Lawrence employs Benny as an office boy. The children’s friendship develops and all goes well until Benny is accused of stealing a banknote. He’s thrown into jail overnight but protests his innocence. Mr Lawrence decides not to press charges. On his release, Benny, unable to clear his name effectively, is too ashamed to return home to Sally and Joe, and decides to leave Liverpool. A distraught Mr Lawrence seeks out Sally and Joe, who despite their own sorrow, ask him to keep believing that Benny’s faith will sustain him. Meanwhile Benny wanders many miles and is found exhausted and near to death by a farming couple. The Fishers restore Benny to health and employ him on their farm. During the years that follow Benny grows up into a strong, healthy and reliable young man. He pursues his education at night school, but when the time comes for him to decide his future he resolves to return to Liverpool and take up employment there. It is on one of these trips that he goes to the aid of a young lady who is being viciously attacked by thieves. He escorts her home where the injuries he sustained in her defence are attended to and the girl’s father expresses his gratitude. They compare reminiscences of Liverpool during which it becomes clear that the girl’s father is none other than Mr Lawrence. The banknote, that Benny was alleged to have stolen, had been found soon after Benny had left Liverpool, and Mr Lawrence and Eva had made frantic efforts to trace the boy. Benny reveals his identity and shows Eva his ‘lucky shilling’. Now that a romance is developing between them, his name is cleared and his future at Mr Lawrence’s firm is assured, Benny goes in search of his old friends and in the final scene he is joyfully re-united with Joe and Sally Wragg. They, together with the people of Liverpool, join to reaffirm their belief in hope for the future.
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Timeline 1190 1207 1211 1235 1349-59 1355 1485 1530 1548 1558 1648 1670 1700 1709-15 1720-33 1755 1760’s 1790 1801 1807 1826 1830 1839 1840 1844-50 1847 1852 1854 1860 1868 1877 1878 1880 1892 1893 1901
The name ‘Liverpul’ meaning muddy pool, appears for the first time, in a deed signed by Prince John August 28th King John founds the borough of Liverpool as the recognition of it being a safe port to serve Ireland King John uses Liverpool as a base for his military operations in Wales Liverpool Castle is completed. It was built of sandstone and designed to be self-supporting in times of any sieges The Black Death plagues Liverpool. It caused there to be mass burials The construction of St Nicholas’ Church begins Thomas Stanley gives decisive support to Henry Tudor in his victory against Richard III at the Battle of Bosworth Field and is rewarded with the Earldom of Derby John Leland a Tudor Historian visits Liverpool. He describes it as a small fishing village with well-kept paved streets Population of Liverpool estimated at 600 The Great Sickness Plague kills 260 people The first recorded cargo from America arrives Daniel Danvers sets up business and sugar refining starts in earnest The first mention of the slave trade is mentioned with the sailing of The Blessing Thomas Steers built the first commercial wet dock in the world – The Old Dock Liverpool connected to Manchester due to the Mersey and Irwell becoming navigable The first canal that was constructed in Britain connected Liverpool to the coalfields of St Helens and was the Sankey Canal Liverpool becomes Britain’s leading slave trading port The first imports of raw cotton arrive from the West Indies Liverpool’s population has grown to 77,000 The Slave Trade is abolished. Cotton becomes the primary trade in the port George Stephenson begins building the Liverpool to Manchester Railway Liverpool to Manchester Railway completed – the first passenger railway in the world The first Aintree Grand National Steeplechase is won by ‘Lottery’ The founding of The Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Society A migration explosion due to the Irish potato famine. This peaked in 1847 when 300,000 Irish travellers arrive in Liverpool Dr Duncan spearheads the country’s public health movement In over 3,000 sailings almost 300,000 people emigrated St George’s Hall opens and becomes the seat of the crown court The William Brown Museum and Library opens Liverpool becomes the first area in the country to establish permission for a tram network The Walker Art Gallery opens Everton Football Club is founded Liverpool receives city and diocesan status Liverpool FC founded Liverpool Overhead Railway opens. This was the first elevated, electric railway in the world. It had 16 stations that spread between Dingle and Seaforth The population of Liverpool has soared to 704,000
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H
e was the first millionselling novelist, but Silas K. Hocking is not a famous name today.
Silas K. Hocking 1850–1935
An unassuming Cornish Methodist minister, he had a reputation as a persuasive and charismatic preacher and compelling story-teller. He could have been asked to preach in a circuit anywhere in the country, but was eventually invited to Liverpool. His reaction was ecstatic: “I could scarcely believe my own eyes. It seemed too good to be true. Liverpool of all places in the country! The very name awed me a little. Was it not the second city in the kingdom, and one of the greatest sea-ports in the world?� Once established in the city, Hocking was given a central circuit taking in Toxteth, which even then had declined from former prosperity and was one of the poorest districts of the city. He worked principally in Russell Street Church and the Wellington Road chapel, where he came into direct contact with the kind of poverty that inspired him to write his second book Her Benny (his first having been a tale of his native Cornwall.)
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Walking in the footsteps of Hocking by Dr. Stephen Collins Hocking was a sensitive man, and although he enjoyed the cultural attractions of Liverpool, organ recitals at St. George’s Hall and the treasures of the Walker Art Gallery, he was aware that his access to ‘people of influence and authority’ should be used for the benefit of those less well-off than himself. So his principal motive for writing was altruistic, born of a genuine desire to publicise and alleviate the sufferings he saw around him. He looked at the writings of others, and concluded: “I have lived and worked among the poor, and in the slums of a great city, and the question that arose in my mind was, could I write a better story built on my own experience?” The result of those musings was the tale of two slum children, Benny and his sister Nell, in the Liverpool docklands, which captured the imagination of the reading public at the time and became a runaway success. His ministry took him eventually to Southport, where he spent thirteen years as the incumbent of Duke Street United Methodist Free Church. While there, from his comfortable home in Scarisbrick New Road, he continued to produce novels at the rate of two per year, most of which were moderately successful, but none achieved the widespread appeal of Benny. Hocking eventually left the ministry and was able to sustain himself and his family by means of his writing, although ironically, not through the phenomenal sales of his Liverpool novel. His publisher had refused to consider royalty arrangements for Benny, and the author agreed to sell the copyright for £20. That, plus a further payment of £10 some time later, was all Silas was to receive for his bestseller, but the book was taken to heart by the people of his adopted home of Merseyside and all over the country, where it has been appreciated and enjoyed by successive generations to the present day. 17
In Memoriam Simon Coghlan 1967 – 1999
“Her Benny” was a labour of love from start to finish because I could enlist the help of my friend and colleague, Simon Coghlan. Without his enthusiastic encouragement and unswerving support, the task of producing “Her Benny” would have been onerous. Simon was special. Born with perfect pitch, a keen intellect and a highly tuned ear, he had an instinctive feel for the musical. The years I spent working with him were some of the happiest in my life. Volatile but vulnerable, passionate yet painstaking, he gave generously of his time and put his heart and soul into our work together. It’s as if he is with me in every production. Simon, I miss you! — Anne
Louis White 1983 – 2003
Witty and lively, Louis was a popular member of the 2002 cast of “Her Benny”. He had the special gift of being able to relate to the children and adults equally well; his humanity and warmth were irresistible. He was ideal for the role of cheery Reg The Rags, a ‘character’ in every way. His smile was infectious and he lit up the stage. Supportive and generous of his time, Louis loved every aspect of the work of the production. He responded with good humour to all of its demands, earning the respect and friendship of all the cast and crew. Knowing him was a privilege, working with him a joy, losing him is very difficult for all of us. We will remember you. — Anne and 2002 “Her Benny” cast
Peter Oakley 1935- 2007
Without Peter, it is doubtful whether “Her Benny” would ever have reached the stage. His unstinting support, encouragement, ingenuity and above all talent allowed Benny to see the light of day. Peter was a magnificent artist and craftsman. Not only did he design all the set and scenery but he painted it too. His attention to detail was second to none. Peter also produced a wonderful portfolio of costume designs for each of the main characters in the show. This has become a treasured possession, as has the memory of such a fine friend. — Anne and Mike
Gerry Fogarty 1935-2007
The continued success of “Her Benny” owes much to the enthusiastic input of Gerry Fogarty. His professionalism and pleasantness made him a joy to work with.He excelled in the role of Joe Wragg, the kindly night watchman, prior to its first Empire production, and he brought Jazzer to life at the first staging of the show at the Liverpool Empire. His humour, enthusiasm, talent and generosity of spirit will never be forgotten. He was truly a one in a million! — Anne and Mike
Elsie Simister 1916-2011
Mum’s influence, in shaping my musical childhood, is largely responsible for the direction my career took. Her love of and support for the show was unwavering and her favourite song from the show “Pictures in the Firelight” was sung recently at her funeral. Her eye for detail and her high standards were inspirational, as were her tenacity and her determination to face life’s challenges. I shall miss her flowers on opening night. I miss you Mum. — Anne
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C.P.S. RECOVERY
CALL OUT
24hr Unit E, Abbey Lane Industrial Estate, Burscough, Lancs. L40 7SR
01704 888900 (24hrs)
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Previous Anne Dalton Productions
Peter Pan
David Copperfield 20
Previous Anne Dalton Productions
A Christmas Carol
Hobson’s Choice 21
Her Benny Production Photographs
Š 2011 ABD Productions. All rights reserved. Designed by Champion Media Group 01704 392392.
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