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THE PEGASUS THEATRE
The Pegasus Theatre played a signifi cant part in Kingswood drama for nearly a quarter of a century, before the opening of the theatre at the Senior school in October 1994.
The conversion of the stables was completed ready for an opening performance of Robert Bolt's "Man for All Seasons" on 11 July 1964; a production by the English Master, J. A. Greeves (KS 1946-52, Staff 1959-68), who had himself been the inspiration behind the creation of the Pegasus Theatre. It was a regular venue for over twenty years and was mostly used for Lower Sixth plays. A wide variety of productions were performed in intimate surroundings from Shakespeare to Pirandello, from Brecht to Gilbert and Sullivan. The curtain came down for the last time on Monday 4 July, 1988; the last performance was, in fact, a Westwood and Beaconfi eld production of Carlo Goldoni's "The Liar" produced by Mr Philip Gooden (Staff 1972-2001), himself, a veteran of some ten seasons at Pegasus. for his willingness to devote himself to school drama.”
The Liar
(Mr Smith, Head of English, Staff 1964-2002)
THE LIAR, 1988 Michael Bishop (KS 1937-45, Staff 1950-87, School Archivist 1987-2000) in 1992 reminisced: “…The conversion of the Summerhill stables [part of the original Summerhill Park Estate] into the Pegasus Theatre in the early 1960s had a major impact on Kingswood drama. It wasn't a comfortable theatre from the audience's point of view; and its long, narrow stage, with no wings
and single exit, was a nightmare for producers. Yet from the start its intimacy worked a kind of magic; and from the opening production - Bolt's A Man for all Seasons - at the end of the summer term, 1964, it both fi lled a gap (in that it gave the Lower Sixth a chance to act) and, thanks to a succession of distinguished productions before small but enthusiastic audiences, soon established itself as an important element in the dramatic year. Sadly, the building is now unfi t, its days of glory past...”
(The Kingswood Magazine, May 1992)
CRISIS, 1964 A Nativity Play by Rev. G. D. Needham (KS Chaplain 1961-69), was performed on 13 and 14 December 1964.
THE SERVANT OF TWO MASTERS, BY CARLO GOLDONI, 1978 The review in The Kingswood
Crisis The Recruiting Offi cer
The Servant of Two Masters
The Government Inspector
Magazine, September 1978 begins:
“Although it is a shame that the Pegasus Theatre is not used more often there is still a special feeling that one remembers year after year, almost as if this unique little den saves up its own treat for those prepared to make the walk down to Summerhill. Yet the very charm of Pegasus with its cosy intimacy creates a challenge for the players. There is such a close relationship between actors and audience that much is demanded of the formers ability not only in terms of concentration but also subtlety and variation of facial expression.”
THE GOVERNMENT INSPECTOR, BY NIKOLAI GOGOL, 1974 Performed in the Pegasus Theatre on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday, the 8, 9 and 10 of July 1974. The review highlighted: “The Pegasus Theatre has an excellent atmosphere.”
THE RECRUITING OFFICER, BY GEORGE FARQUHAR, 1983 The review reads:
“The task of bringing eighteenth century entertainment alive In the Pegasus Theatre (where only the ventilation is eighteenth century) was left to the players themselves and they responded to the task very well.”
I would love to hear from any Old Kingswoodians who have memories they would like to share of their time at school; any reminiscences would add to the great stories I have already unearthed in the archive. Many thanks,
