The School for Scandal

‘The School for Scandal’ produced by Audrey Gilchrist in 1968

A recent gift from the estate of Mrs Audrey Gilchrist of items associated with the production in 1968 of Sheridan’s ‘The School for Scandal’ is a reminder of the importance of dramatic performances in the life of PLC Orange under the guidance of Miss Ina Miller. 1968 was the fortieth anniversary of the founding of PLC Orange, and Miss Miller’s strong interest in the performing arts was evident in the number of plays put on at PLC in that year. As well there were excursions to see productions by the Bloomfield Theatrical Society (‘The Pajama Game’), All Saints’ Bathurst (‘Twelfth Night’), and the noted UK actor Max Adrian presenting the life of George Bernard Shaw in the New Trinity Hall.

The PLC Form Plays were highly regarded and even reviewed in the ‘Central Western Daily’. From the Preparatory School and Form I to Form V (Year 6 to Year 11) each group required of the part. The play features a dissolute suitor in pursuit of the innocent heiress Maria (Anne Selwood) along with characters including a rich uncle, gossiping female relatives, a Jewish money lender, pompous Restoration ‘fops’ and a selection of hearty, hard-drinking males.

Other cultural events of 1968 included the film ‘A Man for All Seasons” at the Coronet Theatre in March, the Sydney Symphony Orchestra performance at Amoco Community Centre in August, and the PLC Music Festival in July at which each Form presented a performance, assisted by Miss Rodgers and adjudicated by Mr Punke, Music Master at Wolaroi College. Clearly there were many opportunities for creative expression, performance and enjoyment at PLC under Miss Miller’s guidance •

chose a play, designed the sets and costumes, and competed for the ‘Best Play’ award. On this occasion Form V were the winners, and the Adjudicator Mrs Berna Hansen commended all the groups for their efforts.

‘The School for Scandal’ was one of the most ambitious attempted by PLC, and the success of the performances was heavily indebted to the hours of stage direction given by the producers Mrs Audrey Gilchrist and Mrs Eileen Watts. The booklet of original costume designs presented by Mrs Gilchrist’s daughter to the School shows the high degree of care and talent that went into this production. Mrs Wood, Mrs Alexander and Mrs Langridge made the elaborate and beautiful costumes. Among the many outstanding performances the reviewer noted the success of Pamela Edwards as Sir Peter Teazle, a portrayal ‘with all the blustering pomp, yet vitality

FROM THE ARCHIVES

Top Row, L to R: Jenny Mitchell, Cathy Newell, Pen Dowling, Noeline Hunter, Louise Gordon, Ros Cowley, Liz Cook, Pam Edwards, Sharon West, Wendy Olson, Lyn Walker, Fiona Thompson, Anne Silkwood, Jayne Horton, Christabelle Cocker Bottom Row, L to R: Pam Lowe, Sue Kelly, Sue Thomas, Jann Tomlinson, Dianna Drommond-Forbes, Janelle Wykes, Robyn Ferguson, Jocelyn Grimmet, Lesley Martin

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