May 1969 - Our First Production

Trelawny of the Wells

Written by Arthur Wing Pinero and Produced by John Coventon

Trelawny of the Wells

Arthur Wing Pinero (1855-1934) was an English playwright best known for his social dramas, The Second Mrs. Tanqueray (1893) and Trelawny of the Wells (1898), and farces such as The School Mistress (1886).

Trelawny of the Wells illustrates the change the theatre and its patrons underwent in the middle of the nineteeth century when the melodramas, so popular at the time, gave way to realistic drama. Indeed, the character of Tom Wrench in Trelawny is based on that of Tom Robertson (1829-71), an early advocate of stage realism, who had his first sucess in 1865 with Society and followed it up with his best-known play, Caste. This move towards realism was as important a step in theatre history as the 'kitchen sink' movement started with Look Back in Anger in 1956 may prove to be. It can be said of both that they are looking for a truth.

Addington Theatre Group

This is the first production of this group formed to fill the gap in the Addington district left by the disbanding of Group 24. We are still looking for new members who are interested in anything to do with theatre.

For further details, please contact the Chairman, Bernard Seigne Esq., or the Secretary, Mrs Maureen Pawson.