The Torchbearers

Summary: 1939 BBC studio production of George Kelly’s satirical comedy The Torchbearers.
Theatre play: The Torchbearers by George Kelly (1887-1974) [more information]
Play synopsis: 'In his first full-length play, The Torch-Bearers, Kelly satirizes the "Little Theatre Movement", depicting it as made up of narcissistic and undisciplined amateurs. Their leader, Mrs. J. Duro Pampinelli, is a brilliant caricature of self-indulgent dilettantism. In the first act, Kelly shows the troupe incapable of conducting a competent rehearsal; in the second, he depicts with farcical brilliance their public performance collapsing in shambles. In the third act, however, the tone grows more earnest as the players are excoriated for their indulgences.' (Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/George_Kelly_(playwright))
Production history: Written in 1922 and first performed in 1923.
Date of transmission: Saturday 13 May 1939
Time: 9.00-10.30pm
Channel: BBC Television
Production company: BBC

Producer

Reginald Smith

Playwright

George Kelly (1887-1974)

Adaptor of Script

W. Grahame Browne

Sets / Settings

Malcolm Baker-Smith

Cast

This record has been viewed 319 times.