Mr Maypole

Summary: This BBC production of R. J. Atkins’ play Mr Maypole was first in a series of productions transmitted under the title Henry Sherek Presents: some of these plays were transmitted shortly before their production in the West End; others were revivals of his stage successes. Sherek personally introduced each production and described how each came about (Radio Times, 23 September 1955, p. 1). At the time of transmission of Mr Maypole, Sherek intended to present the play in London later in 1955.
Theatre play: Mr Maypole by R. J. Atkins [more information]
Play synopsis: A fantastic comedy with a maze-like plot which is set in a room above a public house in Hamstead. Four characters - Kashman, his henchman Dewie, the trumpet-player Eyelock and the nervous, bookish young man Mr Maypole - bully each other and discuss the mysterious Brotherhood.
Production history: Mr Maypole premièred, with a different cast, at the Tower Theatre in Canonbury in October 1955, the month following its television broadcast: see http://www.headlandview.co.uk/tower/plays/1955/p5521.htm.
Date of transmission: Sunday 25 September 1955
Time: 8.15pm (90 mins)
Series: Sunday-Night Theatre; Henry Sherek Presents
Channel: BBC Television
Production company: BBC

Producer

Alan Bromly

Theatre Producer

Henry Sherek (1900-1967)

Playwright

R. J. Atkins

Designer

Lawrence [Laurence] Broadhouse

Cast

Title: BBC Preview of New Comedy: Mr Maypole on Television (Newspaper review)
Reference: The Times, 26 September 1955, p. 4

Title: Radio Times, 23 September 1955 (Magazine)
Linking notes: Henry Sherek writes article titled Television and the Stage on p. 1; listing on pp. 14-15 illustrated with image of George Coulouris, Maureen Davis and Robert Urquhart in their respective roles

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