The only sad thing about the Bradfield play is that when watching one, one knows it will be three years before one can see anything so good anywhere in England.
John Masefield, Poet Laureate 1928
It is to be hoped that a minimum of the spectacle and colour has been lost in the quest for authenticity
Christopher Stace, Director 1979
For the 28th Bradfield College Greek Play, the Oedipus Tyrannus returned to the Greek Theatre 42 years after the first production of Sophocles’ tragedy. Co-Director Christopher Stace noted in his programme introduction that the 1937 show featured a cast and crew of 104, going on to write: “Today we work on a smaller scale, but it is to be hoped that a minimum of the spectacle and colour has been lost in the quest for authenticity.”
Saving his highest praise for the final notes of the programme Stace thanked the Chorus, calling them “the real heroes” of the Greek Play. “In strength of character and breadth of talent they have measured up well to the high standards of their predecessors. Their enthusiasm and dedication have been a constant source of inspiration. I salute them. They have been easy to teach and a pleasure to work with.”
We are constantly thankful for the providence of Gray. For, what in January 1890 was a disused chalk-pit, six months later through his vision and industry had become a Greek Theatre; and that theatre has remained, with minor additions and alterations, as the home of Greek Tragedy in all Great Britain.
Christopher Stace, Director 1979
I learnt my 680 lines of Ancient Greek in Crossways, where I was a guest of the Headmaster.
Patrick Wilson (G 75-80) on playing the role of Oedipus in 1979
Having played the lead role, Patrick Wilson (G 75-80) still has deep recollections of his time as ‘Oedipus’ in 1979. “I learnt my 680 lines of Ancient Greek in Crossways, where I was a guest of Headmaster Anthony and wife Jean Quick, together with my friend in G House, Graeme Lunn. They couldn’t have been more hospitable.”
One of the highlights of that summer was taking the production on tour to Cyprus where it was performed at St Barnabus School for the Blind, Nicosia and in the ancient Theatre of Curium, Limassol. It almost wasn’t didn’t happen for Patrick who recalls: “My Housemaster, Chris Saunders, feared I had taken on too much, and that it would affect me hitherto. How right he was. Luckily, by the time I went to perform on tour in August at Curium Theatre, the doctors and my mother had nursed me back to health.”
Even I, as a Science student, knew that it doesn't get much better than that.
Charles Flindt (B 75-80), Messenger from Corinth 1979
Charles Flindt (B 75-80), who played the ‘Messenger from Corinth’ in the 1979 production, has a mountain of memories too, far beyond the first five or ten lines, which he can still recite. “I remember Charlie Lepper shouting: “Can’t hear you, Corinthian Messenger!” during the endless rehearsals. I also remember the rain sending a performance from Greeker to the Gym which I think it was a first, despite Lepper’s lucky tie!”
The performances in Cyprus were also memorable for Charles. “During the performance in Curium, having dropped my bombshell news to Oedipus and done my bit, I ran to to the top of the theatre to watch a blood-spattered Paddy Wilson emerge, eyes stabbed out, lamenting the inescapable cruelty of the gods. Behind him, the Mediterranean sun set over Episkopi Bay. Even I, as a Science student, knew that it doesn’t get much better than that.”
