| Description | This file originally consisted of a re-used envelope containing scripts, research notes and a newspaper cutting. The envelope is annotated with slide references for the production and has therefore been retained.
An undated copy of the final [radio] production script of 'The Big Hewer' is included in the file. An annotated, hand written transparency list also entitled 'The Big Hewer' is dated May 1973 and indicates development work on the Theatre production before the name 'The Collier Laddie' was adopted.
A slide projection script for 'The Collier Laddie' performance at the BMI [Birmingham and Midland Institute] on 26/03/1974 is included. This is annotated with instructions in red for the left screen and green for the right screen.
Two versions of new endings for the production are included, a typescript version dated 25/09/1974 and an annotated, handwritten new ending dated 18/12/1974.
Cataloguer's Note: this latter version has been copied onto archival quality paper to conserve the original 'file flimsy' paper.
A First Assembly running sheet for the production is marked 'Peter'. It follows the same colour coding system as the slide projection script above.
'Strike '74' is a typed report that provides details into miners' attitudes to the industrial relations confrontation with the Conservative government and its settlement under the new Labour Government. It also includes remarks about the 1972 miners' dispute. The report is marked 'Miners Day Release Class, Nottingham, October 1974 (Pat Silburn / Ken Coates)'.
'Break-out from Culture Cage' is an article about 'The Collier Laddie' by Nell Myers in the Morning Star of 09/11/1974. This cutting includes two photographs of the production. Performers identified are Charles Parker and John Wrench.
The article provides background information on Banner Theatre, the Radio Ballads and Actuality, as well as the production itself. It also features statements by Charles Parker and Rhoma Bowdler [who developed the production].
Included with these papers is a folded sheet of silver 'tin foil' paper, which has been cut to a specific shape. Its purpose is currently not determined, but it is retained as it clearly has a relationship with these production papers. |