Marionette Memories

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(Photograph by kind permission of Jos Swingler)

Two mental pictures are all that I have to remind me of this school activity.

The occasion was an evening performance in the Art Room. The first picture is of two spiders dancing to the 'Harry Lime' theme, which was popular at the time. We, of course, all danced to the Harry Tyson theme!

Much more evocative, and the one that sticks best, there was a scene of a snow covered KES Aston by moonlight. This had been created by the highly talented Art master, Alex Pearson. His staff partner in all this was Fred 'Joe' Pinder. This was a rare event in itself, as he never seemed to get involved in much beyond the annual production of the School Record.

Fred was a keen photographer and must have hit on the idea because, the following Christmas, cards were sold showing this moonlit scene. We knew where this had come from, but the model making and photography were so good that anyone who hadn't been to the marionette show could be forgiven for thinking the photograph was 'for real'. I would love to uncover a copy of that Christmas card ....

In the nine editions that I possess there are only two references in the 'School Record' (1952, 1953) to the 'Marionette Theatre'. Both are under the by line of one E G Bottle. I must ask him about that ....