SCRAP BOOK OF CONNIE PREECE (née DEAN)

Connie made her first appearance in the dramatic section of R.O.A.D.S. in 1928, when she played the lead in 'Eliza Comes to Stay'; at this time R.O.A.D.S. was affiliated to R.A.D.A. and a representative could walk in at any moment to see a performance. The representative attending a performance of this play was so impressed with Connie's performance that he asked to meet her mother and father and offered her a place at R.A.D.A. Much to Connie's regret the stage at that time was not considered respectable and she was not allowed to take up the offer.
The report in the Hereford Times stated that they played to a capacity audience and from start to finish she was the hit of the whole play and an amusing caricature of her was printed.
Although she remembers with pleasure all the joys of the productions in which she took part, it was not all easy. There was no room behind the backcloth and the changing rooms were across the road.
In 1935 she played Simpson the Parlour-maid in "Tons of Money" by Will Evans & Valentine, and also played in "9.45", a Comedy Melodrama by Owen Davies & Sewell Collins.
Her operatic debut was in the front row of the chorus in the Gondoliers. In I927 she played Lady Saphir, one of the Rapturous Maidens, with Mrs Jackson (later Lady Jackson) as Patience.
There were reminiscences of the hilarious last nights which ensued at The Waverley, now Pearl Insurance, for drinks and sandwiches.
In Tom Jones she played. Sophia's maid, Honour - a saucy, little maid - and the press review says that this part was "in the safe hands of Miss C. Dean and graceful dancing was another asset".
When playing Iolanthe the report commends her on the "finished rendering of the part of Iolanthe... singing nicely and acting with distinction." She remembers wearing her own hair - long - and the presents, chocolates and bouquets that were showered upon her.
As Phoebe in The Yeoman of the Guard - "her acting is always attractive." Saesneg, the - 'unmusical critic', reported that it "gripped the audience the moment the curtain went up" and another critic - "Miss C. Dean was positively bewitching in her coy and alluring part."
Coach loads would come from Hereford, Gloucester and Cheltenham and Ross would pay return visits.
She remembers when Mrs Duckworth danced the Gavotte and the moment when the Throne built of Alton Court beer cases came tumbling down.
When Colonel Heywood of Cradoc Court was President he would send his Rolls to pick up 4 soloists to entertain guests, this included Connie, Enid Evans, Harry Llewellyn & Jack Capewell. They would be returned at 5 o'clock with a ten shilling note and chocolates. They also entertained at Goodrich Court (later removed to America) when Mrs Moffat was their President.

Happy and successful Days indeed !

Alas! since this was written, some 7 years ago, Connie has left us.

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Most recent revision 5th. February 1998