Chapter Text
[Tuesday, 3rd January 2017, 09:23]
Chris: Good morning :)
Eleanor: Good morning to you too :) How was the meeting with the BBC? x
Chris: Tense. But I think the audience quite liked the show in the end, so most of the staff are being nicer about it than I initially feared.
Eleanor: Most of them? Interesting… have you seen you-know-who? x
Chris: Seen him, but tried not to speak to him as much as possible. He’s looking far too comfortable. x
Chris: How was your evening after we spoke? x
Eleanor: Mum and I played some board games, which was cute, and then we rewatched some of Pride and Prejudice before I went to bed – we used to watch it together all the time when I was younger. It’s nice to be back, but weird without dad in the house x
Chris: It’s today you’re seeing him, right? x
Eleanor: Yeah – at ten. Looking forward to it, I think. There’s a lot in my brain atm x
Chris: I’m sure. I’m thinking of you. x
Eleanor: Thank you <3 What are you up to today? x
Chris: Trying to source the next play for the society to put on. Ideally a script that’s out of copyright, given our current financial situation! And we have an interview with the Cornley Gazette at one to talk about the production. x
Eleanor: Let me know how it goes! x
Chris: I will. x
[15:37]
Chris: Just out of the interview now. I think it went quite well, although we definitely let Dennis answer too many questions! How was your dad? x
Eleanor: Not great. I think he was trying to perk himself up because I was in, but he looked so frail. The doctors think we’re talking weeks… apparently mum knew but didn’t want to tell me quite how bad it was before I’d finished the show x
Chris: I’m so sorry. Are you wishing she had? x
Eleanor: I’m not sure. I think I’d have struggled to fly home any earlier anyway, and I was anxious enough. But I thought I had longer with him than is looking likely x
Chris: Would it help if I called you? Or do you just want your mum? I won’t mind if you don’t feel up to speaking to me. x
Eleanor: I’ll ring you now xx
[Tuesday, 10th January 2017]
T h e C o r n l e y G a z e t t e
Interview: The Cornley Polytechnic Drama Society on their record-breaking production of Peter Pan, as seen on the BBC
Author: Amelia Pickering
Last week, I had the pleasure of sitting down with the members of the Cornley Polytechnic Drama Society, last year’s winners of the BBC’s Community Choice Award, and talking to them about the broadcast of their production of J. M. Barrie’s Peter Pan, described by their director, Chris Bean, as “a classic Christmas vignette”. In this short interview, which has been somewhat edited to ensure a more cohesive reading experience, we discussed their favourite moments from the production, their reflections on working with the BBC, and their plans for the future.
Amelia Pickering (interviewer): Hi, everyone – it’s so lovely to meet you. Let’s ease in with a relaxed question, shall we? If you had to describe your characters from the production in one word, what would you choose?
Jonathan Harris: Peter is indomitable. He always bounces back.
Trevor Watson (stage manager): Not from that fall, you didn’t.
Jonathan: That was your fault! And you showed the whole nation your –
Chris Bean (director, Mr. Darling and Captain Hook): Excuse me! Sorry, Amelia.
Trevor: I’m just saying, mate.
Chris: I would say that Mr. Darling is disillusioned. With the world, with his children – he’s lost all sense of magic. He’s quite weary of it all, I think.
Amelia: You look very thoughtful there, Chris.
Chris: I’m increasingly wondering how much that part actually required me to act.
Amelia: Ah… right. And – Captain Hook?
Chris: He’s dastardly.
Dennis Tyde (John Darling and Smee): Oh no he isn’t!
Chris: Dennis, for the last time, this was never a pantomime. Now, how would you describe John and Smee?
Dennis: Who?
Annie Twilloil: Let’s not go there, Chris. I played five characters – Mrs. Darling, Liza, Tinkerbell, Tiger Lily, and a pirate. I’m just going to keep it simple, though, and describe my favourite – Tinkerbell. I liked playing her… as far as I remember! She was super sassy!
Robert Grove (Nana, Shadow, Starkey): Bit too sassy if you ask me.
Annie: I didn’t!
Robert: Point proven.
Annie: That wasn’t Tinkerbell speaking, though, was it?
Robert: Maybe you also weren’t doing much acting! I, on the other hand, played the complete opposite of myself in all of my roles – as Nana, Shadow, and Starkey.
Max Bennett (Michael Darling, Crocodile): I liked it when you were Nana, Robert. Do you remember when you got stuck in the door?
Robert: I… anyway. My word, for all three, would simply be ‘complex’. I imbued great psychological depth into all of them.
Trevor: Sure you did.
Lucy Grove: I – I quite liked Uncle Robert’s acting. I played Tootles, and I think he’s… I think he’s quite shy.
Robert: I’m sensing another typecast actress.
Sandra Wilkinson: I thought Lucy was really brave at the end of the show. I didn’t see you stepping in, Robert! As for me, well, naturally, I would say that Wendy is quite simply… ethereal. I always tried to play her as if she were glowing.
Max: That makes so much sense now! Wow – you’re really good at that.
Chris: And how would you describe the crocodile, Max?
Max: [clapping his hands together loudly] SNAP SNAP!
Chris: Thank you, Max. Dennis – have you thought of a word to describe Michael and Smee yet?
Dennis: I think you always say it best, Chris… what was it you called me when I was playing them? Imbeciles? [this last pronounced ‘im-bee-seals’]
Chris: Moving swiftly on, Amelia.
Amelia: Right. Um. And… the next one I have is: how would you describe yourself in one word? Shall we do a quick-fire round, where you can only say one word – the adjective – and nothing else?
Dennis: Fire? Not again! Oh – that was four. Words.
Sandra: I’ll start. ‘Talented’.
Max: Ooh… erm… Is it me? Oh! I don’t know! Good question, though! ‘Friendly’?
Lucy: Um… I… I’m not sure.
Robert: [whispering] ‘Young’.
Lucy: [whispering back] What?
Robert: Well, you’re young, aren’t you? That’s an adjective.
Lucy: I… I guess?
Robert: I’m ‘over-qualified’.
Dennis: Then I’ll be ‘underneath-qualified’, to match.
Jonathan: Erm… I… ‘enterprising’?
Sandra: Spare me.
Chris: Alright, everyone. Please. I’ll go for ‘persevering’.
Trevor: [rolling his eyes] ‘Tired’.
Annie: ‘Optimistic’.
Sandra: Shall we go again? I have more adjectives about myself if you want to do a few more rotations? I’ve been working on my list of top qualities – you know, so I’m able to sell myself when I’m auditioning for new roles.
Amelia: It’s okay, but thank you. Next one – maybe… if I direct this at you, Jonathan? What was the best part about performing on the BBC?
Jonathan: Ah – I think probably the quality of the production. Normally we have to make our own set and costumes, and there’s quite a low budget, which means that –
Trevor: [interrupting] Have you got a problem with my normal sets, mate?
Jonathan: N-not at all. All I’m saying is that things look more professional when we have – I – never mind.
Trevor: Thought so.
Amelia: Ahem. Okay. Sandra, what was the best part for you?
Sandra: Honestly, it was the reception we received. I really felt that the audience was on my side, even when others – sometimes others in the company – weren’t. And hearing the applause at the end was the best moment in my life. My parents were in the front row, and they simply couldn’t stop crying! It’s actually inspired me to get involved in television more – anyone listening to this with connections in the world of theatre or television are, of course, welcome to get in touch.
Amelia: Oh – we’re not putting out an audio recording. It’ll just be printed.
Robert: Then why are you recording it? Seems a bit of a waste of time.
Amelia: It’s – it’s so I can transcribe it later.
Jonathan: You won’t change what we’ve said, will you?
Annie: I hardly doubt you could be painted in a worse light than you managed on national television, Jonathan.
Chris: Alright, alright. If we could deal with this later, please. Amelia will, I’m sure, represent us fairly. Which honestly might be more concerning.
Amelia: No need to worry. And Sandra, I’m sure our readers will be quick to get in touch with you if they – if they think you might be interested in an opportunity they know of. Now, finally… yes, let me ask you, Chris. What was your favourite part?
Chris: I think… erm… I enjoyed the little moments. Moments backstage where I got to pause, and… and breathe, and think about how much we had done to get where we are today. We’ve worked so hard for this.
Amelia: It’s a real success story! Now that you’ve received such popular reviews, everyone wants to know: what’s next for the Cornley Polytechnic Drama Society?
Robert: Well, I personally want to see us tackle something on Broadway!
Amelia: On Broadway? Is there something in the works?
Chris: No, no. Robert is getting over-excited. But we will be working on a play for the summer soon, once I have finalised a choice of script, and we will make sure to share information on that as soon as we have it.
Robert: Chris has always lacked ambition. We’re definitely ready for Broadway.
Sandra: I’m wasted on nondescript theatres, Chris.
Dennis: Why would you expect a crypt in a theatre, Sandra? That’s a bit weird.
Max: Sandra’s never weird, Dennis. You know that.
Dennis: Sorry – it’s probably just me being an imbecile [same pronunciation as before] again.
Chris: Amelia – should we quit while we’re ahead?
Amelia: We can leave it there, if you want?
Trevor: I’m begging you to let us go.
Amelia: Well, then. Thank you so much for – oh, goodbye, then, Dennis!
Dennis: Bye!
Annie: Thanks for having us, Amelia.
Amelia: Any – any time.
For more updates on the Cornley Polytechnic Drama Society, including information on their future productions, please visit their website at www.cornleypolytechnic.co.uk/societies/drama/productions/
[Thursday, 12th January 2017, 16:55]
Subject: Arranging a meeting regarding your position
From: [email protected]
Dear Miss Finch,
I hope this email finds you well and enjoying your time away.
Despite the rather unfortunate terms on which we parted, I am pleased to inform you that the reviews for the Cornley Polytechnic Drama Society’s production of Peter Pan have proven remarkably positive.
The BBC is proud of the role they have played in facilitating such a successful comedy and recognises that, although the termination of your contract was, in the circumstances, entirely appropriate, you are to be praised for the successes as well as critiqued for the flaws.
The Board consequently wishes to offer you the opportunity to meet with us and discuss a possible reinstatement in our department. We recognise that, as a still-developing talent, you may have more to contribute than was initially evident. As an organisation, we also pride ourselves on creating a supportive working atmosphere where mistakes are not too harshly punished.
I await your confirmation of when you would be able to meet with me at the office in Cornley to further discuss this in person.
Regards,
T. Hall
[20:17]
Subject: re: Arranging a meeting regarding your position
From: [email protected]
Mr Hall,
I am delighted to know that Peter Pan is being so well received. The Cornley Polytechnic Drama Society puts a tremendous amount of effort and energy into their productions, and it is wonderful to see that the vast majority of their audience appreciates this. I am confident that you will also have emailed their director to thank him for his particular role in this success story.
As I know you are aware, I am currently at home with my family, dealing with exceptionally difficult personal circumstances. I do not know when I will next be in Cornley, nor am I interested in being reinstated after the manner in which I was treated the last time we spoke. I strongly contest the claim that my dismissal was ‘appropriate’, and have no interest in discussing the matter further.
Eleanor Finch
[Sunday, 22nd January 2017]
Lucy Grove
13 Westgate Drive
Cornley
CO12 7DS
England
Dear Lucy,
How are you doing? I hope you’re enjoying Sixth Form and that there isn’t too much work! How is drama society going? Robert said that you’d become co-pres, which is so exciting :) I think he was secretly quite proud of you.
I was in town the other day and found a really cute bracelet which I thought you’d like. I’ve slipped it into the envelope, and, hopefully, it will survive the journey and arrive intact!
I so very much wanted you to be able to come and visit over the February half term, but to be honest, I wonder if you would be wiser to hold off on buying plane tickets for now? Dad is very ill and the doctors don’t reckon he’s got long left, so I don’t know how things will be then. Perhaps you could come and see me later – or maybe I’ll pop over to see you the next time I’m in Cornley?
I’m so sorry it has to be tricky right now. I miss you all SO much, and I wish things hadn’t happened when they did. We should definitely arrange to call at some point, and you can get me caught up on everything.
Lots of love,
El xx
[Saturday, 4th February 2017]
Eleanor Finch
20 Ocean Road
Belfast
BT19 8BC
Northern Ireland
Dear El,
I’m doing well, thanks! A-Levels are quite intense and I’m not sure that I’m very good at Maths – I really think I should have taken English instead – but I love Drama, and the school society is going great! We’re doing The Sound of Music this term, and we’ve just finished auditioning people. I don’t know how Chris manages to let people down over roles – I always feel like all of the people trying out are so much better than me, and I can’t possibly make a decision!
Thank you so much for the bracelet… it’s lovely. I think I’m going to wear it to a party next week – my first party with people from school! They didn’t invite me last year, but my co-pres, Sophia, has started introducing me to more people now she’s got to know me. She’s really cool.
Don’t feel bad about me not being able to come right now! I completely get it. Uncle Robert’s already explained that you’re probably not up to having visitors – he says he remembers being the same when Granny was dying. He maybe wouldn’t want me to have told you he said that, though.
How are you doing? Is there anything we can do to make things easier for you? I know you’re far away, but you always did so much for us, and we want to make it better. I think Annie is really struggling with not being able to help much.
Sending you big hugs!
Lucy xxxx
[Thursday, 9th February 2017, 18:46]
Eleanor: Hi Chris – can you call me when you get this please? x
[22:05]
Eleanor: Thank you for that – it was good to hear your voice. I’ve checked with mum, and she says the funeral will be Monday 20th. Perhaps if you fly out on the weekend beforehand? x
Chris: I’m looking now – I’ll aim for the Sunday morning? x
Eleanor: Yeah that works. It means so much, Chris x
Chris: I wish there was more I could do. I miss you. I’m so sorry. x
Eleanor: I miss you too x
Eleanor: Your jacket doesn’t smell of you any more x
Chris: Nine days, and then you’ll have me there x
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BOARDING PASS
PASSENGER NAME: CHRISTOPHER BEAN SEAT: 15A
FROM: LONDON HEATHROW FLIGHT DATE: 19/02/2017 BOARDING GROUP: C
TO: BELFAST INTERNATIONAL BOARDING TIME: 08.15 FLIGHT: BA 1414
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