Show Choice Grenfell coming to Eden Court on Thursday celebrates the life and comedy of the late Joyce Grenfell
THERE was a great reminder at a dress rehearsal for the Choice Grenfell show that celebrates the cult comedy of Joyce Grenfell, that it’s not just a show for older people who knew her work.
“We performed to a group of sixth form drama students, many of whom were from the USA and had no idea who Joyce was, and the students simply loved it and were really drawn in by her characters and her snapshot of a time in history," said Andrew D Brewis, who plays Joyce's accompanist William Blezard.
“It was marvellous – so the show isn’t just for 'wrinklies'!" Andrew laughed.
Joyce Grenfell was born in London in 1910 and went on to have a career as an actress, singer and writer, before she died as a national treasure in 1979.
She is probably best-known for appearances in a run of films in the 1950s, such as The Belles Of St Trinian’s, where she played a gangly police constable, undercover as a teacher.
But she wrote books, appeared in revue shows and toured the world with her sketches and monologues, such as her Nursery School series with Joyce as the harassed teacher repeating “George – don’t do that.”
In this celebration show originally put together for the 40th anniversary of her death, Joyce Grenfell's humour and talent are brought to life by actress Suzanna Walters who is accompanied by Andrew.
He said: “I went to the same school as Joyce Grenfell and took part in a gala in London’s West End to celebrate her life, so I grew up with Joyce’s work.
“I have always loved it and her love of people, and it felt like the right time to revisit some of her great characters.
“We have been lucky enough to have the support of Pookie Blezard, the daughter of Joyce’s accompanist Willlian on this project.
“And we were honoured to be allowed to ‘loft rummage’ to find personal letters and sheet music in the Blezard loft to find out about the people behind the scenes!”
For actress Suzanna Walters, it has been a privilege, she says, to get the chance to play Joyce, though it sounds as if there has been lots of research.
She said: “I practised largely by careful observation of footage of Joyce performing, the detail and nuances of her portrayal of her characters. Although getting under the skin of those characters was important, it was equally so, to be able to play them honestly and do them justice.
“Also I read books by and about Joyce, including letters she wrote to close friends, which helped me get to know her as a person as well as an actress.
“And her acute observation of people and her ability to portray them is remarkable, and a gift for any actress.”
Andrew had work to do too.
“I was given 11 hours of William Blezard tapes to listen to!
“And we have watched Joyce on some great BBC DVDs many times.
“Our fabulous director Simon Downing has also moulded us into shape!”
For those who know Joyce Grenfell's work, Andrew revealed some of the things to look out for in the show.
“Some of the old favourites are there like A Terrible Worrier and Lumpy Latimer and Stately As A Galleon.
“But there are some less well-known sketches too – and we hope the audience will hear more about who the real Joyce Grenfell was and her relationship with her trusted “orchestra”– or rather pianist William Blezard!"
Suzanna said: “Having the chance to bring back happy memories for the audience is great and hopefully we will also be introducing Joyce to a new generation.”
Choice Grenfell is at Eden Court on Thursday (March 10). Info: eden-court.co.uk
