By Selina Sykes
A theatre group received a visit from two very special guests to help celebrate 50 years since the amateur company’s formation.
HRH, Prince Richard, the Duke of Gloucester, and star of the stage and Royal ballet, Wayne Sleep, attended the golden anniversary production of ‘Radio Times’ by Theatre West Four.
The Duke, an established supporter of the Chiswick-based theatre company, has attended five Theatre West Four performances since 1974 and was delighted to join its members in celebrating its 50th anniversary.
The cast joined the Duke after the performance, at Ealing's Questors Theatre, and listened about his own memories of the blitz.
Cast members were also excited to meet Wayne Sleep, who has recently moved to west London and become a patron of the group.
Theatre West Four was founded in 1964 by a group of young people following the collapse of another theatre group they belonged to.
One of the founder members, Freddie Mauwer, said: “It was a great privilege to welcome The Duke of Gloucester once again to an anniversary production.
“He has always shown an interest in our group and during his visits has met many of our members. His continuous support is of course greatly appreciated.”
Frances Smith, another founder member, appeared in the group’s first production Dinner with the Family when she played a maid.
Recently she’s been directing rather than staring in productions, but made a return to the stage to play Sadie in the tea lady in Radio Times.
She added: “The Duke of Gloucester was charming and very enthusiastic about the show and could be seen tapping his foot to the music. He was very pleased to meet four of the founder members and chat about the other five shows he has seen.”
Theatre West Four’s next production will be Macbeth.
Information about Shakespeare workshops and auditions will be available on the company website
