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Libretto by A. P. HERBERT
Music by THOMAS F. DUNHILL
Cast :
THE WIRELESS CHORUS
THE B.B.C. LIGHT ORCHESTRA
Conducted by THOMAS F. DUNHILL
A. P. HERBERT 'S book for this light opera is so rich all through, in its situations and its lines, in the whimsical humour of which he is master, that to cut it down to a few lines of blunt prose is sheer sacrilege. Many of our listeners, however, must have enjoyed it in its stage production this year, and for them the broadcast of this concert version is bound to revive joyous memories. The tale introduces us to two very different worlds-Chelsea, with its atmosphere of modern art, and the fox-hunting Earl with his family and friends, making it clear what poles apart these are in their traditions and ideals. In the first act, the studio of the popular tenor, Hugh Heather , we see the aristocratic Lady Ann, the earl's daughter, losing her heart to Hugh, though she is engaged to Lord Bareback, Master of Hounds. Her brother Charles, at the same time, is attracted by Jenny Jay , a young painter of the most advanced school. The occasion is a birthday party, and its bohemian gaiety is joyously set forth in the music, as in the book.
Act II is at Tantivy Towers on the evening of the Hunt Ball, beginning with a dinner. As the guests go to prepare for the ball, there is a whole series of complications : Hugh and Jenny are both there, with their noble admirers as infatuated as ever, and it looks as though two mesalliances were inevitable. Act III, however-a forest glade with a shooting party at lunch, and the hunt passing close at hand-leaves us in no doubt that town and county are incompatible. Hugh, in compassion for tho fox, shoots it just as hounds are about to overtake it, and the outrage is unforgivable. Jenny leads him away, and the county people sing cheerily at their departure.
An author's note, at the end, tells us that
Ann marries Bareback, and they settle down to the quiet life of the country. Hugh joins the Savage Club.

Contributors

Unknown:
A. P. Herbert
Unknown:
A. P. Herbert
Tenor:
Hugh Heather
Unknown:
Jenny Jay
Hugh Heather (a singer):
Trefor Jones
Jenny Jay (a would-be painter):
Vera Robson
The Earl of Tantivy:
Roy Russell
The Countess of Tantivy:
Doris Woodall
Lady Ann Gallop (their daughter):
Margaret Godley
Charles Viscount Harkaway (their son):
Dennis Arundell
Captain Lord Bareback, M F H:
Harvey Braban

National Programme Daventry

About National Programme

National Programme is a radio channel that started transmitting on the 9th March 1930 and ended on the 9th September 1939. It was replaced by BBC Home Service.

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This data is drawn from the Radio Times magazine between 1923 and 2009. It shows what was scheduled to be broadcast, meaning it was subject to change and may not be accurate. More