Theatre World – Jan 1956
“Summertime” at the Apollo
SCENES from the comedy by Ugo Betti, author of ” The Queen and the Rebels,” which is produced in an English version by Henry Reed. The play is directed by Peter Hall, the Arts Theatre producer, and the settings and costumes are by James Bailey. The play is presented at the Apollo Theatre by Toby Rowlandson Ltd.
Left: Alberto (Dirk Bogarde) receives a telegram from the postman (Tony Church) warning him of the imminent arrival of an unwelcome visitor-his city girl friend’s brother. (At the time of writing, Dirk Bogarde was temporarily absent from the cast owing to illness, when his part was played by Nigel Stock).
The setting of the play is a village in North Italy during a summer day early in the present century. It is, therefore, not surprising to see the local doctor in a vintage car. This young doctor (Michael Gwynn) is in love with Francesca. who, however, is determined to marry Alberto. But Alberto is going to a new job in the city next day and so the annual picnic in the mountains fixed for that afternoon is Francesca’s only chance of realising her objective.
Happily, Alberto decides to come to the picnic to get away from his expected visitor. It is not long before he finds himself alone with Francesca (Geraldine McEwan), who has contrived to get separated from the rest of the party.
Left: Alberto confesses to Francesca (whom he has always treated as a sister), that he has innocently compromised himself with Noemi, a girl from the city, and may be forced to marry her. Francesca thinks that this is an excellent opportunity to suggest marriage to her as a way out, but the plan goes awry and in her annoyance she pushes him over the bank.
Alberto, while searching for Francesca after she has run away from the picnic, is himself pursued by Noemi and her brother when they arrive on the scene. He takes refuge in the cowshed. Noemi and Francesca come face to face and Alberto overhears the conversation in which Noemi swears she will marry Alberto. To his astonishment he hears Francesca announce that this will not be possible as she is going to have a baby. Alberto seizes the opportunity of this palpable lie to get rid of Noemi. But Francesca is so angry at Alberto’s calm acceptance of her white lie that she decides to marry the devoted young doctor. (Mark Dignam as Consalvo and Vivienne Drummond as Noemi).
Aunt Ofelia (Esma Cannon), who is Alberto’s aunt, and Aunt Cleofe (Gwen Frangcon-Davies) aunt to Francesca. These two have been watching the proceedings from a distance but, although Aunt Cleofe is anxious for Francesca to marry the young doctor, in the end – as one might have expected – the girl forgives Alberto and the unfortunate young medico is sent packing.
