Cast

Synopsis

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Directors Notes

CHRISTOPHER FRY holds a unique place in the contemporary theatre and dramatic literature. It had almost come to be accepted that verse, especially modern verse, and the man-in-the-street, were fated never to meet. Then, virtually overnight, the position changed, when the plays of Fry appeared on the stage. He was heard with surprise, pleasure and relief; for here at last, in the 20th century, was a poet-dramatist who spoke with an eloquence truly accessible to all. Through verse, he demonstrated that poetry preserves its force as a universal language, significant and immensely enjoyable.

It was my proud privilege to enjoy a first association with Mr. Fry as long ago as 1948, when I had the good fortune to work under his direction in what was the world premiere of his play “The Firstborn”. As a direct outcome of this association, I have recently received a letter from Mr. Fry, in which he has this to say :—

“My best wishes to the Bingley Society for a happy observation of Venus. It’s a long call from the first performance of the play to now: but perhaps Perpetua and her student demonstration against Ancient and Modern Monumental Errors wouldn’t feel out of place at the present time”.

In “Venus Observed”, commissioned by Sir Laurence Olivier to open his reign as Actor-Manager at the St. James’ Theatre, London, and first performed on the 18th January, 1950, Christopher Fry has given us a play of rare fascination, in which almost everything is subordinate to his superb language and exciting imagery. We hope, of course, that you will also find much to amuse in the rather high-flown story of an ageing widower Duke, loath to admit his failing charms.