Theatre
Harwood, Ronald (9 of 18) An Oral History of Theatre Design
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Type
sound
Duration
00:30:08
Shelf mark
C1173/02
Recording date
2005-10-27, 2007-05-16, 2007-05-17, 2007-05-18, 2007-06-12
Recording locations
Interviewee's home, Chelsea
Interviewees
Harwood, Ronald 1934- (speaker, male)
Interviewers
O'Ryan, Lydia (speaker, female)
Abstract
Part 9: RA explains influence of Laurence Harvey (formerly Skikne) on decision to change name. Comments on family celebrations and influence of religion; describes appeal of orthodox ceremonies and sense of mystery; refers to former abbot of Ampleforth’s remarks on doubt; description of RH’s bar mitzvah. Comments on presents, including books by Israel Zangwill and “The Wandering Jew”, also instruction from Rabbi’s wife, Bertha and Hebrew teacher. Remarks on circumcision. Comments on playing Pip to Nigel Hawthorne’s Magwitch in adaptation of “Great Expectations”, also scene from “King John”; mentions friend Donald Howarth’s parties and appeal of pretty girls. Circumstances relating to application to Royal Academy of Dramatic Art; choice of audition pieces and later coaching from Vivian Guignard in Westbourne Grove, London. Departure from South Africa aboard “Edinburgh Castle”. Importance of Lionel Bowman [LB] and friendship with “The Stage”drama critic Raymond Marriott [RM]; mentions Donald Wolfit [DW]. Details of arrival in London, role of Gelb family in Ealing and Dr. Percy Helman [PH] and wife, Ethel. Charleville Mansions, Kensington; remarks on PH as registrar at Royal Cancer Hospital now Royal Marsden. Admission to pre Rada prior to RADA. Visit to “Cinderella”at Princes Theatre (now Shaftsbury) with Derek Roy, Christine Norton. Remarks on dislike of RADA. Anecdote about Joseph O’Connor leading to meeting DW at Waldorf hotel; description of journey through smog to audition; mentions Harold Pinter [HP] and Llewellyn Rees [LR] Details of working with DW company, including Sir Lewis Casson and Alun Owen [AO]; anecdote about storm scene in King Lear; remarks on Ronald Fraser and role of dresser to DW.
Description
Interview with Ronald Harwood (1934-), theatre designer. Parts 1-4 comprise an interview about the life and work of Richard Negri, as recalled by Ronald Harwood. Parts 5-18 comprise Ronald Harwood's life story.
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