Old Farnhamians' Association

FGS Production
of
Let’s Make an Opera!

Alan Fluck was appointed the music master of Farnham Grammar School in 1951 and immediately began plans for staging the Benjamin Britten children’s opera “Let’s Make an Opera!”. The production took place at The Church House, Farnham in the second week in February 1952. There were two extraordinary occurrences affecting the opera in different ways. King George VI died that week casting a gloom across the entire nation and the cast and audience stood in silent remembrance before each presentation of the opera. The second event was more positive and extremely exciting - Benjamin Britten and Peter Pears were performing in Farnham on the Saturday and came to meet the cast and production staff at a special party.

These photographs are kindly contributed by Julia Wilson (née Beeken), who played the role of the nursery maid.

Click the pictures to enlarge, back button to return. Press F11 for a full screen.

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