The Withycombe Raleigh Pantomime

From the collection of

The Box

Established in 1992, the South West Film & Television Archive collection spans from 1893 to the present day containing more than 250,000 items. Formed from a variety of depositors, including broadcast news and programmes material from the Westward and TSW archive. In 2018 the archive collection transferred to The Box in Plymouth.

The Withycombe Raleigh Pantomime

Angela Rippon reports on the Women's Institute's pantomime

TV's Angela Rippon interviews Doris Hurd who is directing members of the local Women's Institute (WI) in the pantomime Dick Withycombe to be staged at Withycombe Raleigh near Exmouth. The play based on Dick Whittington is in full rehearsal. Angela Rippon started her career at Westward Television before moving to become the first female journalist to present the BBC national television news full time.

Dick Whittington tells the fictional story behind a true character, Richard Whittington and how he overcomes childhood poverty to become the mayor of London four times with the aid of his trusty cat. In fact Richard Whittington was actually thought to be a medieval cloth merchant and second son of a Gloucester Lord who in the 14th century travels to London to ply his trade in the wool industry.

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From the collection

Performing Arts: Theatre

First of the Performing Arts series...

The stage is set... the curtains are raised. This collection is first of a four-part series that looks at the wonders of Performing Arts - theatre, dance, music and performance beyond the mainstream. With theatre being one of the oldest mediums of the performer - spectator dynamic, its evolution across the decades is nothing short of fascinating. Going beyond the ephemeral, this collection allows us to venture further into the world of theatre, granting us on stage and backstage access. Here is a spotlight on the ever relevant and timeless nature of this art form; spaces for creative exchange and play; a tool for bringing awareness to important topics, combining artistry with activism; and engaging a wide range of performers and audiences alike. Who knows what the future holds for such an important, oftentimes radical means of expression? In the meantime, take your seat, get comfortable and, enjoy the show!

21 videos in this collection

Insightful look at the work of the then-young British Theatre of the Deaf and its founder, Pat Keysell.

Theatre of the Deaf

  • 1972
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Dog Joins Musical Theatre

  • Tonge
  • 1986
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Black Actors

  • 1981
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Asian Youth Music and Dance

  • Cardiff/Caerdydd
  • 1980
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About AIDS: Teaching to Care - Third Ground

  • Sheffield
  • 1988
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D'art

  • 1992
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Minack Theatre: Under the Stars

  • Porthcurno
  • 1989
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Dario Fo - Modern Jester

  • 1985
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Contact in the World

  • Liverpool
  • 2008
Professional touring theatre company reaches out to rural communities

The Orchard Theatre at Beaford Arts Centre

  • Beaford
  • 1969
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Cooling Off

  • Leeds
  • 2000
Meet a young Ian McKellen, treading the boards of the legendary Crucible Theatre.

Sheffield Theatre

  • 1972
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Drama Academy (Fame)

  • Belfast
  • 1986
Angela Rippon reports on the Women's Institute's pantomime

The Withycombe Raleigh Pantomime

  • Withycombe Raleigh
  • 1970
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West Side Story in Belfast

  • Belfast
  • 1986
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The Travellers: Still Carrying On

  • Long Buckby Wharf
  • 1984
Sexey's school put on a Shakespearian production.

Sexey's School perform The Tempest

  • Bruton
  • 1960
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Falling Out with the Jones'

  • Liverpool
  • 2008
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Hoof!

  • Liverpool
  • 2008
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Arts Theatre Anniversary

  • Belfast
  • 1986
Watch in libraries only

Gary Stevens: Audience

  • Brighton
  • 1989
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