The Old
Pocklingtonian
Robert’s Pick Me Up Theatre Entertains
She Stoops to Conquer
cameo appearance himself. He says: “I loved working
on it. It’s very funny – a theatrical gem that is as fresh
as the day it was written. We will be performing
the play again in February next year at the Joseph
Rowntree Theatre in York.
“I’m very lucky to have a job I enjoy so much. It’s
particularly rewarding when an exceptional actor can
come along and you immediately see potential – and
why not choose a vehicle especially for them? I also
love having the time to design and direct, allowing a
show to truly evolve, and because I collect virtually
everything, it’s wonderful to remodel and recycle
scenery and costumes into something fresh and new.
“Fortunately I have big sheds – so I collect wonderful
relics from the past or anything people get rid of
which might have a future use on stage or will just
look good on display!”
The dramatic talent of OPs, current pupils and their
parents continues to be harnessed by OP Robert
Readman (73-80), who recently staged a speciallycommissioned performance of She Stoops To Conquer
at the Tom Stoppard Theatre.
The one-off performance, as part of a private function
at the School during the summer, was one of many
productions by the Pick Me Up Theatre, formed by
Robert three years ago to enable him to direct new
and unusual plays and musicals.
Since then the company has gone from strength to
strength, with productions including Into The Woods
(Stephen Sondheim) and Our Day Out (Willy Russell)
taking place at various theatrical venues in York.
Robert, whose dramatic talents stretch from set
design and build to acting and directing, says: “The
only way to stage the sort of productions that
interested me was to form my own company – with
the ability to cast, design and schedule productions
without compromise. I love shows that have a good
script and structure. Stephen Sondheim is my hero.
“Having the freedom to cast talented actors in a range
of shows is incredibly exciting. I love planning ahead
and getting the right people involved. One recent
highlight was in Willy Russell’s Our Day Out, where the
grouchy teacher Mr Briggs is on a cliff edge with a
young pupil. It brought out superb performances from
the two actors. Both gave heart and passion.”
Whilst at Pocklington School, Robert developed his
acting skills in many plays, including Robert Bolt’s play
The Thwarting of Baron Bolligrew. One of his favourite
memories is watching OP Adrian Edmondson (6875) in Hamlet.
Other fond memories revolve around the library (“the
set of Dickens novels and reading Punch magazine”),
and “amazing” teachers Rev Smith and Mr Martin.
He also cites the Art and Design Department’s Paul
Wright as being an inspiring influence