Showing 4318 results

Thanks Beaton for the two days in the sun. Thinks that there is no more beautiful garden in England than Reddish. It is praiseworthy that Beaton often makes changes to give new interest. Praises Beaton's water garden. The winter garden is 'more enchanting than ever'. Hopes that Beaton has an enjoyable holiday. Went to see "Oh Lucky Man" yesterday, but did not really enjoy it.

It was kind of Beaton to invite him to stay for a few days before he goes into hospital. Is unable to come because he has tickets to see "La Scala" at Covent Garden. He also has to have some medical treatment before going into hospital. Would love to come when it is over. Went to see "Henry V" last night. Praises the performance. Is going to see Osborne's new play this evening.

Describes how well the "Artichokes" painting that Beaton gave him looks on the wall of his sitting room. Has recently seen two plays, "Wild Oats" and "Tales from the Vienna Woods". Hopes to see Beaton soon.

Thanks Beaton for a lovely week. Was glad to hear David Cecil's talk on Virginia Woolf. Encloses two cuttings from last Sunday's "Observer". A notice about Lord Rothschild and an account of Peter Brook's company, who are making a film in the Sahara desert. Discusses Peter Brook's project. Expresses scepticism. Travelled to London with Marie-Auna-Martin. Praises her conversation. Thanks Beaton for flowers.

Discusses the play "Crisis in Heaven". The show had a good reception but the critics have raised a 'cloud of controversial dust'. Is going to send Beaton as many criticisms as he can find. Discusses various reviews. Since the show started John has been making various changes. Thinks they gave the best performance yet on the first night in London. Extended discussion of the performances and set of the play. Discusses costumes. Beaton's letter made him long for the time when they could travel again. Has heard that John's new show, "Last of Summer" has been very successful. It opens at "The Phoenix" in two weeks time. After reading the letter through, feels that it is more like an official report than a letter full of gossip. Will write again soon to give more news.

Forgot to tell Beaton how splendid the portrait of David Wanner looked in the gallery at Stratford. The décor for "Don Giovanni" was 'the most offensive I have ever seen in any theatre'.

Was pleased to receive Beaton's letter giving news of Matilda's success. Discusses Matilda. Started to write to Matilda last week, but did not get very far, as did not know whether to congratulate or commiserate. Congratulates Beaton on his work on "School for Scandal". Is delighted to hear that the script of "Gainsborough Girls" is being well received. Discusses details of the play. Has had Teddy Rattigan's new play "Adventure Story" on for two weeks. Discusses the merits and faults of the writing and acting in the play. Gives news of various other plays. Writes about the themes in Rattigan's play. Looks forward to seeing Beaton and is sorry to hear that he has a cold. Finds Brighton a nice place to live.

Thanks Beaton for sending such a magnificent present. Is happy to give Beaton advice without any thought of a business arrangement, as 'one can never be sure of the final result, where plays are concerned'. Hopes that any help he has given Beaton in the past has made a positive contribution to "The Gainsborough Girls". Feels that Beaton will be satisfied with his next draft, as there is no new ground to be covered. Asks Beaton to send him a copy when he returns from America. Would like to collaborate with Beaton on a play when his current one is finished. Discusses various other plays and plans. Finds New York very stimulating. Will keep Beaton up to date with the news.

Thanks Beaton for his letter and present. Thanks Beaton for his hospitality over the last three months. Was delighted that Greta's visit was 'so full of enchantment'. Will write to Aldrich and Myers. Is anxious to direct the play. Praises Beaton for 'driving on' with "The Gainsborough Girls" throughout all the frustrations and interruptions. Is glad that he is determined to carry on writing plays. Will be ready to come to Reddish on Wednesday if that is what Beaton would like. Mentions Rita Smith.

Has seen his friend, John Richmond, and is writing to tell Beaton what he thought of "The Gainsborough Girls". He thinks the play is well structured and has charm and humour. The characters are well drawn, apart from Christie and the dialogue is straightforward. But he feels that the story and treatment is lacking in originality. He believes that if a cast of expensive personality actors were engaged, then it would be a success, but if not the show would be dull and uninteresting. Gives Richmond's suggestions for alterations. Relays discussion about which actors would work well. Advises Beaton to value Richmond's opinion, as he is very experienced in every kind of play. Feels that a 'try-out' in summer would be fatal. Is going to get Doreen Dixon to read the play. Spoke to Beaton's mother on the telephone and is taking her to Covent Garden next Tuesday.