Fings Ain’t Wot They Used T'Be

This year’s senior school production was set in 1950’s London, where the infamous Fred Cochran (Grant Howitt) is struggling to make ends meet in a small-time, illegal gambling club.  To make matters worse, he and his partner Lil (Charlie Kinch) are hassled by the local bobby (Ben Pugsley) for protection money.

However, one day his luck finally changes when villainous businessman Tosher (Ed Baker) rushes in to the club, with the news that Fred has had a big win on the horses.  Fred immediately instructs his newly appointed business partner, Paddy (Sam Segurado), to call upon local builder, Georgina (Amy Packham), to re-vamp the shabby club.

Georgina and her flamboyant interior designer, Horace (David Weedon), turn the club into a model of contemporary design.  Fred begins preparations for his grand opening night when Tosher brings the news that the members of a rival gang are unhappy about the re-opening of the club, but Fred goes ahead as planned.  

Early the next morning Paddy and Tosher discuss the antics of the previous night.  It is not long before they discover that no-one knows where Fred is.  The parsimonious Sergeant Collins enters, questioning everyone as to the whereabouts of Fred.  Redhot (Jon Symonds) denies any knowledge of the incident and Betty and Rosey (Hannah Kemish and Rita Nunn) come up with a pack of lies. 

Fred then emerges from the powder room and announces that he is going straight and hands the club over to Collins.  Lil  persuades Fred to marry her and the play ends with a wedding ceremony conducted by the local priest (Andrew Adamson) on the street outside the club.

As usual the cast would like to thank Mrs. Holland, Mr. & Mrs. Savage and Mrs. Spencer for their help and patience during the run-up to the performance.  Also, a big thank-you to the pizza company, who kept us going during those long and tiring Sunday and bank holiday rehearsals.


The singing performances were backed offstage by Cristina Campbell and Stephanie Homersham, who also opened both acts; the first with “The White Cliffs of Dover” and the second with “Maybe it’s Because I’m a Londoner”.  Songs were also accompanied by the on-stage chorus.