Die Hose by Carl Sternheim
translated by Eric Bentley
Bristol Old Vic
In contrast to In the Ruins, I vividly remember working on this production. Die Höse was a German farce from 1910, written by Carl Sternheim. The director Stephen Unwin assembled an excellent cast — Bruce Alexander, Julia Ford, Jenny Galloway, Alan Cumming and Martyn Hesford. I was plonked in the BOV’s makeshift orchestra pit, playing piano in the gaps between scenes, until the very end, when I got up and joined Alan Cumming on stage for a short scene, then returned to the piano.
I can’t remember at what point in the process Martyn became ill. It must have been shortly before or shortly after the show opened. He ended up leaving the production. A replacement had to be found at short notice. Mark Drewry took up the challenge. By that time, Stephen Unwin had departed for some other project, and it was left to Phyllida to rehearse Mark into the role. This turmoil did not have a positive effect on the show, which, in spite of everyone’s best efforts, tracked on lovelessly till it ended its scheduled run.
As far as I know, it was Martyn’s final work as an actor. He diverted to a writing career, in which he’s done very well, I’m pleased to say. Alan Cumming has gone from strength to strength. Mark Drewry, a lovely guy, died tragically young as the result of a road accident.
