"The Good Companions" ― in 26 Instalments

New Zealand Listener, Volume 30, Issue 758, 29 January 1954, Page 21

"The Good Companions" ― in 26 Instalments

] B. PRIESTLEY’S * best-known novel, The Good Companions, has been produced as a radio seria] in 26 halfhour episodes, with Wilfred Pickles in the role of Jess Oakroyd, Petula Clark as Susie Dean, Ronald Howard as Inigo Jollifant, and Grizelda Hervey as Miss Trant. The Good Companions, with its atmosphere of music hall players and smaf#~ town: road-shows, Was an immense success when it was first published in 1929. Its main ° theme is the story of the getting together of a group of troupers and their fight to keep the troup intact and carry on their job despite the worst the world can do to prevent them, With its Dickensian humour, amusing incident and warm characterisation, the book has long retained its popularity, and the radio _ serial, which has been produced by Towers of London, should be widely en-

joyed. It starts from 2YA and 4YA on Thursday, February 4, at 7.30 p.m. Wilfred Pickles, as well as playing the part of Jess Oakroyd, is also heard as the narrator. The music for the series was composed by Sidney Torch, and the lyrics were written by Phil Park. Altogether there are 121 speaking roles in the serial. Among those taking part, in addition to the four leading players, are Olive Sloane (who appeared in the film

Seven Days to Noon) as Mrs. Brundit, and Patricia Laffan (who appeared in the film Quo Vadis) as Elsie Longstaffe. John Laurie, a _ well-known Scottish character actor, plays the part of Dr. McFarlane, Neal Arden is heard as Jerry Jerningham, Arthur. Young as Morton Mitcham, and Charles Heslop as Jimmy Nunn. The Good Companions will be heard later from 1YA and 3YA and from the YZ stations.