A Sleep of Prisoners
| Company type | Play |
|---|---|
| Industry | Theatre, Drama |
| Founded | 1951 |
| Founder | Christopher Fry |
| Headquarters | London , United Kingdom |
| Products | Poetic drama |
A Sleep of Prisoners is a 1951 poetic drama authored by Christopher Fry, focusing on four English prisoners of war who spend a night confined within a church, where their Old Testament-inspired dreams emerge following a dispute.[1]
Plot
The narrative centers on four English servicemen stranded inside a bomb-damaged Cathedral. An altercation ensues when Private King attempts to strangle Private Able, but Corporal Adams and Private Meadows intervene. Subsequently, the play delves into each soldier’s dreams and their reflections on mortality and existence.
Background
Created for the Festival of Britain, this anti-war piece was directed by Michael Macowan and premiered in May 1951 at St. Thomas' church on Regent Street, London.[1]<ref> The production toured various churches throughout Britain, featuring actors such as Stanley Baker, Denholm Elliott, Hugh Pryse, and Leonard White.<ref> Later that same year, performances were also held in churches across the United States.<ref>
Critical reception
T.C. Worsley commended the work for its vividly imagined dreams and Fry’s unique combination of dramatic intensity with elements of comic absurdity.[1]
1951 TV adaptation
In December 1951, the BBC aired a live television version produced by Wolf Rilla.<ref><ref>
Cast
- John Slater portraying Pvt. David King
- Andrew Leigh as Pvt. Tim Meadows
- Robin Lloyd in the role of Pvt. Peter Able
- Peter Williams as Cpl. Joe Adams
1961 Perth TV Adaptation
The play was performed live on television by the ABC from Perth in February 1961, under the direction of Raymond Menmuir.
Cast
- Ron Haddrick in the role of Private David King
- Philip Clarke as Private Peter Able
- Paul Nayton portraying Corporal Joe Adams
- James Bailey as Tim Meadows
Production
The filming took place at St George's Cathedral, with Michael Altria serving as lighting director.
Reception
The Bulletin’s television critic lauded the production as "a triumph... ranking among the finest live television presentations." Some audience members expressed discomfort with the soldiers’ coarse language within a cathedral setting, which Menmuir defended by emphasizing Christopher Fry’s portrayal of religion as an integral part of everyday life.
1961 Brisbane TV Adaptation
In March 1961, the play was also produced for Brisbane television, once again featuring Ron Haddrick. The recording occurred at St John's Cathedral during the first week of March.
Cast
- Ron Haddrick as Private David King
- Don McTaggart in the role of Corporal Joe Adams
- Kerry Francis portraying Private Peter Able
- Frank Evans as Private Tim Meadows
Production
The ensemble consisted of four actors: Ron Haddrick, who was brought in from outside Brisbane; Don McTaggart, an advertising professional; and two other seasoned performers. Director Menmuir emphasized the distinctive nature of this production, highlighting its cathedral location in Brisbane for Sleep of Prisoners. Comprehensive assessments involving lighting and engineering personnel confirmed the venue’s appropriateness.
Haddrick arrived in Brisbane early February to commence rehearsals primarily conducted at a West End hall. Dean Baddley of St Johns, familiar with Christopher Fry’s work, expressed optimism regarding the production’s expected quality. Menmuir aimed to equal or exceed the standards set by the earlier Perth staging.
An eight-minute preview was broadcast on ABC the evening prior to the main airing.