Principal Edwards Magic Theatre
| Company type | Performance art ensemble, rock group |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music, performance art |
| Founded | 1968 |
| Defunct | 1974 |
| Headquarters | United Kingdom |
| Products | Music albums, live performances, theatrical productions |
Principal Edwards Magic Theatre was a British performance art ensemble from the United Kingdom, consisting of around 14 artists including musicians, poets, dancers, and technical crew. Operating from 1968 until 1971, several founding members later transitioned into a more conventional rock group known as Principal Edwards.
Formation
Originating at the University of Exeter, the collective was initially created by students with the intention of producing an arts publication. The initial lineup featured Root Cartwright (guitar, mandolin, songwriter), Belinda "Bindy" Bourquin (violin, keyboards, recorder), David Jones (vocals, percussion), Jeremy Ensor (bass), Martin Stellman (vocals), Lyn Edwards (drums), and Vivienne McAuliffe (vocals). Alongside them were dancers such as Gillian Hadley (choreographer), John McMahon Hill, Eva Darlow, and Monica Nettles. Technical roles including sound, lighting, props, and special effects were managed by Les Adey, Harry Housman, and Chris Runciman. The group's name was inspired by the Magic Theatre featured in Hermann Hesse's novel Steppenwolf as well as Principal Thomas Charles Edwards, the inaugural Principal of the University College of Wales, Aberystwyth and an ancestor of Lyn Edwards. According to Cartwright, the name was chosen simply because it sounded appealing and did not carry any religious connotations.
Principal Edwards Magic Theatre, 1968–71
Their debut public appearance took place at "Dance of Words," an event organized by students including Jeremy Ensor in Portsmouth and hosted by John Peel in May 1968. This showcase also featured artists such as Fairport Convention, Free, Tyrannosaurus Rex, and Alexis Korner. After being signed by Korner’s management and receiving Peel’s backing, they performed at similar London venues alongside acts like Pink Floyd, Family, King Crimson, Yes, Deep Purple, and Elton John. They became the inaugural signing to Peel’s label, Dandelion Records. Despite some reservations expressed by label co-founder Clive Selwood and producer John Walters, they appeared at the first-ever Bath Festival of Blues in June 1969.
In July 1969, their first single "Ballad (of the Big Girl Now and a Mere Boy)" was released, followed by their debut album Soundtrack, co-produced by Peel and the band. This album showcased their multimedia style by blending music with dance, lighting effects, and poetry. Most compositions were written by Cartwright with lyrics provided by various members; critic Pete Frame commended its innovative rhythms and chord structures. Cartwright’s progressive rock-inspired songwriting was enhanced through vocals by Vivienne McAuliffe and unique violin and recorder contributions from Bindy Bourquin. During this period, Lyn Edwards shifted from playing bongos to taking on drums.
As academic commitments conflicted with their musical pursuits, members gradually left Exeter University and relocated to a farmhouse commune near Kettering, Northamptonshire. From there they rehearsed intensively and toured widely, often supporting prominent bands such as Pink Floyd, Led Zeppelin, and Fleetwood Mac. In 1970 they recorded their sophomore album The Asmoto Running Band, produced by Pink Floyd’s Nick Mason. Released in January 1971 under Dandelion Records, this album included a playful "green concept" theme on its first side.
The group secured a regular engagement at the Hampstead Theatre Club in London; however, internal disagreements regarding artistic direction led to the dissolution of the original collective in December 1971. Cartwright attributed this split to conflicts between their avant-garde theatre aspirations versus rock music ambitions alongside practical business difficulties.
Principal Edwards, 1972–74
At the beginning of 1972, Root Cartwright, Belinda Bourquin, and David Jones established the more rock-focused group Principal Edwards. They were later joined by Richard Jones (bass, formerly of Climax Blues Band), Nick Pallett (guitar and vocals), and Geoff Nicholls (drums). Throughout a span of three years, the band created three theatrical productions—King of Changes, Stone Age Sam, and The Glass White Gang—which they performed on tours across the country. Under the management of Miles Copeland and signed to Deram Records, they launched the album Round One in 1974, with production by Nick Mason. Nevertheless, the album failed to achieve commercial success. Additional tracks recorded during this period were eventually issued in 2008 as The Devon Tapes. The group dissolved shortly thereafter.
Life after Principal Edwards
Following the 1970s, the former members embarked on various professional paths. Martin Stellman shifted his focus to film direction, notably collaborating with Denzel Washington on For Queen and Country. David Jones took on the role of community centre manager, while Root Cartwright pursued careers in gardening and photographic arts. Bindy Bourquin and Richard Jones married and entered the education sector; Jones also performs with The Climax Ceilidh Band and Meridian. Nick Pallett and Geoff Nicholls became part of the children's television band Twang and Bongo featured on Animal Kwackers, later forming Electrotunes under EMI/Cobra in 1980.
Lyn Edwards had an extensive career in theatre, children's television (including Play School), and BBC radio; he currently teaches drumming and plays in several ensembles. Jeremy Ensor worked as a sound engineer and tour manager for bands such as Deep Purple and Fleetwood Mac before moving into A&R roles at CBS and Phonogram Records, where he signed artists like Judas Priest, The Only Ones, and Graham Bonnett. He is now retired.
Chris Runciman continues his work as a tour and production manager as well as a technical consultant for musicians including Jackson Browne and James Taylor; he also provided consultancy to Sir George Martin regarding the Montserrat Cultural Centre. Les Adey contributed as a lighting technician for Genesis.
Some former members endured severe illnesses or have passed away, including dancers John McMahon Hill, Vivienne McAuliffe, and Les Adey.
As Principal Edwards Magic Theatre
- "Ballad (Of The Big Girl Now And A Mere Boy)" / "Lament For The Earth" (1969) single, Dandelion Records
- Soundtrack (1969) LP, Dandelion Records
- The Asmoto Running Band (1971) LP, Dandelion Records – Produced by Nick Mason of Pink Floyd
- Round One Principal (1974) LP, Dandelion Records – Produced by Nick Mason
- (The song "The Asmoto Running Band" also appeared on an untitled 1971 EP released by Dandelion Records)
- Soundtrack / The Asmoto Running Band (1994) CD, See For Miles Records
- Soundtrack (2006) CD, Cherry Red Records – Featuring bonus tracks from the "Ballad..." / "Lament for the Earth" single
- The Asmoto Running Band (2006) CD, Cherry Red Records
As Principal Edwards
- Round One (1974) LP, Deram Records
- "Captain Lifeboy" / "Nothing" (1973) single, Deram
- "Weekdaze" / "The Whizzmore Kid" (1973) single, Deram
Additional Significant Tracks
- "Kettering Melody"
- "Mysterious Sleepless Device"
- "Don Quixote's Demise"
- "Freef(R')All"
- "Unusual Tune of Finally Breaking Through"