David Medlycott

We’ve just been to another funeral, one of Helen’s aunts this time, she was ninety three and one of my late father-in-law’s six sisters, there were also two other brothers, all now gone, but for Iris, Helen’s last aunt who we keep an eye on. These funerals are becoming more frequent, it’s an age thing!

So today was a real pleasure, uplifting even.

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I was invited by an old friend, sorry, a friend of long standing, to attend a degree show of his student’s at the Cleveland College of Art and Design in Hartlepool. He and I go back nearly forty years in Theatre history, Mike as a designer, he still is, as well as lecturing, and me as a technical type. The main show was by students in their final year of design for performing arts; costume, prop’s and scenic design. But, the interpretation is broad and there are skills on display of graphics, and possible animation themes, too.
It was wonderful. This is, I think, the fourth of these shows I have been to and without fail they have displayed true talent. It’s so refreshing to speak to such enthusiastic and imaginative people. I didn’t take my camera, as I wasn’t going to risk any copyright issues, but I wish I had, now, as these designers are worth promoting and should be. Although the cynic in me couldn’t help wondering how many of them would still be around in five or ten year’s time. That’s the trouble with this industry, all these young and enthusiastic graduates pour forth and yet the business doesn’t grow. It’s the same with actors, British Actor’s Equity stays more or less the same size despite the torrent of bright young students leaving all the colleges each year. My Equity membership number, from 1966, is 52606. That reflected the membership since foundation in 1930. But, now the number is printed with three zeros on the front to reflect the membership numbers now being issued, but the core membership changes little. Where do they all go? Are there any other industries like that, I wonder?
Still, I mustn’t be negative. This display is well worth seeing as the standard is so high, I believe, and has made my day