Add MS 89422/3/1

A file of papers relating to Brearley's drama productions at Hackney Downs School, together with a few miscellaneous items relating to the School.

(1). Printed programmes:

• Six Men of Dorset by Miles Malleson and H. Broooks. Being the story of 'The Martyrs of Tolpuddle'. Performed by The Palace Players, produced at The People's Palace, Mile End Road, London, by Matthew Forsyth, 21 Nov 1938, twice-nightly for one week. Brearley is not mentioned in the programme, but the front page has a typed credit adhered: 'The production by Mr. J Brearley'. Note: At this date, Brearley was employed as a teacher at Collyer's School, Horsham (he was first engaged at Hackney Downs School in 1939 before returning to employment there in 1946 after serving in the RAF).
• Macbeth performed by Hackney Downs School Dramatic Society, 26, 27 and 28 Mar 1947. Produced by Mr. J. Brearley. Cast includes Harold Pinter as Macbeth, and Henry Woolf as First Apparition (names underlined in the programme).
• Romeo and Juliet performed by the Dramatic Societies of the Hackney Downs School and the Dalston County Secondary School, 7, 8, 9, 10 Apr 1948. Produced by Mr. J. Brearley. Cast includes Brearley as Escalus, Prince of Verona, and Harold Pinter as Romeo (names underlined in the programme).
• The Critic (by Sheridan) performed by the Hackney Downs School Players and the John Howard Dramatic Club, 11, 12 and 14 Jan 1950. Produced by Mr. J. Brearley, who also took the parts of Signor Pasticcio Ritornello and First Justice.
• The Good Companions (by J. B. Priestley and Edward Knoblock) performed by the Hackney Downs Players and the Dalston County Dramatic Society, 9, 10 and 12 Jan 1952. Produced by Joseph Brearley, who also took the parts of Joby Jackson and Monte Mortimer.
• An Italian Straw Hat (by Eugene Labiche, adapted by Thomas Walton) performed by The Hackney Downs Grammar School and The Dalston County School for Girls, 13, 14, 15 and 17 Jan 1953. Produced by Joseph Brearley, who also took the part of M. Beaujolais (underlined in the programme).

(2). Macbeth (Hackney Downs, 1947). Brearley's stage production diagrams and notes; and a school exercise book entitled 'Lighting Scheme for Macbeth'.

(3). Romeo and Juliet (Hackney Downs, 1948). Brearley's stage production diagrams.

(4). Miscellaneous items:

• A list of 'Joe's Books' entered in a small Surrey County Council exercise book.
• Photograph, black and white (125 x 90 mm), of the exterior of Hackney Downs School.
• An empty envelope addressed to Brearley (as Deputy Head) at Hackney Downs School, Russian stamps (one stamp design dated 1970).
• Newspaper cutting (no date): Howard Freeman from Hackney Downs School is 'off to Cambridge'.
• Newspaper cutting [1960s] showing new buildings at Hackney Downs School following 'the fire of 1963'.