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Behind the scenes at the Stratford Festival

The Stratford Festival grew from humble beginnings in a leaky tent into a revered institution. The drama festival has continued to attract actors, critics and theatre-goers from around the globe. Paradoxically, this almost proved to be its undoing. With international directors at the helm in the early years, frustrated Canadians sat on the sidelines. Financial problems almost shut the festival down. But the curtain would rise again on a new golden era.

The Festival's second season kicks off in just eight days. Following the success of last year's season, 80 per cent of all the tickets for this year's performances have already been sold. Actors race through the city streets on their bicycles en route to costume fittings and rehearsals. CBC Television presents this backstage look at actress Frances Hyland as she interacts with the company's main players.
• Irene Worth was the first actor to request a bicycle in 1953. The American performer's contract demanded that a car service deliver her to and from the theatre. Festival founder Tom Patterson didn't have the funds available to provide such a service, so he picked her up himself and ferried her to and fro. Not wanting to be a bother, she asked for a bicycle instead. Soon, it became the vehicle of choice for many of the Festival actors.
Medium: Television
Program: CBC Newsmagazine
Broadcast Date: June 20, 1954
Guest(s):
Duration: 11:00

Last updated: March 30, 2012

Page consulted on March 20, 2013

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