AN unsophisticated genre of former chapel entertainment was the dialect sketch in which all the parts, male and female, were taken by women. Like most places of worship, Knowle Park Congregational Chapel, Keighley, had many ladies “who were not only excellent attenders at the Sunday services and the Women’s Pleasant Hour but also took their share in giving financial aid to the funds”.
Each March during the 1930s they would present a homely play – Mint Sauce, The Wrong Miss Wright, Pearls in Pawn, The Laird o’ Doonside, Doctor’s Orders – their offerings being invariably “anticipated with keen interest by a large circle of friends”.
Here is a dramatic moment from Chinese Puzzle in 1934. With costumes provided by the cast and their friends, such scenes illustrate the dress of the period, particularly here the between-the-wars motorcyclist’s gear worn by the fourth character from the left.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here