South Yorkshire Times September 19, 1959

Former Mexborough Guild Actor In Tv Production

IN an age of ” stars overnight ” and easily won fame, it is pleasing to record the progress of yet another product of the Dearne Valley amateur stage.

Talented Bolton-on-Dearne actor, Brian Blessed is in his second year as a member of the reputed Nottingham Repertory Company and he recently appeared with the company on B.B.C. television.

“Right from the beginning Brian showed a remarkable aptitude for the professional theatre.” commented Mexborough Theatre Guild producer, Harry Dobson this week. Mr. Dobson said Brian joined the Theatre Guild as a boy of 15 after leaving Dearnside Secondary Modern School. “He worked extremely hard and his big chance came when he attended a West Riding Youth drama course. Visiting the Riding was one of the directors of the Bristol Old Vic theatre. He was very impressed with Brian s work and invited him to Bristol for auditions.”

Two years in the Royal Air Force brought an unwelcome break in the Bolton man’s career, but after a short re-union with the Theatre Guild he joined the Bristol company with whom he remained for twelve months. Mr. Dobson recalled Brian’s gifts of dramatic expression and said he was a very capable amateur player and particularly good in heavy drama During his three years with the Guild. Brian contributed outstanding portrayals as “Heathcliff” in Emily Bronte’s “Wuthering Heights”;   the stranger in Clemente Dane’s “Granite” and the soldier in Walter Greenwood’s “Cure for Love.” “He obtained a very good all-round experience with the Guild.” said Mr. Dobson.