Farnworth Little Theatre

Thank you - Farnworth Little Theatre and Norman Pickles and his book A Celebration of Farnworth Little Theatre 1948-2008
Frank was very involved in amateur theatre before embarking on a professional career. He joined the Little Theatre in 1951 and appeared in two plays; Miranda and Trespass. His future wife Doreen Shepherd was also a member and performed in both these plays with him. Doreen also went on to train as an actor in Bradford at the Northern Theatre School under Esmé Church.

Farnworth Little Theatre was founded in 1948. Initially called Farnworth Little Theatre Group they staged productions at the Co-op Hall on Market Street (were Frank performed). In 1952 they leased their own building Kings Hall and changed the name to Farnworth Little Theatre. In 1959 they moved to their present home in Cross Street where they continue today.

Another notable name who was also a member of The Farnworth Little Theatre is playwright Jim Cartwright.

Left to right: Alice Lowe, Cathleen Blower, Jack Holt, Hilda Pickles, Norman Pickles, Frank Finlay, Winnie Bennett. On sofa: Doreen Shepherd.
Miranda (1951) September 1951

Cast:

Betty . . . . . . . . . Cathleen Blower
Isobel . . . . . . . . . Hilda Pickles
Lady Marten . . . . . . . . . Winifred Bennett
Sir Paul Martin . . . . . . . . . Frank Finlay
Charles . . . . . . . . . Jack Holt
Miranda . . . . . . . . . Doreen Shepherd
Nurse Cary . . . . . . . . . Alice Lowe
Nigel . . . . . . . . . Norman Pickles

Produced by Harry Partington

Frank Finlay, fourth from left, Norman Pickles, sixth from left, and Doreen Shepherd, seventh from left.

Frank and Doreen married in 1954 and they remained married until she died in 2005.
Trespass (1952) 5th, 6th and 8th March 1952

Cast:

Bill . . . . . . . . . Norman Pickles
Gwan . . . . . . . . . Doreen Shepherd
Maid . . . . . . . . . Sheila Mulroy
Mr Grice . . . . . . . . . Cyril Knowles
Mrs Henting . . . . . . . . . Winifred Bennett
Christine . . . . . . . . . Alice Lowe
Dewar . . . . . . . . . Frank Finlay
Mrs Amos . . . . . . . . . Anne Dixon
Saviello . . . . . . . . . Harry Partington

Produced by Bernard Blakeley

Norman Pickles and Doreen Shepherd. Right is Doreen's original script from the production.

Frank wasn't in The Devil's Disciple but his wife Doreen was, now billed as Doreen Finlay.