Watch our specially created video for Heritage Open Days 2021 to discover Wivenhoe's links to two significant stage actors from the 19th and 20th century.

Philip Wise, Heritage Manager for Colchester Museums, takes a look at some of Wivenhoe's past residents, their former homes, and contributions to stage and screen  

Wivenhoe and the Theatre - transcript of the video.

Hello, my name is Philip Wise and I am the Heritage Manager for Colchester and Ipswich Museums. I am standing on the quay at Wivenhoe in Essex. Behind me is Rose Lane which remarkably has been the home of two famous actors: Sir John Martin-Harvey and Joan Hickson. 

John Martin Harvey was born in Wivenhoe in 1863 and lived here until he was 19 when he left home to go on the stage in London. His most famous role was as Sydney Carlton in ‘The Only Way’, an adaptation of Charles Dickens’ ‘A Tale of Two Cities’ which he claimed to have performed over 3,000 times. During the First World War Martin Harvey and his wife supported the war effort by fund raising for the Red Cross and other nursing charities for which he was knighted in 1921.  

Martin Harvey’s childhood home was here at Quay House. Built in the early 19th century, this house has a remarkable doorway which is inspired by the architecture of Ancient Egypt. The theatrical masks over the door are a nice touch. Upstairs there is a room which may have been the boyhood theatre of John Martin Harvey. 

Joan Hickson was born in Northampton and moved to Rose Cottage in Wivenhoe in 1958. She appeared regularly on the London stage, including in the 1940s in the Agatha Christie play ‘Appointment with Death’. This was seen by Agatha Christie who wrote in an note to Joan Hickson, ‘I hope one day you will play my dear Miss Marple’. This wish was realised in 1984 when the BBC began to film the Miss Marple stories and Joan Hickson appeared in 12 adaptations of the novels. 

Like its former owner, Rose Cottage is a very private house which cannot be seen from the road. It dates back to around 1800 and has been much altered. Inside the timber frame of the building can still be seen and there is an unusual staircase. 

This film has been specially produced for Heritage Open Days. To find out what else is happening this year pick up a leaflet from the Colchester Visitor Information Centre or visit our website at www.visitcolchester.com/HODS. 

Related

13 Comments

Comments

  1. Nancy Green
    You have a great job at Colchester and Ipswich Museums and I really love theater. Right now, I study and with the help of https://studyclerk.com/custom-research-paper I completed paper which was devoted to the life of Wivenhoe. Feel free to get the help with custom papers and deep research.
  2. NicolasS Samer
    Top-notch paper at reasonable cost and delivered on time sounds like something unreal? Check out the https://www.writingpapersucks.com/studybay-com-review/ page to get more information about the platform that can make your dreams come true.
  3. Aaron Reed
    Finding a competent service to write my dissertation for me like https://writemy.com/write-my-dissertation requires careful consideration. First off, don't overlook reviews and testimonials from previous users. They offer insights into the quality of work, punctuality, and level of customer service. A capable dissertation writer should demonstrate proficiency in language use as well as in-depth understanding of the subject matter. If they provide samples, examine these for evidence of their expertise. Importantly, the service should commit to delivering original, plagiarism-free content, a fundamental aspect of academic research. Transparent and fair pricing, aligned with the quality of work, is another crucial factor. Remember, a steep price doesn't necessarily signify better quality. When in search of the right 'write my dissertation for me' service, be patient, and meticulously review all available options before choosing the one that best fits your specific needs.
  4. Sasakiea
    I have trouble writing, therefore I'm unsure if I'll be able to do my homework by the deadline. Whenever I need to write a paper, I typically use this service nursing essay writing https://www.nursingpaper.com/ , nurses. I just produced excellent work as a result, earning a passing grade. To be able to complete my assignments on my own, I'd like to hone my writing abilities.
  5. Jode453
    Theatre is a unique form of storytelling that has been captivating audiences for centuries. In writing an essay about theatre, one can explore https://studentshare.org/case-study various aspects such as its history, genres, impact on society, and the creative process behind productions. It provides an opportunity to analyze and interpret plays, delve into the themes and symbolism within them, and discuss the influence of notable playwrights and performers. Through the essay, one can highlight the power of theatre to entertain, provoke thought, and reflect the human experience.
  6. heetr
    The realm of academic writing is vast, but there are a few resources that truly stand out. One such gem is this guide at compare and contrast essay https://essaypro.com/blog/compare-and-contrast-essay. What makes it unique is its approach to the topic. Instead of just providing generic advice, it delves deep, ensuring that readers understand the underlying principles of comparison and contrast. The practical examples are a bonus, offering readers a chance to see the principles in action. If you're looking to elevate your comparative writing skills, this is a resource you shouldn't miss.
  7. Emwchinese
    Although writing English Essays http://australiaway.org/a/essaydaixie/ for international students is like a daily routine, there are few students who can write English Essays well. Of course, many international students have put in a lot of effort in English Essay writing, but the results are not very ideal. Why is this? It may be that Essay did not pay attention to the following details during the ghostwriting process.
  8. harpermills
    Take your shots, make your moves, and become a legend on the digital court in https://basketballstarsunblocked.io where precision, strategy, and style are your tickets to glory.
  9. williamwill09
    If you're a student who often finds themselves overwhelmed by academic assignments, the website https://writemyessay.today/reviews.htm is the solution you've been searching for. Their dedication to delivering top-notch work, on time, has been a game-changer in my academic life. Don't hesitate to seek their assistance when you need it most.
  11. FelixMiller
    If you're like me and searching for quick and reliable dishwasher repair near me, look no further! I recently encountered an issue with my dishwasher, and the hunt for a local repair service turned out to be hassle-free and efficient. I stumbled upon an exceptional repair service just around the corner. They responded promptly, diagnosed the problem swiftly, and fixed it in no time. Their professionalism and reasonable pricing made the experience stress-free. https://serviceservotech.com/2023/10/dishwasher-repair-near-me-find-a-service-servotech/
  12. pattyblack
    Delving into Wivenhoe's rich theatrical history offers a captivating journey through time and culture. Exploring this topic through essays from an essay bank https://essaysbank.com/ provides valuable insights into the evolution of theatre in Wivenhoe. These essays delve into the community's vibrant artistic scene, highlighting the impact of local productions and the theater's role in shaping the town's identity and cultural heritage.

Leave a Reply