Publication Details

  • Publication: Stage and Television Today
  • Date: 12 July 1979
  • Venue: Bridlington Spa Theatre
  • Season Length: Nine weeks
  • Performer: Lena Zavaroni
  • Supporting Acts: Berni Flint, Cannon and Ball, Stu Francis, Second Generation
  • Agent: Dorothy Solomon
  • Legal Note: Commentary on UK child stage work restrictions

Article Summary

According to Stage and Television Today, Lena Zavaroni had just opened her longest stage engagement to date—a nine-week summer season at Bridlington Spa Theatre. Her agent, Dorothy Solomon, used the occasion to highlight the restrictive UK laws governing child performers, noting that Lena was limited to 80 stage workdays per year, not including rehearsals. Lena herself expressed anticipation for her upcoming 16th birthday on 4 November, which would mark the end of those legal constraints.

Following the Bridlington run, Lena planned to return to Scotland to complete her education, citing differences in academic calendars between England and Scotland. She also shared her interest in expanding into acting, film, or musical theatre. The show featured a strong supporting lineup including Berni Flint, Cannon and Ball, Stu Francis, and the Second Generation dance troupe.

Commentary

This article reflects how Lena's career was shaped during her teenage years. While her agent spoke about changing child performance laws, it's worth noting that some may feel these pressures were too much, especially given how Lena’s life later unfolded. This archive aims to record events as they were reported, while also keeping an eye on the bigger picture.

Robcamstone

Excerpt from Summer Shows Page Featuring Lena Zavaroni

An advertisement in the same issue of Stage and Television Today promotes the full summer season at Bridlington Spa Theatre, running from 6 July to 8 September. Performers scheduled across the season include Lena Zavaroni, Cannon and Ball, Berni Flint, Stu Francis, Roger Stevenson’s Puppets, and the dance troupe Second Generation. Musical direction is credited to Bill Rayner, with accompaniment from Edwin Harper’s Theatre Orchestra.

The show is presented by Norman Murray, by arrangement with Anne Chudleigh for Hazemead Ltd, in association with Dorothy Solomon Associated Artists Ltd. Dougie Squires is listed as both presenter and choreographer of Second Generation.

A separate listing for the Three B’s Theatre Bar promotes other acts appearing that summer, including Fiddlygig, Stan Boardman, Neil Reid, Pip and Geoff George, and Van Buren.