closeicon
News

John Fisher pays a lasting tribute to a Leeds-based drama group

articlemain

The JC's northern correspondent John Fisher has published his debut book.

Titled An Audience of Curious People, it is a history of the Leeds-based Jewish amateur drama group, Proscenium Players.

Mr Fisher, who lives in Alwoodley, Leeds, was a long-standing member of the group, which was founded in 1948 to raise money for Israel through its productions. It is no longer running.

Mr Fisher, 72, tells People: "I was given a load of material by our late director who had kept a diary of the productions and someone said: 'You've got enough there to write a book, so why don't you?' I did." The result contains a forward by British writer and comedian Barry Cryer - a former Proscenium Player.

The organisation's most well-known productions were Ansky's The Dybbuk, and Under Milk Wood, which were shown at the Leeds Civic Theatre. Mr Fisher says the book has been very well-received across the world. "People have read it and sent it to friends and relatives. I have received letters from people in Israel and Australia.

"I think it appeals to people who are interested in Leeds and Jewish history." He adds: "I would definitely like to write another book." One about being a JC journalist perhaps?

Share via

Want more from the JC?

To continue reading, we just need a few details...

Want more from
the JC?

To continue reading, we just
need a few details...

Get the best news and views from across the Jewish world Get subscriber-only offers from our partners Subscribe to get access to our e-paper and archive