books – Richard's Blog

What follows is a Q&A Interview with Brian Speagle, Director of Memoir playing at the Manor Park Memorial Hall from April 29 to May 3. The Interview was conducted by The Beat Magazine’s Publisher & Content Manager, Richard Young.

(Pictured: Director Brian Speagle with Charlene McNabb and Dan Curtis.)

Q. Tell me about Memoir – backstory, author, performance history, etc.?

Memoir is set in the summer of 1922. It will prove to be Sarah Bernhardt’s last. The action of the play takes place at her island estate off the coast of Brittany, France. Sarah, with her secretary and assistant Georges Pitou, is doing her best to remember events from her life to be included in volume two of her memoirs. Sarah Bernhardt dominated the world of theatre for most of her life, in France, all of Europe, and North and South America. The Divine Sarah achieved worldwide fame in the 19^th century, which was unprecedented. Sarah Bernhardt was known as much for her personal life, which today would have been tabloid and internet fodder, as for her multitude of on-stage personas.

Canadian playwright, the late John Murrell, premiered Memoir at the Guelph Spring Festival in 1977. It has since been presented in the UK, Ireland, Japan, and the U.S. It enjoyed a two-year run at the Theatre Edouard VII in Paris. The play has also been adapted for TV and film in Canada, Europe, and Asia.

Q. What prompted you to select Memoir for your 2026 season?

I first came in contact with this play in 1978, when I was in a scene study class at university. I played ‘Pitou’ in a few scenes! I also used Memoir in my teaching career with senior drama students. After forty-five years, I decided it was time to direct this show.

Q. Could you provide a brief Plot Synopsis

Sarah Bernhardt is trying to write volume two of her memoirs. She enlists Pitou to play characters from her past, to jog her memory. At first reluctant, Pitou eventually begins to revel in his roles. As the play proceeds, however, many of her memories become painful and traumatic for her. In the end, Sarah comes to accept her life decisions, and the play ends on an optimistic note.

(Pictured: Sarah Bernhardt.)

Q. It’s my understanding that Sarah Bernhardt performed in London. How, if at all, does this play into the show?

Sarah’s appearances at the Grand Opera House in London, Ontario, do not play directly into the show. However, she may have worked closely with a local stagehand or two! You’ll have to see the show to find out!

Q. Two-character plays can sometimes present significant challenges to the actors. Comment?

The text of Memoir presents a major challenge for actors. The ‘Sarah’ character is on stage for the entirety of the action. It is physically and emotionally demanding for both actors.

Q. Could you say a few words about your actors – Charlene McNabb and Dan Curtis?

I first presented Charlene and Dan with this script in 2019! We were hoping to produce it in 2020. Well, we know how that turned out! After seven years, we are all quite enthused to finally stage Memoir for London audiences. Throughout the rehearsal process, Charlene has been totally committed to faithfully developing ‘Sarah!’ She has done extensive research into the amazing life of her character, and that background dedication shows in her portrayal. Dan Curtis takes on the demanding role of ‘Pitou’ with aplomb, as he does with every character I’ve seen him portray. He plays several characters within the character of ‘Pitou,’ sometimes switching back and forth within the same sentence. Quite amazing to witness. Charlene and Dan are both experienced actors, and their professionalism is first-rate.

Q. Why did you choose Manor Park Memorial Hall for this run?

Manor Park Memorial Hall was, for me, the natural choice for this show. The set design invites the audience into an intimate environment with the actors. We are doing something different with the seating, which theatregoers will notice as soon as they enter the space.

Q. How would you describe the sets, props and costumes of the play?

The set is minimal, a few flats. Most of what the audience sees onstage is furniture and props. Tannis Daoust, our costume designer, has done her research for the historical era of the show, and the results are wonderful.

Q. What can audiences expect from Memoir?

The audience can expect some laughs and some tears. I hope they learn something about Sarah, the complexities of her life, and the contradictions. They will also notice the strong bond between Sarah and Pitou as the play unfolds.

Q. Is there anything else you think readers should know about Memoir?

Murrell does take some poetic license with Sarah’s life. For example, in reality, Pitou was not in Sarah’s service at the end of her life.

About Scooter Productions:

Scooter Productions was formed in 2017. Founding members are Phil Cal, Heather Rivet, Sherine Thomas-Holder, and Brian Speagle. Scooter Productions encourages and supports all of the arts in southwestern Ontario.

Published by Richard Young

A retired History and Politics high school teacher (1978-2008). Former Publisher/Managing Editor of The Beat Magazine (2009-2014). Freelance Writer. Proud Grandfather. View all posts by Richard Young

Dorothy Parker On Writing.

August 22, 2025 by Richard Young

(Source: Writers Write)

How do you actually write out a story?

‘It takes me six months to do a story. I think it out and then write it sentence by sentence—no first draft. I can’t write five words but that I change seven.’

How do you name your characters?

‘The telephone book and from the obituary columns.’

Do you keep a notebook?

‘I tried to keep one, but I never could remember where I put the damn thing. I always say I’m going to keep one tomorrow.’

How do you get the story down on paper?

‘I wrote in longhand at first, but I’ve lost it. I use two fingers on the typewriter. I think it’s unkind of you to ask. I know so little about the typewriter that once I bought a new one because I couldn’t change the ribbon on the one I had.’

How about the novel? Have you ever tried that form?

‘I wish to God I could do one, but I haven’t got the nerve.’

Do you think economic security an advantage to the writer?

‘Yes. Being in a garret doesn’t do you any good unless you’re some sort of a Keats. The people who lived and wrote well in the twenties were comfortable and easy living. They were able to find stories and novels, and good ones, in conflicts that came out of two million dollars a year, not a garret. As for me, I’d like to have money. And I’d like to be a good writer. These two can come together, and I hope they will, but if that’s too adorable, I’d rather have money. I hate almost all rich people, but I think I’d be darling at it.’

The Paris Review interview by Marion Capron

Change is a fact of life.

August 8, 2025August 8, 2025 by Richard Young

Most people reach a stage or point in their lives when circumstances, often beyond their control, necessitate major lifestyle changes.

In my case, it was a recent, unexpected diagnosis of Stage 3 Chronic Kidney Disease as a result of the Type 2 Diabetes I have lived with for over a decade. Although I have managed it reasonably well, keeping my A1C at 7.0 (3-month blood sugar average) or under, it has taken an unavoidable toll on my kidneys.

During a three-hour consultation at London’s Kidney Care Centre, I was informed that unless I make major changes to my diet, especially curtailing my intake of sodium (salt) and foods high in potassium and phosphorus, and adopting a more rigorous exercise regimen, I will be looking at the prospect of dialysis within two years.

Now, that is a sobering thought!

In addition to diet and exercise changes, they recommended that I avoid any undue stress in my life. Hmm….

Since retiring from my thirty-year high school teaching career in 2008, I have lived my life using the motto: “Retired, not Expired!”

Hence, I have pursued various activities and interests to keep myself active and engaged.

In 2009, a group of my fellow freelance writers and artists launched The Beat Magazine, a monthly independent arts and culture magazine. I assumed the combined roles of Publisher and Managing Editor, while my good friend, Nicole Laidler, became the Editor, responsible for gathering and editing the magazine’s content. Somewhat arrogantly, we called ourselves “London’s premier independent arts print magazine and leading source of informed local arts news.”

Despite bleeding money for most of our existence (publishing a profitable arts magazine in London is no easy task), it was a great ride, and we lasted until 2013 before the money finally ran out. Today, I maintain The Beat Magazine 2009 as a website and Facebook page.

After The Beat folded, I began freelance writing for other local publications, including, at one time or another, Lifestyle, Business London, London Inc., Scene, and the Villager Publications group of community magazines.

I also took on a casual part-time copywriting position at Marketing Strategies & Solutions, an advertising house that specialized in promoting heavy industrial equipment and services. Now, that was a learning curve!

In 2023, at the invitation of my former teaching colleague, Art Fidler, who had just founded Silver Spotlight Theatre, a community theatre group for people 55+, I agreed to put together a profitable performance Program for the group’s first production, Babes In Arms. The role expanded to publicizing the show in the local mainstream media and social media platforms.

I did the program and publicity for Silver Spotlight Theatre’s production of Into The Woods in November 2024.

I also publicized the highly successful variety show, Groovin’ for Good, a fundraiser for the London Food Bank in May 2025.

I had planned on doing the publicity and program for Silver Spotlight Theatre’s next production, Showtune, in December 2025. But the several factors that had caused me undue stress in my SST role, combined with my unexpected CKD diagnosis, prompted me to step away from the role late in July.

However, I’m not throwing in the towel altogether on my love of the local arts and culture scene, especially community theatre.

It’s the main reason I have reactivated The Beat Magazine 2009 website after an eleven-year hiatus!

It will give me the autonomy to do what I want, when I want, and how I want.

Please join me in this next step in my life journey at http://www.thebeatmagazine2009.ca

Thanks for reading this Blog post.

Tag: books

The Beat Magazine Q&A Interview with Brian Speagle, Director of Scooter Productions’ Memoir

Share this:

Related

Published by Richard Young

Post navigation

Dorothy Parker On Writing.

Change is a fact of life.