PHOTOGRAPHS of Barnsley Grammar School pupils frequently appear in this column, but, invariably, take the form of class photographs or sporting events.

However, the Chronicle has now received several photographs of pupils taking part in one of the dramatic productions.

When former history master Edgar Rayner attended the school as chief guest of the Old Boys' Association, he brought photographs of the 1954 production of "The Knight of the Burning Pestle" by Beaumont and Fletcher, an early 17th century Jacobean "romp," set in a playhouse where members of the audience interrupt and eventually take over the play.

The idea of the production was probably due to the fact that around 1949 the Young Vic Company came to the Theatre Royal with productions of "The Knight of the Burning Pestle" and Shakespeare's "Merchant of Venice."

In the latter, the part of Shylock's daughter, Jessica, was played by June Brown, now better known as Eastender's Dot Cotton. Barnsley Grammar School's cast was a large one and the play was very well acted.

The photographs were loaned to us by former pupil Barry Jackson who can name most of the players.

One photograph shows the late David Redburn and John Jones who played the parts of Luce and Jasper. Mr Jones lectured in London after teaching at Barnsley schools.

On a second photograph there is, standing left to right: Geoff Schofield, who attended Fitzwilliam College, Cambridge, and then became deputy head at a Cheshire grammar school. Second left is Lewis Airey, one of the stars of the show and, right, Alan Newsome, school head boy who won a soccer Blue at Oxford.

Kneeling, left is Anthony Butler (left) and Robert Hammond who made a stage career as ventriloquist Bobby Hammond.

On a third photograph of most of the cast are: back row, left to right, Derek Horsfield, John Rumsey, Stephen Farrand (wrote the play's incidental music and later read music at Fitzwilliam College, Cambridge), David Redburn, John Jones, Geoff Schofield, Lewis Airey, Alan Newsome, Hugh Wagstaffe (a solicitor with Newman & Bond), Ralph Kidger, name unknown.

Middle: Philip Rawling, Frank Lancashire, Chris Moxon, and David Wright (won England Amateur international soccer caps and a Cambridge Blue). Front: left to right, Anthony Butler, unknown, unknown, unknown, unknown, Robert Hammond.

Several cast members are missing from the photographs, including David Little, John Needham, Stuart Bamforth and Jimmy Crump.

Does anyone know the whereabouts of the players today? If so, please contact Kath Parkin, Barnsley Chronicle, 47, Church Street, Barnsley.