Remembering

BY ALAN REBBECK, WEBBER-DOUGLAS ACADEMY OF DRAMATIC ART STUDENT, ENGLAND
I go back to 1963. I was a student at The Webber Douglas School here in London.I was cast in a very difficult part in a very obscure play by Emlyn Williams. The play was entitled "Tresspass". I played, for a student, a very difficult part: "Saviello," a meduim.I can remember without doubt the most impressive teacher and director throughout my three years training at The Webber D was Anthony Cornish. The part was open to alL sorts of reaction from laughing etc. But "no" - Mr.Cornish through his clever directing and teaching saw to it that wouldn't happen.On my school report Mr.Cornish wrote, "Alan Rebbeck was completely believable as the medium Saviello. It was the stillness that Alan bought to the character that impressed me."

In 1976 I moved to NYC. There I tried to pursue my career as an actor.I did the usual bitS and pieces on films, soaps and a couple of off, off Broadway.In 1990 I returned to live in London. In 1989. I was walking in the Chelsea neighbourhood where I lived, and I saw Tony Cornish sitting, having breakfast at a 9th Avenue diner.I went in sat down and said to Tony, "Do you remember me?.You taught me at the Webber D." He said "Yes, didn't you play a meduim in an Emyln Williams play?" I said "That was correct.How did you remember?.He replied "I never forget". It blew my mind. He then proceeded to ask what I was doing.I told him I was returning to live in London.He then told me to get in touch with a producer who was putting on a play at a very reputable fringe venue. I didn't get the part.

I am now 68 - two years younger than Tony. I can't believe that. This was a man who is two years older and was wiser than his years.I very rarely work, but that's not a problem.I still have wonderful memories, one of which was knowing Anthony Cornish for a brief time in our lives.