Joan Young

For the American actress, see Joan Young (American actress).
Joan Young
Born
Joan Cecilia Frances Wragge

1 February 1900
Newcastle-on-Tyne, UK
Died9 October 1984(1984-10-09) (aged 84)
London, UK
OccupationActress
Years active1934–1980
SpouseJohn Young
Children1

Joan Young (born Joan Cecilia Frances Wragge;[1][2][3] 1 February 1900 – 9 October 1984) was a British character actress of stage, screen and radio, perhaps best known for her portrayal of Lady Chesapeake in Big Bad Mouse and for the wartime radio series, Navy Mixture. She also appeared in several films and TV productions.[4][1]

Early life and career

Born in Newcastle-on-Tyne on 1 February 1900[3][1][a] (and, purportedly, relocated three weeks later[b]), Young was the daughter of music hall performers Nellie Blanche C. (née Parker) and Charles Alfred Romaine Wragg,[5][8] known professionally as Charles Pastor.[9]). Speaking with reporter Beverly Howells almost eight decades later, Young acknowledged that, given her parents' continued performing, it was "really my grandmother who provided any motherly care I received as a child."[10] She was educated at convents in Bournemouth and in France.[5][10]

In April 1915, the then 15-year-old Young—as Joan Wragge—appeared in A Crown of Sorrows, a 5-act play set in Elizabethan era Scotland and staged at Bournemouth's St. Peter's Hall to benefit Belgian refugees. Alongside a generous sampling of that era's British royalty, the play featured Wragge as "Jamie, court jester at Holyrood".[11]

On Tuesday 22 September 1936, the BBC aired Young's "satirical revue" entitled Fictional Fame on Parade (with music by Nene Smith), featuring a cast including, among others, Young, Edward Cooper, Marie Dainton, and the BBC Variety Orchestra, conducted by Charles Shadwell.[12]

In 1938, Young was cast in radio adaptations of two well-known British novels: P. G. Wodehouse's Sam the Sudden (adapted by Jack Inglis as Semi-Detached),[13][c] and, in serialized form, Charles Reade's The Cloister and the Hearth, broadcast on 12 consecutive Sundays, beginning on 15 October.[15] In December, an original radio drama penned by Leslie Stokes, The Snowman, starred Holland Bennett, Alec Guinness, Betty Jardine, Mary Merrall, Joan Young, Ernest Jay, and G. R. Schjelderup.[16]

Reviewing the 1961 revival of Shaw's Heartbreak House staged at Wyndham's Theatre, Stage and Television Today's R. B. Marriott rated Young's performance the "best Nurse Guiness I have seen".[17] The following year, Young—as aggrieved in-law Garnet Hadfield—went head to head with Laurence Olivier's Fred Midway in the London production of David Turner's Semi-Detached.[18][14]

Amidst a generally mixed review of "The Room", a season 1 episode of James MacTaggart's 1964 series, Teletale, Stage and Television Today critic Marjorie Morris makes note of the frustrating dilemma posed by the episode's seemingly saving grace being all but negated by its miserly deployment.

Joan Young gave a powerful performance as Madame Darbedat. It was really too good, because I wanted to see more of her and felt cheated when I didn't.

In 1980, the 80-year-old Young amassed two notable credits to round out a six-decade-plus career;[19] first, by once again reprising her signature Big Bad Mouse role alongside fellow first-nighters Jimmy Edwards and Eric Sykes,[6] and, finally, by appearing in two consecutive, aptly themed episodes of the BBC series All Creatures Great and Small, as Miss Westerman,[2] an elderly dog owner, justifiably concerned about both the well-being and whereabouts of her ailing companion, misplaced prior to critical surgery by the putative caregivers.[20]

Personal life and death

In the summer of 1923, in Chorlton, Lancashire, the 23-year-old Wragge married journalist John Young.[21][2][22] Their marriage produced one child, daughter April Young, a London-based agent whose clients include June Whitfield,[2] Joe Gladwin,[23] John Blythe[24] as well as Young herself,[10] and her Bad Mouse co-star Jimmy Edwards,[25]

Following a short illness, Young died on 9 October 1984 at the Royal Masonic Hospital in Hammersmith, London, aged 84. She was survived by her husband and daughter.[26][24]

Selected filmography

Notes

  1. ^ Regarding the preponderance of 20th century reference sources—at least prior to her death—giving Young's year of birth as 1903[5] (as well as the somewhat tenuous nature of her claim to Geordie status, Newcastle Evening Chronicle columnist Phil Penfold held forth in his brief Young profile, penned near the end of her career, on the occasion of a spring 1980 revival of Big Bad Mouse

    EVERY actor or actress of note appears in the show business bible, 'Who's Who in the Theatre,' and Joan Young is no exception. There, it gives career details – as well the statistical facts about births, marriages and appearances. Only in Joan's case, the entry isn't as accurate as it might be. Her birth date (and let's be respectful to one of the stage's leading ladies) is slightly out of alignment. But that doesn't alter the fact that Joan was born in Newcastle, while her parents were performing in pantomime at the Theatre Royal – quite a few years back. And her claim to being a Geordie rests on a residency of exactly three weeks.[6]
  2. ^ At least as early as 1959, and as late as 1980, it was reported that Young's Geordie or "Novocastrian" connection was purely happenstance, and fleeting at best, brought about solely by a local theatrical engagement secured by her father, and concluding along with that engagement, roughly three weeks later.[7][6]
  3. ^ This adaptation bears no relation to playwright David Turner's like-named work, in which Young would appear more than two decades later, opposite Laurence Olivier.[14]

References

  1. ^ a b c Maxford, Howard (2019). Hammer Complete: The Films, the Personnel, the Company. Jefferson, NC: McFarland & Company. p. 890. ISBN 978-1-4766-7007-2. "On stage from the age of fifteen, this British actress (1900-1984, real name Joan Wragge) turned to films in 1937 with Victoria the Great, following which she appeared in the likes of The Fallen Idol (1948), Trottie True (1949), Time, Gentlemen, Please! (1952), The Admirable Crichton (1957), Carry On Constable (1960) and The Last Shot You Hear (1968). She can also be seen as Mrs. Caporal in Hammer's Blood from the Mummy’s Tomb (1971). The daughter of music hall performers, Young also worked in variety, and was popular on radio in the wartime series Navy Mixture (1944-1947). Her many TV credits include episodes of Dixon of Dock Green (1955-1976, TV), Sykes (1972-1979, TV) and All Creatures Great and Small (1978-1990, TV)."
  2. ^ a b c d Ross, Andrew (2015). Carry On Actors : The Complete Who's Who of the Carry On Film Series. Fantom Films. p. 472–473. ISBN 978-1781961506. "Joan Young (b. Joan Cecilia Frances Wragge) [...] Born in Newcastle-upon-Tyne on 1 February 1900, Joan came from a music hall background. [...] Joan Young’s small-screen appearances included Dr Finlay’s Casebook (1955), Maverick (1957),[sic] Doctor Knock (1961), Danger Man (1964), Doctor Who (1966, as Catherine de Medici), Sinister Street (1969), Ours Is a Nice House (1970), For the Love of Ada (1971), Big Bad Mouse (1972), Sykes (3 episodes, 1972, ’73 & ’74), Billy Liar (1973), Shades of Green - Root of All Evil (1975), The Chiffy Kids (1978) and All Creatures Great and Small (2 episodes, 1980, as Miss Westerman). [...] Joan married journalist/editor John Young (1901-2004) in 1923. They had one daughter, April Young (the subsequent agent of, among others, June Whitfield and Molly Weir, both q.v.). Joan Young died in London from heart and kidney failure on 10 October [sic] 1984, aged eighty-four."
  3. ^ a b "England and Wales, Birth Registration Index, 1837-2008," database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:2FCD-S47 : 1 October 2014), Joan Cecilia F Wragge, 1900; from "England & Wales Births, 1837-2006," database, findmypast (http://www.findmypast.com : 2012); citing Birth Registration, Newcastle Upon Tyne, Northumberland, England, citing General Register Office, Southport, England.
  4. ^ "Obituary: Radio Star". The Guardian. 11 October 1984. p. 2. ProQuest 186525769. JOAN YOUNG, an actress, singer and stalwart of radio during the Second World War, has died in a London Hospital aged 84 following a short illness. Her most famous stage role was Lady Chesapeake in Big Bad Mouse with Jimmy Edwards and Eric Sykes.
  5. ^ a b c Herbert, Ian, ed (1977). Who's who in the theatre : a biographical record of the contemporary stage. London: Pitman. p. 1277. ISBN 0-273-00163-9. "YOUNG, Joan, actress; b Newcastle upon Tyne, 1 Feb 1903; d of Charles Wragge and his wife, Nellie (Parker); e in convents in England and France; m John Young; both her parents were music-hall performers."
  6. ^ a b c Penfold, Phil (28 May 1980). "A Geordie in the Mouse". Evening Chronicle. p. 5.
  7. ^ Anthony, Peter (5 March 1959). "North Country Notes: A Novocastrian—because of a pantomime". The Journal. p. 4. "Joan Young, who appears in that gentle musical, 'Old Chelsea,' which begins a three-week season in Newcastle next week can claim to be a Novocastrian—but only just. She was born when her father was appearing in pantomime but left when the panto ended – and she was three weeks old."
  8. ^ "Variety Gossip: Death of Charles Pastor". The Stage. 17 June 1926. p. 11. ProQuest 1014591810. At the age of 56, Charles Alfred Romaine Wragge (professionally known as Charles Pastor, the laughing comedian), died in Charing Cross Hospital [...] His entrance into the profession was by way of the concert world and when he formed a lifelong friendship with George Robey. Although of different status as artists, they had common interests in sports and fun...
  9. ^ "Behind the Voice". The Stage. 26 July 1951. p. 2. ProQuest 962641824. Joan Young comes from a family that has roots deep in the theatrical profession. Her father and mother were music-hall artists and she herself started on the music-hall stage before going into musical comedy and revue. Her father was Charles Pastor, one of the founders of the V.A.F., and the theatrical tradition does not stop there for Mrs. Young, who is married to John Young, of the 'Daily Express,' has a daughter, April Young, who is casting manager with the Ted Cavanagh organisation. Miss Young started in broadcasting in 1934 and has displayed diverse talents on the air in such shows as 'Navy Mixture' and 'Palace of Varieties,' as well as many dramatic productions in sound radio and television. Listeners will remember particularly her authentic American characterisations, and can hear her at present in the radio series 'My Friends the Braithwaites,' with Sheila Sim and Richard Attenborough.
  10. ^ a b c Howells, Beverly (11 May 1978). "Joan's a character – and mo mistake". South China Morning Post. p. 19. ProQuest 1529699777. Her schooling took place in Bournemouth and in France, and was greatly enhanced by the firm wisdom of her grandmother's influence during those years. 'Both my parents were music hall artists, and therefore seldom home – so it was really my grandmother who provided any motherly care I received as a child.' [...] Part of the cast of 'Big Bad Mouse' when it opened in London in 1966, Mrs. Young has formed a bond with this production seldom enjoyed by a performer. She has travelled extensively with the show, and says her agent (a very successful and competent young lady who happens to be her daughter) has standing instructions that whatever her commitments, when Mouse calls, I go.
  11. ^ "BELGIAN REFUGEE FUND; Entertainment at Bournemouth". Daily Echo. 22 April 1915. p. 4. "Sir Amyas Paulett, Governor of Fotheringay, Miss Mary Lucas: Jamie, Court Jester at Holyrood, Joan Wragge; Zella, a gipsy, Miss Irene Bertoncini;"
  12. ^ "Satirical Revue of Best-Sellers: 'FICTIONAL FAME ON PARADE' ON NATIONAL". Evening Sentinel. 22 September 1936. p. 9. "8.0.—Fictional Fame on Parade: A Satirical Revue of Best-Sellers; Book Lyrics by Joan Young; music by Nene Smith; arrangements by Ronnie Munro, with Molly 0 Callaghan, Geoffrey Wincott, Marie Dainton, Ian Reeves, Joan Young, Edward Cooper; The Revue Chorus and the B.B.C. Variety Orchestra, conducted by Charles Shadwell, compered and produced by Douglas Moodie."
  13. ^ "BBC Tomorrow". Evening Post. 23 July 1938. p. 6. "Semi-Detached, a radio comedy adapted by Jack Inglis, from the novel, Sam the Sudden, by P. G. Wodehouse, produced by Peter Creswell, with Wallace Douglas, Peter Madden, Norman Shelley, Carleton Hobbs, Lyn Neilson, Joan Young, Gordon McLeod, Kenneth Kove, Charles Barrett, Malcolm Waring, Inez Gibbs, Michael Carr, Doreen Heath, Ethel Lodge and J. V. Chapman."
  14. ^ a b Turner, David (1971). Self-Detached: A Play by David Turner. London: Evans Plays. pp. 11, 40–45 OCLC 526098007.
  15. ^ "'The Cloister and the Hearth'; New Serial". The Daily Telegraph. 15 October 1938. p. 8
  16. ^ "Special Features". The Daily Telegraph. December 20, 1938. p. 7.
  17. ^ Marriott, R. B. (9 November 1961). "SHAW WAS AHEAD OF US FIFTY YEARS AGO". The Stage and Television Today. p. 15. ProQuest 962713014. Perlita Neilson is a thoroughly convincing Ellie; Joan Young the best Nurse Guinness I have seen; and Barry Sinclair nicely in the picture as Randall.
  18. ^ "Obituary: Radio Star". Variety. 17 October 1984. p. 47. ProQuest 1438404510. In 1961 she had the femme lead in 'Semi-Detached' with Laurence Olivier, followed a few seasons later with an 18-month run in a comedy called 'Big Bad Mouse.' No survivors reported.
  19. ^ Smith, Margaret (6 August 1978). "A Happening Rather than a Play". The Sydney Morning Herald. p. 181. "Joan Young is one of those great stayers of the English theatre, an essential part of its unique enduring strength, the accomplished character actress. She's now in Sydney for the English farce Big Bad Mouse at the Theatre Royal, where she plays the latest commanding woman role of her 60 year career. As Lady Chesapeake, a biscuit factory owner, Joan says she has a lively time keeping up with Jimmy Edwards' flair for ad libbing."
  20. ^ Herriot, James (1978). Vet In a Spin. London : Pan Books. pp. 155–364. ISBN 0-330-25532-0.
  21. ^ Lawrence, Alberta; Martell, Edward; Pine, L.G. (1978). Who was Who Among English and European authors, 1931-1949 : based on entries which first appeared in The Author's and Writer's Who's Who & Reference Guide originally compiled by Edward Martell and L.G. Pine and in Who's Who among living Authors of Older Nations, originally compiled by Alberta Lawrence. Detroit : Gale Research. p. 1558. LCCN 77--280. "YOUNG, John. b: Stratford-on-Avon igoi. e: George “Watson’s Col Edin. m: Joan Cecilia Monro-Wragge. d: i. Reporter, n.a: Daily Express 1933-, joined staff of Edin Evening Dispatch ’19, Lon Evening News ’24-29, Lon Evening Standard, ’29, appointed Theatrical Corr of Daily Chronicle & Sunday News ’30, Daily Mail ’31-33. Mem N.U.J. ’29. s.s: Theatre. Rec: Old-time music hall hist, a' 12 Glazbury Rd, Barons Ct, W.14. t: Fulham 7554"
  22. ^ "England and Wales, Marriage Registration Index, 1837-2005," database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:QVZP-QLM5 : 8 October 2014), John Young and null, 1923; from "England & Wales Marriages, 1837-2005," database, findmypast (http://www.findmypast.com : 2012); citing 1923, quarter 3, vol. 8C, p. 2030, Chorlton, Lancashire, England, General Register Office, Southport, England.
  23. ^ "Joe Dies Aged 82". The Northern Echo. 12 March 1987. p. 1. "Joe Gladwin, Nora Batty's husband in Last of the Summer Wine, has died. He was 82. [...] His agent April Young said Joe died at his home in Manchester after a short illness."
  24. ^ a b Smith, Paul (20 May 1994). "Actor Leaves £500 in his will for friends to 'have a drink'". The Richmond and Twickenham Informer. p. 4. "COMEDY actor John Blythe, who lived in Teddington, has bequeathed his bumper joke book to his agent. [...] Mr Blythe's daughter, Jaquie Whewell, said: 'His agent, April Young, and I feel the book should be sold and the proceeds given to charity.'"
  25. ^ "JIMMY EDWARDS IN £25,000 DEAL BBC CONTRACT TALKS". The Daily Telegraph. December 2, 1961. p. 1. "Talks are being held on an exclusive contract which would make Jimmy Edwards the highest-paid BBC comedy actor. This was announced last night by his agent, Miss April Young."
  26. ^ "Joan Young Dies at 84". Scunthorpe Evening Telegraph. 10 October 1984. p. 1. "ACTRESS and singer Joan Young has died in a London hospital aged 84 after a short illness. She was known throughout the war years for her radio broadcasting and her regular singing spot on the popular programme Navy Mixture. She leaves a husband, John."

Further reading

  • Cowan, Margaret (22 May 1958). "Our View". The Stage. p. 8. ProQuest 1014647030. Associated-Rediffusion's Friday offering, 'Dark Pastures,' appeared at the middle of the London bus strike, so the theme at least was topical. Otherwise this story of a stubborn, die-hard Yorkshire coal miner who refuses to move with the times creaks a bit at the joints. [...] However, we had some good acting from Mervyn Johns as Jack Wilson the crotchety miner; Ernest Butcher as Grandpa; and especially a tender cameo from Joan Young as Mrs. Wilson, the mother who longs for peace and quiet but has had nothing but trouble in all the years.
  • "LETTERS: The Mikado". The Stage and Television Today. 4 January 1968. p. 18. ProQuest 1040256966. With reference to Ann Purser's last paragraph in her Christmas criticism, I cannot help wondering if Miss Purser watched 'The Mikado' right through. Because the opinion of myself and everyone else I know who saw it was that after a shaky start, Harry Worth's performance became an excellent one. Especially outstanding was his delightful performance of the song, 'The Willow,' a cameo of acting which it would be delightful to see again. I do hope it is possible for you to mention that there are many of us who are grateful to Mr. Worth for giving us so much enjoyment, and that for any of the cast to be accused of 'messing up' must have been a hasty, unconsidered opinion. I hope Miss Purser will get the chance to see it again and change her mind. Yours faithfully, Joan Young (Mrs.) Hyde Park, London W2
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