Joseph Brunning RIP

Reviews

Sue Lewis (09/04/2009)
Memories of Joseph Brunning from The Kingswood Players. Joseph Brunning was a much loved and respected member of The Kingswood Players, who sadly passed away at Easter at the age of 97. Joe was famous for his monologues, particularly “The Lion and Albert” (woe betide you if you called it “Albert and The Lion”!), and his 60th year of performing on the amateur stage was marked by a BBC Points West live link from our Old Time Music Hall, as well as an interview and story about Joseph in the news itself. Joe’s twin brother moved to Australia, and his nephew has told us how several years ago he went for a drink in his local bar and sat at a table next to some English tourists. He said they were talking about the theatre and how they were interested in and went to local am dram productions. He enquired what part of England they came from and the reply was Kingswood, Bristol. He mentioned that his uncle was part of a group there and how he had been involved for over 60 years. The reply came – “You must be talking about Joseph Brunning!”

Various (10/04/2009)
Memories of Joseph Brunning from The Kingswood Players Sorry to hear about Joe, I will always think of him with Albert and the Lion or was it The Lion and Albert! Such a razor sharp memory well into his later years, I am sure he will be missed. (Helen Fawcett) My memory of Joseph apart from his famous monologues is the time I agreed to be Treasurer for the Kingswood Players. Bearing in mind when it comes to anything mathematical I am completely useless Joe said he would teach me double entry book-keeping. Every week I used to bring the books to drama and Joe would ask me how I was getting on and check my figures. I could never quite get the hang of why I seemed to be putting the same figure in two different columns. Joe would say "Lorraine that is why it is called double entry book-keeping". He had the patience of a Saint and such a quick brain when it came to the books. Bless him he never got cross when I wasn't getting it and was always patient. I wish I could say I mastered it after all his expert tuition but unfortunately it is still a mystery to me but I will always remember him for trying to teach me double entry book-keeping. (Lorraine Taylor) I know he will be sadly missed but always remembered by not only the Players themselves but by the audience who even though he was not on stage in his latter years would always ask me how he was doing when they came to a production. Old Time Music Hall will never be the same without Joe and "Albert and the Lion".(Lorraine Taylor) Doing a Music Hall show at Maytrees OAP home, some of the old dears started complaining about the time/noise etc . Joe who was still older than most of the 'inmates' started roaring with laughter and said ' get me out of here,' ' if I am ever like this shoot me'. Still remember his laughter to this day. (Paul Taylor) When it was an official meeting, Joseph would always wear his dark pinstriped suit and you knew when he came in because you could always smell the mothballs! He always believed in making things last. (Richard Bond) About 6 years ago, when he was not well, I told him off because his house was cold and he only had one bar of his electric fire switched on. He said it was much better when the red lamp, under the artificial coals worked. So, I bought two lamps not being sure how long they’d last. He was so pleased when I replaced it and said the ‘coal fire’ glow made all the difference. The next week, the house still felt cold (the artificial coals were glowing but the bars were switched off) and Joe said “It’s far too hot in here now when both the fire glow and the bars are on together!” I’ve still got the spare fire-glow lamp by the way, if anyone needs it!! (Richard Bond) A fitting mention and nice photo on the website. (Kevin) I will always remember spending a pleasant hour with Joe when Steph interviewed him for her GCSE coursework. He told her all about his life and in particular the trials and tribulations of being on the amateur stage. Needless to say with all that material, she got an A! I think most of all though I will remember the glint in the eye of a confirmed bachelor who always loved the attention of the ladies! Well done, Richard for a beautiful eulogy at the funeral including a moving rendition of The Lion and Albert. (Pauline Goodridge) Joseph was a founder member of The Avon Drama Association (ADA) which promoted communication and co-operation between groups in Staple Hill, Kingswood, Hanham, Warmley and St George. This was the precursor of the present Avon Association of Drama (AAD) which encompasses the whole of Bristol and its environs. So Joe was indirectly responsible for influencing the initial concept of AAD. (Kathie Dowson) Well done yesterday – you did Joseph proud with your rendition of Albert and the Lion – oops – The Lion and Albert! It was good so many of us were able to go and give him a good “send off”. (Sue Lewis) Finally, our May 2009 production of “The Ghost Train” was dedicated to Joseph. It was fitting therefore and he would have been truly proud that we broke all previous box office records for ticket sales. This was indeed a tribute to him our one and only life-member, that we all loved and will always remember.

Funeral Tribute by Richard Bond (22/04/2009)
Well, we all have memories of Joseph or Joe as he fondly known, but what do you know of his hobby as he trod the boards, latterly with The Kingswood Players, of whom he was a founder member, but prior to this with The Kingswood-Downend Players, with The Romsdal Players, with Downend Dramatic Society, The Regimental Concert Party of the Royal Artillery and originally in 1936 with The Milk Marketing Board Dramatic Society. He had been invited along by a friend and his first part was in a thriller called “9.45”. He was hooked straight away and when their lead man dropped out of “An Inspector Calls” Joe found himself, playing the role! One of his favourite plays was “Death Takes A Holiday” in which he played the romantic lead. You may be more familiar with Brad Pitt who played this role, in a more recent film of the play, “Meet Joe Black”. I remember reading a faded press cutting of this and I would say that the young Joseph could have given Brad a run for his money! My first meeting with Joseph was in 1966 when he made a Guest appearance with The Romsdal Players in “The Hot Tiara” – after that he always called me the youngest Police Chief Inspector in the business for I was just 17! During his years on stage he enjoyed many roles including: The Bishop of Lax in full Bishops garb in the Philip King Farces. Old Father Time in “Dandelion Time”. The murderer in “Who Lies There” – Kate says he frightened me! The stern but devoted Victorian Father in “Pink String and Sealing Wax” and The Emperor Hing Kee in “Aladdin”, where he ended up in his underwear in the washing machine! His motto was “There is no bit part only bit players” – regardless of its size every part was important – for you had to be part of the team. Without doubt, in later years, Joe’s favourite show was “Music Hall” and at the age of 88, in May 2000, he toured with The Kingswood Players to Ilfracombe in North Devon. When Joseph appeared in Music Hall his signature tune was "The Fine Old English Gentleman" and I think you will all agree that was what he was. Therefore, I think it is very appropriate that his burial tomorrow, is taking place on the most appropriate day of the year, St George's Day. His final performance onstage was in October 2001 in “Music Hall Magic”, but when Joseph started going in for periods of respite care, he continued to entertain both staff and residents alike with his monologues. As a life member, he continued to support The Players, when possible, by attending performances and dress rehearsals which generally during our October production, meant a cake, a small party and lots of kisses from the girls, as this was always close to his birthday. When, this became impossible, he always wanted an update on our finances, ticket sales, reports on members, the rehearsals and details about the final production. Joseph lived life to the full and we will all remember him in our different ways. I was fortunate enough to know Joe more closely, in later life whilst he still lived at 33, West Park Road. I often got a call during my morning shift, to check if I would be calling in on my way home, for coffee, biscuits and generally chocolate! A few days before he died, I was encouraging him to talk and told him how I was learning my words for “The Ghost Train” but was not as good as he was at remembering. I asked could he remember any monologues and he replied “Yes” I said can you remember “Albert and the Lion?” He corrected me “It’s The Lion and Albert!” and despite several more visits, those were the last words he spoke to me. His nephew from Australia, Daniel, has asked me to read this today, so from the book of monologues, which Joe gave me several years ago, together with his stick with the ‘orses ‘ead ‘andle, which Daniel has given me and as a tribute to Joseph Brunning for his theatrical life, I give you “Albert and the Lion”. Sorry Joe, “The Lion and Albert!”