June 2013 – Page 2 – What Was Pebble Mill?

Films and Plays from Pebble Mill

This booklet was published in 1980 by West Midlands Arts, to celebrate ten years of regional television drama.

The dramas mentioned include Gangsters, Black Christmas, Empire Road, Licking Hitler, Dreams of Leaving, Girls, Jack Flea’s Birthday Celebration, Only Connect.

Pebble Mill Site Maps

Thanks to Peter Poole for making these site plans of Pebble Mill available, and for adding the following information:

The plans show the patch panel points around the Pebble Mill building. These boxes were fitted with camera connection sockets, microphone sockets, audio tie-lines and mains power sockets. The outside boxes were fitted with heaters to prevent corrosion of the sockets. All the audio circuits appeared on the north riser jack field. They could then be connected to any studio using a double ender. In the audio unit the plans were used in pre-production planning. A rigging form would be completed showing the studio microphone setup. It would show all the cable connections from the studio floor to the mixer jack field. This is a simplified description. Normally the audio set up would be more complex.

Pebble Mill at One Office

Photos by Ken Williams, no reproduction without permission.

These photos date from the 1970s. They show the Pebble Mill at One production office.

Thanks to Keith Brook (aka Scouse) for sharing the photos.

Photo 1 has Heather Turner, hands on hips, who was in charge of fashion items, Sue Ashcroft in the middle and Roger Laughton on the right. Roger was deputy editor who went on to be Managing Director of Meridian.

Photo 2 has Yvonne Ackrill on the right and I don’t know who on the left.

Photo 3 has the same lady again and Terry Dobson, the infamous editor, trying to be dominating.Photo 4 is Sue Ashcroft again in a typical, shy and quiet pose!

The following comment was posted on the Pebble Mill Facebook group:

Keith Brook: ‘The camera (in the 2nd photo) is an EMI 201 that was used as a makeshift prompter. Slung underneath the studio cameras were small TV monitors showing the script, which meant the presenters were always looking down slightly.’

Children in Need – Simon Bates

Photos from Jane Green, no reproduction without permission.

These photos are from a Children in Need evening, with Radio 1 D.J., Simon Bates presenting. He is next to Jane Green on the bridge outside the Foyer in the first photo. The second photo is of the floor managing team: Marco Di Giorgio, Jane Green, Mary Sanchez, Dave Brazier.

Macbeth on the Estate

Thanks to costume designer, Janice Rider, for making this publicity brochure for the 1997 drama Macbeth on the Estate available. The modern day adaptation of the Shakespearian play was set on the Ladywood Estate in Birmingham.

The drama starred, James Frain as Macbeth, Susan Vidler as Lady Macbeth, David Harewood as Macduff, and Ray Winstone as Duncan.

Alison Gilby was the producer, Julian Murphy the executive producer, Thea Harvey the associate producer and David Wilson the composer. Penny Woolcock adapted and directed the drama.