Principal Edwards Magic Theatre: 1968 - 1971
Musicians
Root Cartwright guitar / mandolin / recorderBelinda Bourquin fiddle / piano / recorder / vocals
David Jones percussion
Lyn Edwards percussion
Terry Budd drums
Roger Swallow drums
Jeremy Ensor bass guitar
Joe Read bass guitar
Martin Stellman vocal
Vivienne McAuliffe vocal
Dancers
Eva DarlowMonica Nettles
John Hill
Gillian Hadley
Projectionists, Props, Effects
Leslie AdeyHarry Housman
Christopher Runciman
History
Principal Edwards Magic Theatre began at Exeter University in 1968 as a loosely-based artistic co-operative.
It was the first group to be signed by John Peel's Dandelion record label and broadcast on Night Ride and Top Gear.
A clash between musical and academic activities led to the members leaving university and establishing themselves in a large farmhouse outside Kettering.
The band recorded two albums, "SoundTrack" and "Asmoto Running Band", and a single, "Ballad", and toured for 2.5 years.
Serious tensions between fringe theatre and rock priority, together with buslness hassles, led to a break-up in December 1971.
John Peel's Disc and Music Echo column - April 5th 1969