The “Health Players” of Putney performed the classic play, As Long as They’re Happy, at the new Elliot School threatre 50 years ago.

The play, written by Vernon Sylvaine in 1953, told the story of a harassed father whose daughters are determined to do what they want - at his expense.

On Friday, June 17, 1960, the Wandsworth Borough News published a rave review of the performance, hailed as “a sparkling piece of nonsense”.

It read: “The Health Players showed that they could be quite happy as a team on-stage, and in turn make the audience happy too.

“The production, by Rosalind Winding, was smooth throughout, despite the last-minute setbacks. Good use was made of the fine stage, and the dress and scenery added to the success of the play. Altogether a most enjoyable evening.”

The play, which was made into a film in 1955, was set in the suburban home of the Bentleys, in nearby Wimbledon.

John Bentley, a stockbroker, leads a peaceful life until he is informed by his wife Stella that their two married daughters, Pat and Corrine, are in trouble.

They need funds to come home and bring their husbands, Peter, a poor artist from Paris, and Barnaby, a cowboy from Texas, with them.

To make matters worse, their youngest daughter, Gwen, has tricked an American singer, Bobby Denver, into visiting the house.

Denver succeeds in charming all the women of the house, including the maid, making Bentley intent on ousting him.

The borough news’ review remarked: “The central character was a sob crooner, played by Clifford Styles. His performance was polished, his manner charming, and his team work with the rest of the case excellent.

“A great feat in view of the fact that he took over the part at extremely short notice.

“Not officially listed, but worthy of mention, was Mr Skeffington, who played a strong silent part indeed!”