 "When Carol asked me to write about Phyllis Dixey I knew I was in for a real nostalgia trip. I danced in her ballet from 1953 until 1957. The show was like a revue with variety artist, some of whom became very famous, knitted together with dances and ballets and culminating in Phylllis act, a very tasteful striptease. One critic described her act as suitable for a vicar´s tea party!Phyllis was very strict with the dancers - no fraternising! In fact no one would have dreamt of calling her anything but Miss Dixey. It was a wonderful experience for me. When she and her husband went home for weekends I got to take ban call on a Monday morning, set the lighting for all our scenes and organising the show´s luggage for travelling (all by train of course) About 1955 we returned from a week off and Phyllis had with her a funny little puppy (I thought so anyway!) This was my introduction to Griffons, Susie was adorable and so intelligent. She had about ten toys and we played onstage with her, she would fetch the correct one every time. I used to doggy sit when Phyllis went out and got to know the Griffon temperament well. On one occasion we were playing onstage before the show and Sussie disappeared under the curtains, some of the audience were already seated. Phyllis, in her dressing gown, went after her and saying to the audience "Excuse me" she scooped her and retreated. The affair with the pants featured in the film was very sad really. Jack, Phyllis´s husband, had had this girlfriend for ages and I think she must have known but on that occasion couldn´t ignore it. The show virtually wound down after that. I missed Susie and heard later that she had died, aged six, of poison. Phyllis always said she was going to let her have a litter and I could have a puppy, but it didn´t happen! I tried to find out where Susie came from but with no success. I know she had a pedigree for her. Phyllis died aged 50 of a cancer. A few years later her brother phoned me and said he had a lot of music and scripts and was I interested? I went to Pill near Bristol and collected them hoping to find the pedigree but no luck. Susie was given to Phyllis by a friend from South London, so maybe from Eileen Street... I sometimes wonder if she is looking down on me and knows what she started, I´m very grateful! There´s no dog like a Griffon".
Taken from: Progress #49, Winter 04
Photos: Progress #49, Winter 04, #52, Summer 06 and griffondebruselas.com records |
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