The 1959 theatre troupe from Howard Payne University recently received a letter from Buckingham Palace on behalf of Queen Elizabeth II, congratulating the group on their 50th reunion.

Lady-in-Waiting for the Queen, Susan Hussey, wrote the letter to Richard Don Simms, one of the cast members in the production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream. The theatre group, under the direction of Dr. McDonald Held and Mr. Alex Reeve, toured England more than 50 years ago with their Texas version of one of Shakespeare’s most famous plays.

“The Queen was interested to hear of the extensive theatrical tour of Britain made by members of the drama group of Howard Payne College in 1959,” said Hussey. “Her Majesty was glad to hear that you hold such good memories of this time.”

Simms was delighted to receive the communication from Her Majesty. “We put Howard Payne on the map 50 years ago,” he recalled. “It was certainly an honor to know that the information was right there the halls of Buckingham Palace.” Along with his initial letter to the Queen, Simms also included newspaper clippings from the tour and a copy of the Resolution passed by the Texas Senate appointing the group as official goodwill ambassadors to Great Brittain.

Concluding the letter, Hussey wrote, “The Queen was glad to hear that you held a reunion of those involved in this splendid project so long ago, and hopes that you enjoyed a very happy day.”