OPERATIC SOCIETY

Press, Volume LXIX, Issue 20987, 16 October 1933, Page 5

OPERATIC SOCIETY

"THE MESSENGER BOY" SEASON CONCLUDED "The Messenger Boy," presented by the Christchureh Operatic Society, finished its season with a matinee and an evening performance on Saturday. The whole production was very creditable to those who had the managing and directing of it, and the performers were obviously enjoying themselves. Though to single out any actor for particular praise is difficult, mention must be made of the Comte dc Fleury and Professor Phunckwitz, two comic parts admirably portrayed by Mr F. Pitt and Mr R. Lamb, and of Captain Pott of the s.s. Shark, taken by Mr B. C. H. Robson. Whenever the firstmentioned pair were on the stage, among mummies or in the austere presence of Hooker Pasha. Commissioner of the Nile (Mr Wyn Cowlishaw), their every sally was greeted with roars of applause. Other comic characters which were well acted included Mrs Bank (Mrs Guy Cotterill), her son, Tommy Bank, the messenger boy (Mr D. McKivett), and his "gal," Rosa (Miss Molly Fowler), while of the serious characters Nora, Lady Punchestown's stop-daughter. was outstanding, and the diplomaticallyminded Lord Punchestown (Mr Guy Cotterill) was faithfully portrayed. The musical part of the entertainment was provided by an orchestra in the safe hands of Mr Alfred Bunz and an agile ballet trained by Miss Bessie Macdonald heightened interest in the performance. The production was under the personal supervision of Major F. H. Lampen. In his speech to the audience after the final curtain, the chairman of the society, Mr G. M. Hall, said that he considered that it had been their best production, as they had used a larger cast than ever before, and though it was an undoubted artistic success it had been a failure financially. He briefly thanked those who had taken part, not only on the stage, but also those who had had all the spadework to do behind the scenes, and all the outside bodies who had lent willing hands to make it the success it, was. He mentioned also that Christchurch could look forward to another opera, and a more serious one in about six months.