THREE-ACT PLAY

Press, Volume LXXIX, Issue 24027, 16 August 1943, Page 2

THREE-ACT PLAY

A GOOD PERFORMANCE “It Pays to Advertise,” a farce in three acts by Walter Hackett and R. C. McGrue, was presented by the Christ’s College Dramatic Society to a full house at the Radiant Hall on .Saturday night. As is usual with this society, the producer, Mr T. W. C. Tothill, had made a wise choice of play, and the casting was excellent. The part of Rodney Martin, the son of a rich soap manufacturer, was played by M. E. Shackleton, whose aplon.b, ease of manner, and quick reactions would have done credit to an experienced actor. As the lively and likeable founder of a new Arm, he enjoyed himself and the audience enjoyed him. An outstanding performance was given by J. A. Monro as the top-geared American advertising man, devastatingly intent on making a success of the new firm. He went for his life from start to finish. Even when he poured forth his sales-talk in torrents, he spoke every word clearly, and his accent never failed. H. A. Foster moved and spoke well as the elderly Sir Henry Martin, testy, but warmhearted, and K. W. Frampton was suitably aggressive as a creditor of the enterprising young firm. Tall and well dressed, E. H. M. Harcourt was a great success as the useless, but elegant son of the director of a rival firm; M. A. Cottrell was a natural and pleasantvoiced business man from the north; H. J. Cook was a middle-aged friend, and R. T. Thomas a solemn butler. Four boys appeared as women and gave convincing performances—a triumph for themselves and the producer. The part of the capable business girl, pink cheeked and golden haired, was well played by E. M. C. Fowler; G. N. Grigg, very smart in a black velvet suit and pill-box hat, was an attractive French countess, as voluble in English as in French, and smaller parts were adequately filled by C. Ussher and P. N. G. Blaxall. Mrs Tothill was responsible for the dressing of the cast, the scenery was the work of the boys of the society, A. F. Reid was stage-manager, F. G. Ulrich and J. M. S. Douglas were property masters, and J. R. Humphries was prompt. At the fall of the curtain, the boys who worked behind stage, as well as the cast, appeared on the stage and were applauded by the audience for their share in a fine performance. Several selections ‘were played by the college orchestra, conducted by Mr O’Donel Davis. The proceeds of the entertainment will be given to patriotic funds.