“OUR MISS GIBBS”

Press, Volume LXXXIII, Issue 25301, 29 September 1947, Page 3

“OUR MISS GIBBS”

OPERATIC SOCIETY’S PRODUCTION The Christchurch Operatic Society's “Our Miss Gibbs” opened its season in the Theatre Royal on Saturday before a full house. This is an old favcurite among musical comedies, and this revival should be popular. The comedy opens with efforts of many London young men to gain the attentions of “Mary Gibbs.” an attractive young woman recently arrived from Yorkshire, who has gained employment in a London firm. Mary's affections are won by Harry Lancaster, whom she knows as a humble bank clerk, but who is Lord Eynsford. son and heir of the Earl of St. Ives. The latter is engaged to Lady Betty Thanet, a match which the parents on both sides are very keen to see materialise, but Lady Betty is in love with the Hon. Hughie Pierrepoint, a gentleman burglar. Lady Betty breaks off her engagement with Lord Eynsford. but Mary, on learning of Lord Eynsfurd’s true identity, refuses to marry him because of his deceit.

The second act deals with the efforts of Lord Eynsford to regain the love and affections of Mary. The latter finally becomes reconciled to Eynsford. while Lady Eetty and Hughie assist the play to end happily m traditional musical comedy style. The first act is full of life and interest. and with the coming to London of Timothy Gibbs. Mary's cousin and a typical country “yokel,” ignorant of the pitfalls of a big city, the interest of the audience xs maintained at a high pitch. Timothy’s acting is so humorous and perfectly natural that he almost “steals the show” from the leading lady and the audience >s inclined to become more interested in his getting disentangled from, the clutches of professional burglars than with the love affairs of Mary Gibbs and Lord Eynsford. The part of Timothy Gibbs is taken by Jim Hamilton. As Mary Gibbs, Miss Marie Blackburn plays her part well Leo Higgins. as Lord Eynsford. is admirable until the last few minutes. Then he might perhaps shew a little more emotion when he finds that Mary Gibbs is changing her attitude and consenting to marriage with him. With a Large cast it is difficult to sifigle out individual performance! apart from those already mentioned. Alan Lukies as “Slithers," a professional burglar, seems perfectly at ease and master of his part. Pat Borusch. as the Hon. Hughie Pierrepcnt and an amateur burglar, playS the part of an eccentric and light-headed titled personage well The Earl of St. Ives. William Travis, is a typical English stage earl who attempts to dominate his son’s life. It is only the charm of Mary Gibbs that wins him. to his son’s choice. He does not appear a great many times, but his austere and upright manner is in effective contrast to the frivolity and brightness of the younger players. The musical numbers which attract most applause from the audience are "Chorus pt Dudes,” (“A fashionable Band of Brothers are we”), and Mary Gibbs's song, T'm a Little Yorkshire Lass” with the chorus by the Dudes in the first act, and Mary and Timothy’s duet "Our Farm” in the second act. The chorus singing is of a high standard and the grand finale “To our Miss Gibbs." when the 100 players taking part join in song is a fitting climax to an enjoyable evening’s entertainment. The two ballets. “Hats,” in the first act. and. particularly. ‘ •Moonfairies” towards the end of the performance. won great applause on Saturday. The “Moon-fairies” ballet is skilfully executed and one of the highlights or the production. • The choruses and solos are old favourites and the singing and musical side shows signs of thorough preparation by the musical director (Mr L. Barnes). Under the direction of Mis! Frona King, the producer, the comedy moved smoothly. With the first night behind it. the big company has the talent and training to make Later performances even more enjoyable for lovers of tuneful musical comedy.