THE STAGE “A MAN’S HOUSE”

Press, Volume XCI, Issue 27670, 28 May 1955, Page 2

THE STAGE “A MAN’S HOUSE”

RELIGIOUS DRAMA SOCIETY

“A Man’s House,” by John Drink water, was presented at the Repertor Theatre last evening by the church Religious Drama Society skilful series of variations based upon familiar themes, this study of th* , week in the earthly ilfe of Jesus seen through the eyes of an orthod<S Jewish household, is particularly fa cinating, because of the fresh prints view it inevitably suggests. 01 The implications that the plavwriok. has drawn from the situation fl! numerous and rich, though in the 1S act they appeared at times to be rath? unsparingly and even mechanism; worked out. Nevertheless the win trasts and the stresses offered bv “A Man’s House” obviously must be nJ* dered and to arouse such speculation would probably be one of the leadin'! aims of the Religious Drama Society The work of the cast of “A Man's House” was confident and impreSfo* In particular, Judith Dunbars sensi tive performance lit up the first twn acts. In the third she was really at o disadvantage, for the romantic ideas m Mr Drinkwater's centurion, fresh from Calvary, disconcertingly evoked Hollv wood 1900 years further on. As miabt be expected. Miss Dunbar’s rather more subtle order of ideas tended S be effaced at times, although Mervvn Glue, as the centurion, handled thk improbable role with a good deal n? tact.

Gavin Henderson was Salathiel rich merchant. His was a movine presentation, emotional, but restrained and full of discernment. As hh brother Nathan, Keith Cooke suggested clearly that he was the more spirit! ually endowed counterpart of his humane but practical brother. The son of the house, Mathias, was played hv Elric Hooper. Mathias appeared ai realistic, bitter, and prejudiced, but not, as could so easily have happened, as crass or even stupid. The comedy presented by Barnabas, a public offi dial, was of the traditional kind, and here Murray Alford was by turns sharp or timorous, always with considerable effect. Smaller parts were taken with quiet competence by Margaret Swarbrick, Tim Pavey, John Vincent, Leigh Hart, and Max Nettleton.

The setting, and costumes, both from the designs of Tom Taylor, were clever without for a moment being fussy or obtrusive; and the play generally exemplifies Pinpa Robins’s care and skill as a producer. The present season of *’A Man’s House” will continue until May 31. —C.ES.