NEWS FOR WOMEN Christchurch Actress In Restoration Comedy

Press, Volume XCII, Issue 27735, 12 August 1955, Page 2

NEWS FOR WOMEN Christchurch Actress In Restoration Comedy

A Christchurch resident who has been chosen for a leading role in the forthcoming production of the New Zealand Players of the Restoration comedy, “Virtue in Danger,” by Sir John Vanbrugh, can claim the distinction of being the first woman member of the Canterbury Repertory Theatre Society to be selected for a part with the New Zealand Players. She is Mrs Mary Baxter, of Jlugby street, Christchurch, who had many years of professional stage experience before coming to New Zealand with her husband and son six years ago. Mrs Baxter’s selection for the role has been welcome news among fellowmembers of the Canterbury Repertory Theatre Society, by whom she is well remembered for her excellent acting in the part of Myrtle in the society’s recent production of Noel Coward’s “Still Life.” Mrs Baxter’s role in “Virtue in Danger” is a strong character part somewhat similar to that which won her the Theatre Arts Guild’s award for her performance in the guild’s production of “Romeo and Juliet” last year. Although Mrs Baxter is delighted with the news of her selection—she will begin rehearsals in Wellington next Wednesday—she has an impressive record of professional stage experience in Europe as valuable

background assistance for her forthcoming professional tour of the Dominion with the New Zealand Players. She toured Germany and the Scandinavian countries with Richard Tauber’s company, “Land of Smiles,” and played during an extensive season at the Drury Lane Theatre, London. She was also for six years on the professional stage in various parts of the North of England with the wellknown Court Players Company. The invitation to play in “Virtue in Danger” will mean some nine weeks’ separation from Mrs Baxter’s home? However, she said yesterday: “I have longed to return to the stage and was really thrilled when Richard Campion gave me the opportunity of touring under his direction.” The cast of “Virtue in Danger” will include another prominent Christchurch actor, Michael Cotterill, a former Repertory Society player who joined the New Zealand Players when the company was first founded. The cast, which is believed to be the largest to be presented by the New Zealand Players, will include an English actor, John Trevor, who is lecturer in drama at Otago University. “Virtue in Danger” will begin its Christchurch season on October 5. The New Zealand Players will begin their Dominion tour at Palmerston North on September 3.