SCHOOL DRAMA EVENING

Press, Volume XCIV, Issue 28013, 6 July 1956, Page 14

SCHOOL DRAMA EVENING

RANGI RURU PUPILS’ PRESENTATION

A varied and well-chosen programme of drama and music was presented by pupils of Rangi-ruru Girls’ School at the Repertory Theatre last evening. There was a large ’attendance of parents and friends. The programme opened with a short play. “Red Queen. White Queen.” which was acted with quiet dignity and made a plea? ant spectacle of harmonious colour and graceful movement. The part of Katherine of Aragon was played by Shona Sutherland with considerable understanding. She spoke her lines with an attractive sincerity, and every word was clearly audible. Jennifer Barrer made a sympathetic confidante as the Countess of Salisbury. and Stephanie Polson provided the appropriately bold contrast in the role of Anne Boleyn. The ladies in waiting were all good, and all surmounted the major hazard of quitting i the Royal presence by moving back- ' wards. sometimes right across the i stage.

i "The Sad Tale of Bluebell." a mime in melodrama, followed. This time ! the action moved to music, and at ; great speed, so that it was impossible 'to predict what was coming next. Clare Biggs invested her portrayal of the Property Man with a touch of genuine fantasy. This is very necessary. for the Property Man is on stage all the time, and the other characters weave their eccentric patterns around him. Juanita Neale was an engaging Bluebell, and Jane Dawson as her father. struck some remarkably comic attitudes. Kathleen McKerrow and Anthea Rickard both gave sprightly performances, as Clarence and as "Old Auntie Sal” respectively.

The feature of the programme last evening was a short opera. “The Shades of Night." which was presented

with real spirit by a large cast. Jill Perry and Margaret Miles made a success of parts which called fo r pleasant singing voices and for comic actins ability Aided by attendant spirits, the three leading ghosts, played by Margaret Miles. Judith Arnott, and Janice Bilbrough. devised effects which were always weird, if sometimes oddly contemporary. A chorus of pupils, alert and vivacious, provided a tuneful background, and a small orchestra gave excellent support throughout. The programme will be repeated this evening and on Saturday evening.