JUNIOR DRAMA FESTIVAL

Press, Volume XCV, Issue 28268, 4 May 1957, Page 2

JUNIOR DRAMA FESTIVAL

Comedies In First Programme

The junior festival of the Christchurch and North Canterbury area of the British Drama League opened at the Repertory Theatre last evening. In this, the first programme, comedy prevailed. and the young players soon created a lively and happy atmosphere. Excerpts from a forthcoming production of “The Gondoliers’ were sung by a choir from Rangiruru School and St. Andrew’s College. At first the singers were a little lacking in confidence; but as soon as they were assured of i the response of the audience they achieved a fuller tone, and the solos and recitatives, particularly “Regular Royal Queen,” “With Ducal Pomp,” and “There Lived a King,” were sung with spirit. A bright presentation of the everpopular “Dance a Cachucha” rounded off a pleasant item. The first play, “The House with Twisty Windows,” was acted by a (group from Christ’s College. Although bravely attempted, the play was not entirely successful. The pace was jerky and the actors were not always able to maintain an atmosphere of strain. Some of them spoke their, lines too quietly and could be heard only in snatches. Consistent performances, however, were given by T. M. Herrick and S. Acland. “The House with Twisty Windows” was directed by Yvette Bromley. A straightforward comedy, “Queer Street,” was presented by players from West Christchurch High School. The actors seized all the opportunities offered by a particularly lively play. Max Nettleton’s performance was occasionally a trifle over-emphatic; but his timing was good, and not one of his remarks was missed by the audience. Brian Taylor provided some lively character acting, too, and Bruce Barker, Irene [Gower and Pamela Weichern all gave pleasing performances, which testified to the skill of Pam Lovell, who produced the play. Christ’s College players again appeared in A. P. Herbert’s “Two Gentlemen of Soho,” the final plaj' of the evening. “Two Gentlemen of Soho” must have been an ambitiious undertaking, but last evening’s performance was very attractive and rewarding. B. W. Middleton, as Plum, gave a strongly accented performance, with plenty of light and shade, and although the playwright made him too unrelentingly verbose I at the finish, the character was! skilfully conveyed. W. E. Wisdom and D. J. Hargreaves were quite at home in their roles, and A. A. N. Wright and T. W. Wilson, as Laetitia and the Duchess re- , spectively, were sometimes unexpected but always entertaining. “Two Gentlemen of Soho” is a burlesque, but its absurdity did I not prevent the audience from , appreciating the skill with which . it was acted and produced. The second programme of the present festival will be presented \at the Repertory Theatre this . evening. —C.E.S.