“THE TINDER BOX”

Press, Volume XCVIII, Issue 28987, 31 August 1959, Page 3

“THE TINDER BOX”

Revival Of Old Favourite

“The Tinder Box,’’ the latest Children’s Theatre play, is a revival of an old favourite in Christchurch and is, therefore, sure to please again. The opening performances took place at the Repertory Theatre on Saturday. Although Nicholas Stuart Gray has written many children’s plays since this one, “The Tinder Box’’ seems likely to be as a most imaginative representation of a story that might easily appear remote to young readers or hearers. The characters are firmly outlined, and if some of them are eccentrjc all are consistent in speech and behaviour.

The play is acted by an experienced cast, who bring out the comedy and share in it; they also indicate lightly the pathos of the poor soldier's state in the occasional moments of stress. (There is a little of everything in “The Tindpr Box.” so that the plot is far from being lifeless or lacking in flavour.) Adults will notice that the setting for this production is boldly designed and blocked in with solid colours. The background suits the court costumes of the early sixteenth century and agrees' with the general sense the play gives of being set in western Germany or the Rhine? land. The atmosphere is artistically created, and whein the actors have grown used to their fine clothes and wear them with more of an air, the effect should be most pleasing. “The Tinder Box” opens quietly. The curtain rises upon an old signpost and a hollow tree. The night is murky; but it reveals Peter, the young soldier, in sore straits. He has been wounded in the wars; he is hungry and cold and has nowhere to go foi shelter. The drama begins while he is sleeping on the bare ground, for suddenly and with a tremendous commotion the Witch appears. The Witch dominates the play,' so that everyone soon gets used to her. In addition the comic aspect of the ‘part is increasingly stressed. Her schemes sometimes look like succeeding, but never for very long; and the audience adopts that view of her powers which is taken by her “slaves,” the two sceptical cats. The Witch is acted with tremendous enthusiasm by Marjorie Hammond.

The animals are likely to be the children’s favourites, howevei. The cats have just been mentioned. As played by Wilf Lauder and John Hendry, they are artful and as restless as quicksilver. The three dogs, on the other hand, are clumsy but always affectionate and helpful. They claim the attention every time they appear on stage, and Judith Videon, Jeanne Edgar and Jilian Cobeldick are to be praised for their realistic acting of these agreeable creatures. Graham McCulloch is Peter, the hero of “The Tinder Box.” He catches the spirit of the part very skilfully, and remains in character whether is is abandoned in the prison cell or entertaining amid the splendours of his palace. He always gives the same impression of kindliness and simplicity. Joan Larsen also succeeds in creating the fairytale atmosphere that clings to imprisoned princesses. Christina O’Sullivan, Pat Bonisch and Guy Hammond portray the greedy, treacherous . courtiers, and Clarence Hall makes a welcome appearance as the rough innkeeper, Kurtz. No master in Hans Andersen could be more cruel than this particular one. Others who take part in “The Tinder Box” include Stephanie Gow. Bruce Caygill, Ron Palmer, James Bradshaw and John Ballinger. The play runs at a smooth, rapid pace and in every detail reveals the skill of the producer, Neta Neale. ——C.E.S«