BRITISH DRAMA LEAGUE

Press, Volume XCIX, Issue 29269, 29 July 1960, Page 15

BRITISH DRAMA LEAGUE

Second Programme Of Festival

The annual festival of plays organised by the British Drama League was continued at the Repertory Theatre last evening. A varied programme was enjoyed by a much larger audience than was present at the first performance.

Only one A grade team appeared in the second programme; but the B teams were all good, one outstandingly so. “Sorry, Wrong Number” was produced by Yvette Bromley for the Risingholme Drama Group. Although a single actress holds the centre of the stage tnroughout, the play demands considerable powers of organisation; and this the producer was obviously able to give. Raynor Scandrett played the part of the neurotic and agitated Mrs Stevenson, and hers was a well-thought out performance, in which tne tension gradually but firmly mounted. The Shirley Players struck a lighter note with their version of Pinero’s “The Playgoers.” The comedy, although heavily underlined at times, was generally pleasing. In addition the producer had brought out very satisfactorily the surprising contrasts of character the play affords. Leading parts in “The Playgoers” were taken by Hazel Tait, Norma Anderson, Freda Edwards and Michael Murtagh.

"Storm Music,” as presented by the Christchurch Hospital Drama Club, made a decided impression. The judges, Mrs Nancy Russell, pointed out the shortcomings of the play as written; and the audience agreed with her that the cast had triumphed over many difficulties. Good performances were given by Gwenn Blunn, Beverley Brankin and Shona Sutherland.

A New Zealand play was acted by a group from the W.E.A. Dramatic Society. This was Marie Bullock’s "Producer’s Piece,” a play within a play. The effect here was a little uneven; but the comedy was always well done. Particular mention should be made of Charlotte Norris as Hecuba, Violet Wright as Andromache, Mary Lawden as Helen, and Grace Williams as the producer.

The third programme of the festival, which includes two A grade plays, will be presented at the Repertory Theatre this evening. —C.E.S.