HOSPITAL DRAMA CLUB

Press, Volume XCIX, Issue 29342, 22 October 1960, Page 15

HOSPITAL DRAMA CLUB

“The Bride And The Bachelor’’

The latest production of the Christchurch Hospital Drama Club is a comedy of indecisions. “The Bride and the Bachelor.” It is a light but agreeable diversion with an unusually sentimental conclusion.

Last evening at the Repertory Theatre the cast acted well together and gave an enjoyable performance, Occasionally ' some of the actresses were inaudible. The dialect speakers were more or less unintelligible, and this, of course, interfered with the effectiveness of certain scenes. These faults will, no doubt, be set right in later performances. The most noticeable role in the play is that of Mr Kilpatrick. It was acted by Vera Gilmour, who kept up the stream of lively comment in an individual style which suited the part. In Arthur P. Tuxford she had the support of an actor capable of providing the appropriate contrast. His version of Jason Kilpatrick emphasised the essential oddity of the character in an entertaining way. In Sir William Barlow, Laurence Hayston had a rather different part from any he Had previously undertaken. The mingling of gravity and humour which seemed characteristic of Sir William, in his peculiar situation, was cleverly suggested. Mr Hayston’s acting was agreeable and easy throughout. Gwenn Blunn spoke her lines very pleasantly, although in her measured way she conveyed the constraint which Serene Kilpatrick evidently felt. lan Lund, who was called in at the last moment to play the future bridegroom, gave a competent performance.

Other supporting parts were played by Barbara Rix-Trott. Jennifer Jack and Jennifer Duffy. lan Lund directed “The Bride and the Bachelor” with a smoothness that now seems characteristic of his productions.— C.E.S.