B.H.S. DRAMA CLUB

Press, Volume C, Issue 29537, 12 June 1961, Page 14

B.H.S. DRAMA CLUB

“See How They Run”

Whoever chose “See How They Run” for the latest production of the Christchurch Boys’ High School Drama Club is to be commended for has discernment. The play is a farce, but is not entirely devoid of rhyme and reason: the parts are numerous with plenty of scope for character acting; and a full-scale comedy with three acts gives the whole club something to go to work on.

The first performance in the school hall on Saturday evening was enjoyed by a large audience. Perhaps the finest moment came in the last act when five clergymen—only some of them supposed to be reel—were on stage at once. From this group the best actors in the present performance must be chosen. First, in spite of bis obvious youth, was David McPhail as the bishop. He has a well-pitched voice and was extremely dignified in manner. An effective contrast was offered by Christopher Whitta as the Rev Mr Humphrey, in a state of almost perpetual bewilderment. Of the female characters. Miss Skillon was faithfully presented by Maurice Cashmere. Miss Skillon appeared in a great variety of moods, and the actor playing the part was in character in al! of them. Penelope Toop and Ida seemed rather odd at first with their deep voices and abrupt movements. However, as it was soon apparent that the play takes place in a vicarage the reverse of what is to be read about in “Pride and Prejudice” or “Emma,” the audience was able to accept them before the first act ended. Ida was played by John Perfect and Penelope Toop by Barry Empson. Another lively performance was that given by Bryan Aitken as Clive. Clive’s leading characteristics were his facile conversation and his ability to vanish in a traction of a second. Trevor Squires and lan Pavitt were probably at their best in those remarkable pursuit scenes which were carried off with such ankxrtb by all taking part. Douglas Cpoper. who came in towards the end, as Sergeant Towers made a reel contribution to the finale of the play. “See How They Run” wiU be presented again this evening and on Tuesday at the school hall, —C.E.S.