University Drama Society In “The Birthday Party”

Press, Volume CI, Issue 29767, 9 March 1962, Page 15

University Drama Society In “The Birthday Party”

Harold Pinter's puzzling play. “The Birthday Party,” which opened at the Museum Lecture Theatre last evening, obviously worked with considerable force upon the feelings of the audience. There may be several opinions about the meaning of “The Birthday Party”; but, whatever they think, most of those who see the play win surely agree that they themselves have bad a startling experience. Wendy de la Bere, the producer for the Canterbury University Drama Society, has brought together a strong cast of experienced players, whose acting of abnormal states of mind in moments of stress is a remarkable achievement for amateurs. In every acene Mrs de la Bere's skill as a producer is evident. James Laurenson made the touching figure of Stanley Webber very real to the audience. His many changes of mood, strange though they were, did not affect the sympathetic regard that was increasingly felt for him, and at the end of the play the affection he inspired in Petey and Meg. and even in Lulu, was easily understood. That this result was brought about shows how successful Mr Laurenson was with the role.

As Meg. Wyn Jones, too, had a difficult part. It is true that she took a little time to convince the audience of the fantastic absurdity of the character: but, on the other hand, she contributed to the success of the vital “party” scene. Geoffrey Eathorne, as her husband, Petey, was heavily made up. An air of decrep titude was suggested; but, in fact, this actor’s youth could not be so easily disguised. Mr Eathorne’s performance, however, was a good one. Equally pleasing was Jacqueline Clegg's brisk interpretation of Lulu. Those sinister figures. Goldberg and McCann, were fearsomely unpredictable. Goldberg, in his reflective moments, could unbend and sometimes show a vein of ehilling humour. McCann, however, could not relax so freely, ’ r hese are demanding parts; but they were acted with zest by Mervyn Glue and Huntly Eliott. The effect of the play was heightened by some interesting sound and visual effects. Those playgoers with, sufficient fortitude to see a human being reduced to an inarticulate animal condition will certainly find food for thought in “The Birthday Party.” —C.E.S.