Second Night Of Drama League’s Festival

Press, Volume CII, Issue 30190, 23 July 1963, Page 17

Second Night Of Drama League’s Festival

Tragedy seemed to predominate in the second programme of the British Drama League festival last evening. In the most powerful play of the Sour presented, however, some of the characters mingled humour with realism, and the effect was impressive. “The Trap” has a sordid theme: but the playwright. Kathleen Ross, has something to say and manages to express her ideas admirably, even within the limits of a one-act play. The Little Theatre cast was a good one. Daphne Millburn in the lead part being outstanding. Susan Garters, too,- gave a strong performance in her frivolous role; and June Kempkers and Mavis Humphries, although more subdued, filled their parts very well. “The Trap” was produced by George Millburn.

By contrast “Candy Pink” seemed lifeless. There were one or two good character parts here; but the pace of the performance should have been much more urgent. From the the Elmwood Players, “Candy Pink” was something of a disappointment.

“What Price Mercy.” which was presented by the Catholic Woman's League Drama Group, proved to be a curious play. Not a great deal happened on stage; the characters sat on a verandah and discussed a murder trial, or gave their opinions on delinquency in Auckland and Wellington. It was obviously not easy to make such a situation animated. although one or two of the cast were successful in their own particular way. As played by Patricia Neame. Mrs Jackson, for instance, was a remarkably uncompromising character, and Peggy Lodge’s

Mrs Gubbins provided a pleasant contrast. Rhona O Brien made a brave attempt to cope with the difficult role of Lisa; but it is hard to say how the melodramatic ending should have been handled, fts artificiality was obvious, and it imposed a great strain on an amateur actress.

The last play, “It’s' Done With Mirrors.” has already been presented in Christchurch bv the W.E A Dramatic Society. It is a spirited piece of comedy, with an ingenious theme. Mary Lawden is the life and soul of the play; but the whole cast, which includes Charlotte Novis, Ann Simpson, Dawn Short, and Joyce Skilton, gave an enthusiastic performance .last evening. Four more plays will be presented in the third programme of the festival at the Repertory Theatre this evening. —C.E.S.