Papanui H.S. Pupils In Four One-act Plays

Press, Volume CII, Issue 30251, 2 October 1963, Page 17

Papanui H.S. Pupils In Four One-act Plays

Papanui High School’s first venture into the field of droma provided some good end varied entertainment last evercng. The programme of < ne-act plays also revealed the considerable talent of a number of the pupils wiio participated. “The Wonderful O.” adapted from a James Thurber story by Mr M. G. Thompson, is a delightful fable which gives good opportunities to a large cast. Most of the 23 players involved were making their firet appearances on stage Their enthusiasm was obvious. indeed at times enthusiasm got the better of precsion. and more control would be desirable.

'Sordid Story," by J. A S. Coppard. was handled will more skill. The smaller east k mere easily managed on the small stage, and the producer had been able to give more attmtin to details.

“A Knightly Msme,” performed to carefully chosen music. was an interesting inn •varasrn in this programme The two knights moved with athletic grace and the nu ydywyndystress Looked suitably dismayed by her

The last play, “The Ring Game,” by Leonard de FYanquin, is a pleasant comedy

concerned wito the plight of villagers who cannot round up a team for the ring game because the players are too busy chasing their womenfolk. This production had pace, and grouping was imaginative. Many names appeared twice on the programme and toe audience was able to assess ability from two performances. Graham Holloway. Graham Cherry and Susan Fox gave impressive performances in “Sordid Story” and were seen again in “The Ring Game.” Murray Green, an actor of considerable promise who needs to practise a little more economy of gesture, was in “The Wonderful O” and "1716 Ring Game” and the two knights of the mime also played speaking parts. Tn all the plays diction was good, and toe actors all shewed an assurance that was quite remarkable in view at their inexperience. Production of all the plays was by Mr Thompson, who deserves great praise, not only for tackling so much, but also for toe quality of the work which he drew from these young players. The programme will be repeated in the school assembly liall tonight —P.S.