St. Margaret’s Pupils In Play On Austen Novel

Press, Volume CII, Issue 30259, 11 October 1963, Page 17

St. Margaret’s Pupils In Play On Austen Novel

"Emma,” as presented by pupils of St. Margaret’s College at the Heaten Street Intermediate School hall last evening, held the attention of the audience from the first scene to the last. It was a school production of very high quality. The effects aimed at in Jane Austen’s novel have been considerably emphasised for the stage version; but what was achieved here was rapid light comedy, clearly spoken and gracefully acted in a pleasant setting. The awkwardness of girls’ playing the male rotes was noticeable, as it was bound to be; but those concerned in this performance of “Emma” were fairly skilful in creating an illusion and managed voices and deportment with more assurance than usual.

Mary Hargreaves as Mr Woodhouse, Emma’s father, was probably the best of all in a part of this kind. Mr Woodhouse’s queer gait, the eccentricity of his behaviour, and the oddity of his voice were well suggested and maintained. This was a well-thought-out example of character acting.

Mr Knightley has to be dignified, and Virginia Stevens was dignified without being dull. Her voice, too. was excellent for this part. Mary Holmes, in her turn, made an impulsive Frank Churcjiill, and so managed to give something of a romantic air to the part. Josie Lough had most to say in the first act of the play, when she brought out the pompous side of Mr Elton’s character and showed real appreciation of its comedy. Mr Weston, on the other hand, is not a particularly interesting person; but he was capably acted by Ann Macarthur. Of course, the centre of the picture is Emma herself. In appearance and manner Jennifer Anderson was well suited to the part. Her acting, to begin with, seemed a trifle self-conscious; but She gained confidence and improved steadily. In the last act, in particular, hers was a charming performance and one well worth seeing. Harriet Smith is generality to be found in Emma’s company. There her simplicity contrasts with the assurance

and worldly wisdom of her friend. Mary Mathieson's Harriet was cleverly acted, with some discernment of its possibilities. Rather more flamboyant than anyone else in “Bum" Virginia Matson’s Mrs Elton was played for comic effect and greatly enjoyed by the audience. Miss Bates, too, chattered on agreeably, as interpreted by Suzanne Bullock.

Dignity and reserve are important traits in Jane Fairfax’s nature, and these were apparent in Elizabeth Williams’s performance. Other parts were taken by Beth Douigall and Yvonne Mackay.

The producer of "Emma,” Doreen Carrick, has every reason to be pleased with the first-night performance of what turned out to be a three-act play of some complexity. —C.E.S.