SUCCESSFUL PLAY

Press, Volume CX, Issue 32350, 16 July 1970, Page 14

SUCCESSFUL PLAY

“Romanoff and Juliet” By Peter Ustinov. Produced by Mr A. G. Bunn. Papanui High School Running time 8 p.m. to 10. S p.m.

The Romeo and Juliet story has suffered numerous parodies and imitations, many of which (including Terence Rattigan’s attempt) have been generally unsuccessful because conscious ridicule of this kind on the stage needs to meet high standards of composition and performance to justify itself. Peter Ustinov’s version must rank among the most successful because of its brilliantly witty texture and the manner in which his play continuously asserts its independence of its model: reminiscences of Shakespeare come across rather as optional extras for the discerning than as the fundamental support of a flimsy surface.

Alan Bunn’s production was intelligent, energetic, and sensitive; those parts of the dialogue which might be expected to drift over the heads of most school pupils were given careful attention, so that all sectors of the audience were kept fully engaged most of the time. Also, the pace was generally pleasing: apart from a few hesitant transitions, the production moved well.

The quality of individual performances varied considerably. Some of the voices had conspicuous limitations, and movement was occasionally too self-conscious. The roles best received were those which were most unashamedly over-acted: Susan Reid's spy was a persistently subversive creature, sometimes drawing disproportionate attention to herself and overworking some mannerisms, but always ridiculously entertaining. The sacred ceremony by the Archbishop (Don Smith) was all but a show-stopper. As Romanoff, Graham Caradus exploited his best lines to the full and moved a little better than the other male actors; as Freddie, Tony Holy-

oake had an easy stage manner when sitting, but fell victim to his "mission in refrigeration” when on his feet. Anne Wade handled Juliet’s soliloquies commendably and always looked good, and her parents (David Giles and Deidre McLachlan) were capable in supporting roles but were not quite strong enough to hold the focus of attention when this was occasionally necessary. As Romanoff’s mother, Gendi Moore looked appropriately Slavoniv and used her full, mellow voice impressively. Anne Pitcaithly managed the severe Junior Captain well, but lapsed in her final appearance. Janet Stephens’s General had an unfortunate propensity to reciting and her voice was not quite flexible enough to give the role much vitality.—H. D. McN .