DRAMA FESTIVAL

Dominion, Volume 30, Issue 249, 17 July 1937, Page 4

DRAMA FESTIVAL

Wairarapa Branch’s Plays CERTIFICATES AWARDED Masterton, July 16. Nine plays were presented at the fifth annual festival of the Wairarapa branch of the British Drama League, which concluded at Masterton last night. The Opera House was well filled, and good entertainment was provided. The Phoenix Drama Club (Masterton) was awarded first place in the senior section with the play “The 300lh Performance,” and in the junior division the Playbox Players (Masterton) filled first place with their play, “The Stolen Prince.” The judge was Mr. P. S. Latham, Wanganui. Following were the casts of the winning plays:— Senior: Phoenix Drama Club, “The 300th Performance” (Stephen Barnett) : Sir Julian Rossiter (Paul), J. A. Kennedy; Viola Rossiter (Delia), Miss P. J. Shearer; Tony Kingscote, J. Hewitt; Daphne Kingscote. Miss J. E. Shearer; Harry, N. Fleming; Muriel, Mrs. J. A. Kennedy; Leslie, H. James; Maud, Miss N. Cooper; first stage hand, Y. Mee; second stage hand, K. Donovan; producer, Mr, J. A. Kennedy. Junior: The Playbox Players, “The Stolen Prince” (Dan Totheroh) : The chorus, E. Thomas; the property man, R. Killingtoh ; Long Fo, J. O’Hara; Wing Lee, B. Harcombe; the royal nurse.. N. Long; Hi Tee, B. Judd; Li Mo, C. Lambert ; Joy, R. Nicol; soldiers, F. Barber and B. Nelson; the executioner, H. Russell ; the orchestra, N. Heckler, G. Barber, M. Bennett, R. Dallas; producer, Mfcs B. Coleman.

Commenting on the winning senior play, Mr. Lathain said it presented a great number of difficulties, and was a task for amateurs. He was very surprised nt the way in which the performers caught the atmosphere. Sir Julian Rossiter did well, though he hardly caught the madness necessary for the part; he was too restrained. The performance of Viola was good, but some of her movements were rather indefinite. Tony bad a good ajipearance, but was not sincere, enough. Daphne was very good, her voice being rather thin though impressive. Harry grew in his part as the play went on, and gave an excellent performance. Muriel, Leslie and Maud did effective work, and the stage hands were excellent. “The Stolen Prince” the winning play in the junior section,, was a play of good original style and suited for juniors. The stage presentation was satisfactory, and high marks were given for the costumes. There was also good work done with lighting, make-up and properties. Wing Lee was good, his being an excellent part. The nurse was not quite old enough and she required a slower voice. Li Mo had a very effective voice and style, but misised the drama of the part. Hi Tee was too modern and missed character in his part. The prince was natural and did his work well, and the chorus was good, though it lost character toward the end. On the whole it was an excellent play. At the conclusion of the performance the president, Mr. H. B. Tomlinson, thanked all those who had helped to make the festival such a success. He presented senior and junior cups to the producers of the two winning plays, Mr. J. A. Kennedy and Miss B. Coleman respectively. Certificates were awarded to each of the nine plavs as follows: — B certificates: “The 306th Performance” (Phoenix Drama Club, senior) ; ‘‘Ladies in Waiting” (St. Matthew's Old Girls, senior).' C certificates: “The Stolen Prince” (The Playbox Players, junior); “Sing a Song of Sixpence” (Masterton Catholic Club, senior) ; “Rory Aforesaid” (Wair.arapa High School Club) ; “Toad of Toad Hall” (St. Matthew’s School Dramatie Society, junior); ‘‘The Crimson Coconut" (Wairarapa High School, junior) ; “Beauty for Sale” (Knox Drama Club)? D certificate: “Horseplay” (Hadlow School, junior).