"THE THESPIANS"

Evening Post, Volume XCVI, Issue 14, 16 July 1918, Page 2

"THE THESPIANS"

"The Thespians," under the direction of Mr. and Mrs. Culford Bell, presented a series of five short plays to a fairlygood audience at the Concert Chamber, Town Hall/ last night. The entertainment generally was enjoyable; but it cannot he said that, "The Thespians'" work^-last night was •as finished and amusing as their previous performances would lead one to: expect. The. first playlet, "Compromising Martha," was a good sketch on farcical lines, noted*.by Miss Frances Snell, as a rather crotchety and very aged spinster; Bliss Alexa Elton, as Monica; Mr. Lionel Inch,'" as a young curate; tod Miss Doris Lawton, a neighbour with a' long tongue and a Eenius for misplacing'aspirates. "The ady'' was a pleasing little comedy, with Miss Fanny Kntner*at her brightest as Emily Ann Hicks (a servant),. Miss Doris Stevens as Violet Mowbray, and Mr. Vynn Evans ns George Campbell. In the comedy sketch, "The Sunbeam," Mr. and Mrs. Bell gave an ensy and natural performance of an amusing little interlude. .'"Rosa Dartle's Revenge," a Dickens dualogue, arranged from "David Copperfield," was pleasingly interpreted .by Miss Doris Stevens as Rosa Dartle and Miss Fanny Kutner as Little jGm'ly. "Miss Patty," another short ' little, comedy sketch, followed the Dickens scene," giving Miss L. Nicholas a chance to display her gifts as a light .comedy artist. Miss Patty falls'in love with a middle-aged sea captain, who thinks, the girl is only playing with him. Miss Lionel Inch as the very much distressed captain was quite good, and the part of Miss Patty's mother was well taken by Miss Mabel Lawton. The programme was nicely relieved by items from a competent and well-balanced instrumental quartet—Messrs. . Norman Watson, Harold Godier, Watkins, and Harper. The entertainment was given in aid of the Mayoress's Pudding and Cake Fund, which, will benefit materially from the efforts of the little company.