"A PAIR OF SILK STOCKINGS."

Evening Post, Volume CVI, Issue 13, 16 July 1923, Page 3

"A PAIR OF SILK STOCKINGS."

A performance that was a distinct credit to the players was given in the t*rand Opera House on Saturday night, when Mr. Culford Bell arid pupils presented Cyril Harcourt's comedy. "A Pair, of .Silk Stockings." The delicious' humour of the piece, with it's delicate situations, has been presented to Wellington audiences .before, and ; enjoyed thoroughly. It is bright and vivacious, has smart dialogue and- laughable developments, and is logical and clever. Sam Thornhill has' been divorced W his ■*?s;'Molly, who finding^she^till* loves her, erring spouse, has to-make her o\fn opportunities for a. reconciliation. She " leaves a house partyj but has a convenient break-down, and returns to find the members busily, rehearsing- a play. Occupancy of her room has.been given to one Captain Bagnall, but, nob knowing of the change, she again takes up residence, .with hilarious, complications. A disguised man in a.cupboardriiy.the'roora •. is captured for a burglar; tied up with Molly s silk stockings, and left in the bathroom,, whence he.escapes. Captain .Bagnall's presence in...the t room of. the Thornhill woman is* questioned by his fiancee,- Pamela" Bristowe, and the explanation of a burglar'falls' fiat when it is discovered that the captive has es.caped.. Developments onward are rapid and highly amusirigV Mr. Culford Bell's role of Sam Thornhilhwas-ohe ill'which. >

he was quite at home.. He was natural and. convincing!' arid Jgavo a fine performance. In Miss Isobel Halliga.n was a Molly Thornhill of real charm I;'she1;'she was delightful.all- through. Miss Aggie Atkins essayed ■ Pamela Bristowe) whose jealous'nature, and ;acid: tongue call for quite a lot of talent.;: Miss, Linnie Nich-

olas was an JdeaL'l'rene Matiland, and Miss Phyliss Adams'made a regal Lady ; Gov;.er. In- the- male..parts, were- Mr. Fred' Gaynes as the dashing" Captain Bagnall,- beloved; of ■.the ladies; .-• Mr. Eric North, as ..Sir .John" Gower; Mr. Stanley Airth. in;;two minor roles; and Mr. Charles • Chapman;' Misses Annie Fraser and Helen -M'lntyre were also in the cast. The" frocking was most effective, and the play was a creditable offering' all..thrbugh;-K,-The -^Tramways Band played selections on'the balcony of the Opera House. 'L" "• " ,' i.;.. .' '