HELEN GARDNER RECITAL.

Evening Post, Volume CXIII, Issue 31, 7 February 1927, Page 4

HELEN GARDNER RECITAL.

The variety and excellence of the items in the dramatic' recital given in the Concert Chamber, Town- Hall, on Saturday, night by pupils of Miss Helen Gardner spoke volumes for the painstaking training of the performers. Six short scenes were staged, one of the finest being that from "Anthony and Cleopatra," in which the Egyptian Queen' is brought the news of Anthony's marriage to Octavia. Miss Bessie Thompson as • Cleopatra and Miss Mary Cooley as the messenger were admirable. Misses Effie Brice, Madge Freeman, Billie Williams, Wynie Chudley, and Edna Purdie also . acted ■with, credit. The Cockney sketch, "At the Polling Booth," was well enacted by Mr. Alex. Watson, Mr. Alfred Bloxell, Miss Katie Semiloff, and Miss Margaret Watson, while another amusing sketch; "Billy," provided good opportunities for Miss Effie Brice and Mr.~ T. Collins. Greek tragedy was representedin a scene, } "Hippolytus," from Euripides, Miss Mary Cooley giving a splendid interpretation of the part of Phaedra, in which she was supported by Misses Bessie Thompson and Mavis Halliday. The difficult part of Amanda in a scene- from " 'Op-o'-me-Thumb" was well glayed by Miss Edna Purdie, Miss Mary ooley\ shining again as the bustling laundress. 'Qfiters outstanding were Miss Billie .Williams', Miss Mavis Tolan, and Miss Zelina GarrolK ■' The star piece of the evening was ; the scene, "The Lady o£ Fortin'gall," which' was' notable for its realistic staging and acting. All the performers, comprising Mr: Jasper-Baldwin, Miss\May M <Dpnald,'M3ss Thyra Baldwin, Miss Bessie Thompson, Mr. J. Elliott, Mr. Alfred Bloxell, and Miss Madge Freeman, played their parts--.with ['.distinction. The incidental music; which was greatly appreciated, was played by Miss Hilda Chudley. . . ■■■■....■■; ■ ■ ■ ..