FRENCH CLUB

Evening Post, Volume CXXVI, Issue 80, 1 October 1938, Page 7

FRENCH CLUB

DIVERTING PROGRAMME

M. Andre Pouquet presided at the last meeting of the French Club, arid Mrs. Leo dv Chateau and Madame Kay -were»jointly•• responsible for the excellent programme presented.

' Mme. S. Young read a charming eauserie describing the dolls given by the smaß children of France to the Princesses Elizabeth and Margaret Rose on the occasion, of the recent Royal visit to France. These dolls were bought with "sous" that the French children had saved up in their money-boxes. Mr. Wilson sang two songs, "Chant de Noel" and an extract from Gounod's opera, "Mireille." Mme. Lash and Miss Pharazyn read an amusing extract from Collette Willy's book, "Les Dialogues dcs Betes" This reading took the form of a dialogue and club members were much amused at the ; excellent rendering of the two roles; Mme. Lash read the part o| "Kiki," the cat, and Miss E. Pharazyn that of "Toby," the dog. Accompanied by Mrs. Betts-Vincent, Miss Frances' Muter and Miss Coralie Smythson gave a-graceful dance reminiscent of the romantic period. ,

The piece de resistance of the evening was Alfred de Musset's exquisite comedy, "A Quoi Revent Les Jeunes Filles." -, This was produced, by Mrs. Leo dv Chateau. The sets for the nine scenes; of this two-act play in verse were skilfully managed and the garden; night, and boudoir scenes were specially effective. Signora d'Acunzo and- Mrs/ R. Finlayson played the parts Of the twin sisters and were dressed in dainty white organdie period frocks, exactly alike. Later they appeared dressed as nuns and then as shepherdesses.. Dr. Carbery played tiie role of the father, "Laerte," arid Dr. A. C. Keys was the "jeune premier." Mr. W..F. C_ Balham provided the comic element as "Irus" one of the suitors, and Miss F.M. Huntington was "Flora," the servant. Messrs. Ken Blobre and Alan Miles were .valets, and Mr. O. Benge sang the song in the play. Miss Margaret McLay, Dr. A. ~R. F. MaCkay, and Professor E. J. Boyd-Wilsori did valuable work behind the scenes and Madame Bendall introduced the play* Mrs. dv Chateau was congratulated on trie production of this charming costume play which is of a type seldom seen.by Wellington audiences, i The singing of "The Marseillaise" and supper concluded a very pleasant evening". Miss Margaret McLay and Mrs. Thompson received the guests, Miss Robertson: arranged the supper,, arid Mrs. S. Young, Miss L. Smith, and Mme. Bendall conducted the conversa^: tiori classes.

" Messrs. Balham and Griffin and the students of Wellington College will :preserit the: next programme. ..