‘HAMLET’

Evening Star, Issue 19722, 24 November 1927, Page 3

‘HAMLET’

SHAKESPEARE CLUB READING Who does not know ‘Hamlet,’ or at any rate bits of it? For those “bits” crop up almost daily in our reading and not infrequently in our speech. ‘Hamlet’ is in very truth “full of quotations.” And so, as one sits and listens to the play being acted or rend, there is a familiarity about it that breeds content. Last night His Majesty’s Theatre was tilled with an audience which expressed in no uncertain manner its appreciation ot the excellent mariner in which a cast chosen from the members of the Dunedin Shakespeare Club read judiciouslychosen extracts from the play. The reading was an excellent one, largely by reason of the presence of Mr A. C. Hanlon in the role ot the Prince of Denmark. For many years now Mr Hanlon has proved his pre-eminence in this field—as in some others—and among his many fine performances will always be found his readings of ‘ Hamlet.’ for while it is characteristic of this cultured elocutionist to “live the part,” whatever tiic part he is handling at the moment may he, lie always appears to revel in depicting the moods of the too-wise, too-sensitivc, and altogether unfortunate prince. Last night he naturally and inevitably dominated the scene throughout, and the many fine passages which fell to his lot wore delivered in a manner worthy of their greatness, while the subtleties marking the varying moods of the Dane; Avere splendidly achieved, ’flic simulation of that madness which “ had method in’t ” was very clever, while the familiar soliloquy beginning “To be or not_ to be” seemed to take ou new moaning by reason of the expressiveness of its delivery. Again there was his scene with the Queen in which he denounces her for her part in the murder of his father and her subsequent hasty marriage with his uncle; his scone with Ophelia (“Get thee to a nunnery”), which was positively thrilling; and finally his own death scene, which was little'short of an artistic triumph. Mr Hanlon does more than read his parts; ho acts them, and in doing so sinks his identity in them. ' There were several notable absentees from the cast the rearrangement of which scarcely made for strength in the minor characters. Mrs F. J. Gair, however, read very ably indeed the linos of Ophelia, doing surprisingly well the mad scene, which is an exacting test for most young elocutionists. Mrs Gair lias an engaging manner, and spoke her lines correctly and distinctly. Mr H. Chapman read Polojiius, the garrulous old Lord _ Chamberlain, who meets his death behind the arms while eavesdropping on Hamlet. Mr Chapman got much quiet humor out of the part, and was increasingly effective as rime went on. Mr J. Fleming was not quite so sure of himself as lie usually is in reading the lines of Claudius, King of Denmark, his work failing to stand out prominently as it has done on so many occasions. Still, he never lapsed info dullness. Mr D. F. Dali, in reading Horatio, was inclined to “gallop” a little at times, especially in the early stages; he will do better later. Mr F J. Gair (Laertes) lias a good voice, and here, ion, experience in public reading will doubtless develop latent talent. Tic was a little too even in tone last night, while his dramatic moments were too forced. Air W, Abel was _ admirably cast as the First Gravedigger, and read that humorous chap’s lines most acceptably. His deco, resonant voice is always pleasing to listen to. Air W. B. Qucnueil doubled the parts of the Second Gravedigger and the Priest, and did unite well. Mr J. B. Flynn was another whose work was admirable. He read the part of the ghost of Hamlet’s father, always a difficult part. Mr Flynn handled it with due, hut not overdue, solemnity, and altogether eifoctivcly. Mr A. C. Maclarcn read the dual parts of Marccllus and Osric quite satisfactorily, the former especially, Lastly, but not least important, was Mrs Wakefield Holmes’s reading of Queen Gertrude. Airs Holmes’s work is well known to the club’s patrons, and last night her clear enunciation and intelligent interpretation of the part was highly appreciated. Aliss Hale acted as Chorus. During the interval Aliss F. Sumner sang two Shakespearean songs —‘ Sigh No More, Ladies,’ and ‘A Spring Song ’ —very nicely indeed.