SHAKESPEARE CLUB

Evening Star, Issue 21099, 11 May 1932, Page 2

SHAKESPEARE CLUB

SELECTION FROM KING HENRY V. As some of tho noblest glories of England are presented by Shakespeare in his great historical play, ‘ King Henry V.,’ it naturally follows that in the interpretation of the lines to any audience a very high standard of dramatic power and emotion has to be observed. That the members of the Dunedin Shakespeare Club who read selections from ‘ King Henry V.’ in His Majesty’s Theatre last evening were able without the aid of appropriate martial gesture to carry thejr large audience into the spirit of this epic of conquest was still further proof of tho sympathy and understanding with which these readings are prepared for the stage. In this play Shakespeare appears to have interested himsef most keenly in King Henry, many of whoso lines are charged with a glorious force of enthusiasm that at times is quite breathtaking. Tho difficult task of reading the part of tho King was allotted to Mr H. W. Hunter, who fearlessly, artistically, and, with wealth of expression, applied himself to the work in hand and drew a most colourful picture for the benefit of his listeners. Without conspicuous effort, he translated in his customary well-enunciated stylo of speech all the varying moods of Harry of England, his rendering of famous passages, such as the exhortation before Harflour, winning for him nothing short of a personal triumph. Another character well loved by the author himself is Fluellen, whose real simplicity, underlying a show of erudition, and touching faith in tho theory of warfare, were shrewdly brought out by Mr D. E. Dali. With much success Mr Dali invested his reading with the Welsh inflexion and intonation. Mr J. Fleming’s well-modulated voico was hoard to pleasing effect in the passages devoted to the Duke of Exeter, while Mr S. H. Osborn maintained his reputation as an excellent Shakespeare student by handling tho roles of French Ambassador, French Herald, and the Duke of Oilcans with considerably oratorical artistry. The three conspirators against tho King were worthily represented by Mr F. J. Gair (Earl of Cambridge), Mr A. Salmond (Lord Scroop), and Mr N. M'Kinlay (Sir Thomas Grey). Mr Gair was also very impressive as the King of Franco. Other dual parts wore taken by Mr M'Kinlay (Dauphin of France) and Mr Salmqnd (Governor of Harflenr), while to Mr 11. Tl. Wilson were safely entrusted the roles of Lieutenant Bardolph, Captain Gower, and Constable of France. Mr •). B. Flynn gave an animated portrayal of Ancient Pistol, and .Mr W. 1). Qnomiell carried on the comedy element with his Corporal Nym. The ladies in the cast read witli a discerning sense of judgment and balance. Miss 1. Macilaq’s reading of tho lines allotted to the Princess Kathering was highly enjoyable* her .efforts

being ably supported by Miss V. Jefferson (lady in waiting). Tho work of Miss B. Lazarus as Queen Isabel of France was much appreciated, as was that of Miss G. Johnson (hostess). Prologues were capably read by Mrs E. Murray (Act 1.), Miss L. Morton (Acts 11. and III.), and Miss L. Halo (Acts IV. and V.), Mrs Murray, moreover, did well in the chorus part. Tho chairman for tho reading was Mr J. Fleming. » A very enjoyable interlude was provided by Miss Mary Pratt, whose beautiful contralto voice was heard in • Three Fishers ’ _ (Hullah) and in an encore, ‘lt Is Life.’