PLAYBOX OPENING

Evening Star, Issue 22896, 2 March 1938, Page 17

PLAYBOX OPENING

The Playbox clubroom was cn fete last night, when tho first reading of the reason was given before a largo and most enthusiastic audience. Mr Russell-Wood welcomed the members and their friends, introduced the playreadors, and gave some interesting news of Playbox members travelling abroad, who had sent greetings and best wishes for tho season. The jplay chosen was a three-act one bv Arnold Bennett entitled ‘ Flora.’ " It is an interesting play, with some smart dialogue and

touches of whimsy and humour, but perhaps its greatest attraction is that it is a very good “vehicle” lor amateur presentation, in that the parts are clear cut and offer excellent opportunities to those entrusted with them. Mr Russell-Wood had cast tho play well, and it went through without a hitch. The staging and frocking were attractive, and some good work was done. In the title role. Mrs John M'Plierson gave a delightfully animated and spontaneous reading, the changing moods of the characters being well marked, and at all times Mrs M'Pherson’s restraint was _ commendable. Her daughter, Clare, interpreted by Miss Peggy Griffiths, was a charming piece of work, and most promising. As the hypochondriacal Lucian, Mr Frank Lanyon’s work was nicely varied, and his interpretation was sincere and. well sustained. Mr Desmond Greenslade brought refreshing zest and an ingenuous touch to the part of the likeable Hollo. As a temperamental dancer, Miss Dulcie Hazelwood did very well, her make up was appropriately boisterous and her dialogue was crisply handled. Mr Leo Manning was quietly efficient as Flora’s friend Gabriel, and shared some of the play’s best scenes. Minor parts were a tisfactorily taken by Miss Roma Clarke. Miss Edith Clare, and Mr Andrew Fraser, the last-named showing marked aptitude for dramatic work. After the reading, supper was dispensed, the hostesses being Misses Marcia Morris, A. Butcher, Greeba Allen, and M. G. Hughes.