DUNEDIN PLAYBOX

Evening Star, Issue 23092, 19 October 1938, Page 17

DUNEDIN PLAYBOX

OKIE ACT DRAMA FESTIVAL There was a large and enthusiastic audience at the Playbox Club on Monday evening, when the annual one-act drama festival was brought to a most successful conclusion. Three plays of a widely varied type were presented, and clearly demonstrated the ability of producers and players alike. Mrs Oswald Stephens again officiated as judge, and gave much helpful and constructive criticism to the players. At the conclusion of the evening Airs Stephens was thanked by Air RussellWood, whose remarks were endorsed by the acclaim of the audience. In summing up, Airs Stephens stated that the plays had all given her enjoyment, there being much to admire in each producer’s work. The winning play was ‘ The King’s Arms,’ winch Air A. C. Stephens produced, and Miss Dulcie Hazelwood’s comedy, ‘ Auntie’s AJ.illions,’ was placed second. The outstanding individual effort was that of Airs Lance Griffiths in the latter play, and the judge spoke very highly of the work of Mrs Withers, who appeared in ‘ Family Gathering.’ The first play presented on Alonday evening was Mr Andrew Fraser’s ‘ Fantasy,’ which was enacted in a most artistic setting, and in which the lighting was well timed and effective. While the players all did well, there was not sufficient variety in the tempo, and the cues were not always taken up with requisite rapidity, although it was a creditable and impressive performance. The players were Miss Beth Hazelwood and Messrs Frank Lanyon and Tom Tarrant. As an interlude Airs John Ai’Pherson and Mr Russell-AVood gave a diverting reading of an intriguing little satire, ‘ By Arrangement,’ in which both gave good performances. The final play,, a comedy, ‘ Auntie’s Alillions,’ was very well done, and Mrs Stephens expressed her appreciation of the team work, the setting, and properties of Aliss Hazelwood’s play. The comedy was cleverly managed, and the tempo never flagged for rtn instant. There was an outstanding effort on the part of Airs Griffiths, who was excellent in the principal part, her intonation, gesture, and general demeanour being characteristic and her comedy sense very good. The other members of a competent cast were Airs Len. Withers (who kindly appeared at very short notice), Alisses Edith Clare, Alice Butcher, Marcia Atoms, and Mr Charles Bills.