'DEAR OCTOPUS'

Evening Star, Issue 23438, 1 December 1939, Page 10

'DEAR OCTOPUS'

REPERTORY SOCIETY'S OFFERING It may be debatable whether the Repertory Society’s current play at His Majesty’s, ‘ Dear Octopus,’ is quite up to the high standard set in the past, but there is no question that it is an attractive and highly entertaining production. The trouble is that the Repertory Society has set itself such an excellent standard with previous efforts that it is difficult always to measure up to it, but ‘ Dear Octopus ’ is worthy of the society’s efforts, and, needless to say, the cast selected for its presentation does admirable work. The play is largely a study of English family life, and is an intimate and charming little story which, in its very simplicity, strikes many responsive chords. The producer, Miss Bessie Thomson, has selected a fine cast to portray the individual roles, and each member carries off his or her part admirably. Prominent are Mrs Katrena Speight as Hilda Randolph and Miss Mercia Hardman as Fennie in highly sympathetic roles. Mr Roland Watson, Mrs Dora M'Pherson, and Mrs Wakefield Holmes are also seen in parts of which they make the most. As Charles Randolph Mr W. R- Brugh contributes a finished cameo, and two worthwhile performances are given by Mrs Elizabeth Focken and Miss Gaynor Paape. Others in the cast are Mesdames Elsie Sutherland. A. Newey, Misses Isabel Seelye, Phyllis Davies, Mr J. W. Hayward, and the children. Glenna Smith. Mary Hopewell, and Brian P.arke. The play will be presented this evening and.to-