PLAY READING CIRCLE, O.W.C.

Evening Star, Issue 23553, 17 April 1940, Page 11

PLAY READING CIRCLE, O.W.C.

SHAKESPEARE SCENES PRODUCED’ To celebrate Shakespeare’s birth month, the, April meeting of the Play Reading Circle was a* usual demoted to the production of scenes from Shakespeare’s plays. The programme opened with ' scenes from ‘Romeo and' Juliet,’ produced by Mrs Wakefield Holmes, in which Miss Kathleen Falconer made a charming Juliet and Mrs Holmes gave a finished interpretation of the old-time serving nurse. Scenes from ‘Two Gentlemen of Yerona’ followed, the producer, Mrs Howard Murray, taking the part of Julia and giving an excellent presentation of the part. Mrs Ralph Paterson gave great assistance as the maid, Lucetta. A pleasant interlude was the rendering of two Shakespearean songs,; ‘ Orpheus With His Lute ’ and ‘ When Daisies Pied,’ by Mrs Norman Ellis, with Mrs Willis at the piano. The highlight of the evening, however, was the production by Miss Lilian M‘Carthy of the famous witch scenes from ‘ Macbeth.’ The parts in this were taken by Mesdames Turner, Cameron, and Soper (witches), Miss G. Farnie (Heocate), Mrs Eastgate (Macbeth), and Mrs M‘Nab, Mrs Ellis, and Miss Betty Allan (apparitions). Miss M‘Carthy presented these weird scenes in a most dramatic manner. Her lighting effects were excellent and helped tremendously to produce the right atmosphere. The costuming, too, scant as it was for some of the characters, was excellent, and producer and performers alike can be congratulated on giving a performance of very great merit.