DUNEDIN PLAYBOX

Evening Star, Issue 23723, 2 November 1940, Page 16

DUNEDIN PLAYBOX

The Playbox Clubroom was the scene of a very pleasant function on Tuesday evening, when Mr Walter RussellWood gave his annual party and prizegiving for Playbox members and friends. The decorations were unusually effective, being carried out with masses of rose-coloured may, lilac, laburnum, tulips, ranunculi, and calendulas. Hostesses for the party were Mrs Jansen Thomson, Mrs A. W. Hazelwood, Mrs A. J. Ryan, and Mrs lan Stevenson. Before the presentations, a delightful programme of monologues, sketches, and two one-act plays was given. The first was a repetition of Mrs Lance Griffiths’s production of the prize-winning play, ‘ Druids’ King,’ which was most impressive, and in which Mrs Griffiths, Mrs John Hamer, and Mrs Ronald Jones did particularly good work Others in the cast were Misses Edith Clare, Connie Manning, M Rollo, Heather Westwood, and Doreen Harvey.

Mrs Hamer contributed a most amusing sketch, ‘ English Brides,and Mr Len. Ireland a much appreciated humorous item, ‘ Speeches.’ A sophisticated dialogue, ‘ Modem Matrons,’ was cleverly enacted by Misses Dulcie Hazelwood and Myra M'Kechie. The concluding play, ‘Chinese White,’ produced by Mr Harry Westwood, was excellent, Mr_ Westwood and Heather Westwood giving full-blooded and realistic portrayals. Before asking Lady Sidey to present the prizes, Mr RussellWood briefly, outlined the year’s work, which, in spite of increasing difficulties had been very satisfactory, the general standard of acting was much better than in previous years, and several difficult experimental plays had proved highly succesfuls. Speaking of the individual work, Mr Russell-Wood specially mentioned the excellent portrayal of a most difficult part taken by Mrs Richard Hill in 1 Gaslight,’ saying that it had been the best individual performance since the club’s inception six years ago. Another whose work was of an exceptionally high standard, was Mrs Lance Griffiths, whose character work was always excellent. The following received special mention: Mrs Hamer, Mrs lan Stevenson, Mrs Hugh Speight, Mrs M. Hey, and Mrs A. J. Ryan. Misses Alice Clarke, Mollie Randle, Dulcie Hazelwood, and Una Ferry, Messrs T. Tarrant, O. Stephens, D. C. Rose, Gordon Churchman, A. C. Stephens, H. Westwood, Cecil Oaten, and E. L. Eastgate.

Prizes were handed to Mrs R. Hill, and Mr.D. C. Rose (best individual performers), Miss Alice Clarke, and Mr T. Tarrant (best all-round work), Mrs Lance Griffiths and Mr H. Westwood (character work), Mrs Gordon Douglas and Mr E. L. Eastgate (most improved players), Mrs Griffiths (prizewinning play), Miss Dulcie Hazelwood (outstanding performance in drama festival). Tokens of appreciation were also; handed to Mrs J. Hamer, Mrs R, Jones, Miss Edith Clare, Mr Cecil Oaten, and Mr T. Bastion. A presentation to Mr Russell-Wood was made by Mr L. J. Ireland, who voiced the appreciation of the active members for all the work done by, the club’s producer and the experience and benefit gained from his, teaching. Mr Ireland expressed regret that Mr Russell-Wood had decided that the Play box should go into recess for next season, and road a letter from ; Mrs Richard Hudson, president of the Repertory Society, thanking Mr Russell-Wood for all that he had done for community drama in Dunedin. Mr Russell-Wood responded and said that he hoped to be able to resume activities with the Play box in a year or two. After supper the floor was cleared and dancing occupied the remainder of. a very happy evening. MILITARY WEDDINGS BERKELEY—MORGAN. A wedding of interest to Central Otago people took place in Wellington on October IS,- when Captain Stewart Sadkville Berkeley, youngest son of the late Major Berkeley and Mrs Berkeley, of _ Messouri, India, was married to Olivia May, second daughter-of Mr and Mrs E. Morgan, of “ Two Mile ” Station, St. Bathans. Captain Berkeley has rejoined his division at Ngaruawahia. NEWLANDB—RENNIE. The wedding took place very quietly this morning at Knox Church of Lieutenant John Warrington Newlands, N.Z.M.0., second son of Dr and Mrs W. Newlands, London street, and June Elwyn, only daughter of the lata Mr and Mrs G. M. Rennie, of Dunedin. The bride was attended by Miss Betty Dillon as bridesmaid, and the best man was Lieutenant A. Borrie, N.'Z.M.O. TUBMAN—SABISTON. The marriage took place on Wednesday, in the Anderson’s Bay Presbyterian Church, of Reynold John, second son of Mr and Mrs M. A. Tubman, of Puketeraki, and Hazel Iris, younger daughter of Mr and Mrs W. J. Sabiston, Larnach road, Waverley. The Rev. G. H. Jupp officiated, and Mrs G, Sabiston presided at the organ. The church had been tastefully decorated with white clematis, lilac, and anemones. The bride, who was given 'away by her father, looked charming wearing a gown of white moonshine taffeta. The square neckline and the long-sweeping train were finished with sprigs of orange blossom. Her only ornament was a gold locket and chain belonging to her mother. The long tulle veil was held in place by a coronet of orange blossom, and she carried an arm bouquet of white lilies, lily of the valley, and maidenhair fern. The bride’s only sister, Mrs F. C. Clement, of Christchurch, attended as matron-of-honour. She wore a pale green frock, carried a bouquet’of pink tulips, sweet peas,- and maidenhair fern, and wore a halo of pink and green. The little pageboy. Cojin Sabiston (nephew of the bride), wore a white outfit. The best man was Mr William Tubman, of Warrington, and Messrs 6 Sabiston and E. Tubman acted as ushers. The guests were later received at the Crawford Lounge by the bride’s mother, who wore a becoming frock of grey moss sheer finished with a spray of red velvet flowers and buckle, and carried a bouquet of red tulips. Assisting her was the bridegroom’s mother, who wore a smart rust coat and autumn-shaded frock and carried a matching bouquet of tulips. Daring the evening Highland dances were given by Joy Callagan and Norm a Taylor.

When the happy couple loft for Auckland on their honeymoon the bride wore a striped silk frock, teal green coat and hat, with accessories to tone. Their future home will be at Purakanui.