'THE RIVALS’

Evening Star, Issue 23968, 20 August 1941, Page 4

'THE RIVALS’

Mr Rnssoll-Wood essayed an extremely difficult task when ho decided to present performances of Sheridan’s famous comedy, ‘ The Rivals,’ at the

Playbox Club. It is a lengthy play, demanding many changes of scene and adroit production and stage management. The dressing, too, calls for taste and correctness in detail, but most difficult of all, perhaps, is the idiom and diction of the period (1775); the parts must be presented with considerable artistry or the whole performance falls flat. It is to the credit of Mr llussellWood and his company that most of the difficulties were overcome with consummate ease, and last night’s audience, which filled the Little Theatre, were entertained and amused as the ingeniousness of the plot was revealed. The settings in curtains, with pieces of period furniture, wore redolent of a bygone age, and the dressing, for which Sirs Ailsa Stephens was responsible, was picturesque and colourful. The makeup artists, Miss Hazelwood and Mr B. Sullivan, are also deserving of credit for their creative work in this direction. A most commendable feature of the performers’ work was their concise manner of speech; not a phrase was wasted, although the audience found some of the dialogue so hilarious. There were some very good character studies, varied in nature and yet all convincing. Mrs Jane Griffiths interpreted the part of the verbose Mrs Malaprop; her appearance was excellent, and she played the part with great zest and gaiety, obviously enjoying every moment of it. Mr L. J. Ireland carried the role of Sir Anthony with aplomb and was gay or irate as the part demanded. Miss Cavell Trask, made an auspicious debut as Lydia Languish; this young lady has unusual gifts, great histrionic ability, allied to a very well modulated voice and pleasing appearance. Mr Tom Tarrant made a dashing and likeable Captain Absolute, and moved with greater ease than some of the players. Mr A. C. Stephens appeared to, revel in the part of Sir Lucius O’TTigger, and with Mr Oswald Stephens (who played Acres) shared some of the best scenes in the play. As Acres, Mr O. Stephens was splendid, his verbosity and general demeanour were charasteristic ; and his study was' completely satisfying. Miss Grace Naylor made an attractive Julia, and with experience should do even better work. At very short notice Mr G Churchman stepped into the part of Captain Faulltland, and acquitted himself well. Mr Harry Westwood and Mr W. T. Beveridge both-contributed good character studies as “ gentlemen’s gentlemen,” and, as the maid, Lucy, Miss Doreen Harvey turned in a neat little study. Minor parts were well handled by Messrs Winston Taylor and James Fleming, Mr Taylor also acting as stage manager. The performance will be repeated to-night.