SHAKESPEARE CLUB

Evening Star, Issue 25563, 15 August 1945, Page 7

SHAKESPEARE CLUB

“ TWELFTH NIGHT "

The Dunedin Shakespeare Club invariably finds ‘ Twelfth Night ’ a popular choice, and it is a play which the members read well. Last night’s representation was no exception to the rule. Indeed, taken all in all it was a very enjoyable effort, and the expression of warm appreciation oil the part of the large audience was thoroughly deserved. The chief characters in this rich, hearty comedy were all well read, with outstanding performances by Mr H. W. Hunter and Mr N. McKinlay. Mr Hunter revels in the role of Sir Toby Belch, and last night lie made this bibulous, mischievous, ridiculous old joker a very real and amusing person who dominated the situation whenever he took the stage. Similarly, Mr McKinlay’s reading—and acting—of the parts of that conceited fop, Malvolio, was one of that member’s many successes. The scene in which Malvolio reads, arid “ swallows,” the bogus letter purported to have been written by Olivia, being particularly well done. Other scenes in which Sir Toby and Sir Andrew Aguechek, in collaboration with a most diverting clown (read with highly amusing effect by Mr S. E. Mee, whose ability as a vocalist was manifested in various “ catches ”) and Maria, Olivia’s maid, indulge ill merry gossip and more or less muddled philosophy; and again, where they hatch the plot which is Malvolio’s undoing, were splendidly read and acted. Maria was read by Miss M. Randle,' who entered with sparkling zest into all the comedy interludes in which Olivia’s woman takes part. Mr J. W. Hayward read the fatuous and, when it came to the point, non-combatatiye, Sir Andrew with merry effect, doing his full share in keeping the fun going. Miss S. Seelen’s reading of Olivia lacked a little in colour, especially at the period during which that misguided lady is aroused from her grief at the loss of her brother by her newlyawakened love for the pseudo Cesario. Miss Seelen’s reading, however, was corect in all other particulars. Mr A. F. Lanyon’s Orsino was ducal, but not lover-like. A bright rendering by Mrs S. E. Mee of the lines allotted to the masquerading Viola was much appreciated. Other parts were read by Mr I. L. Turnbull (Sebastian; lacking, rather, in light and shade) ; Mr N._ D. Ferguson (Antonio; beautiful diction, but scarcely robust enough for a sea captain) ; Mr H. L. Gibson (breezy, with a certain monotony of gesture) ; Mr A. A. Joel (captaiu and officer), and Miss S. Lawrence (Valentine). Miss F. Flood acted as chorus. During the interval the Oriana Singers sang very pleasingly ‘ Who is Sylvia.’ ‘ It Was a Lover,’ and 1 Under the Green--wood Tree,’