"FRESH FIELDS"

Greymouth Evening Star, 6 December 1945, Page 2

"FRESH FIELDS"

EXCELLENT PERFORMANCE. The first performance by the Greymouth Little Theatre Society ol Ivor Novello’s three-act comedy “Fresh Fields,” presented in the Town Hall last evening in aid of the R.S.A.’s Benevolent Fund, was received by the fair audience with well-merited acclaim. Produced by Mr. W. VZ. McKechnie/ the excellence of the performance gave proof of thorough work on his part and a sound knowledge and study by the several principals of the requirements of the characters they portrayed. Though there was early, some first-night nervousness apparent, it wore off as the players lost themselves in their parts. The dialogue is clever and the varL ous humorous situations which arise give full scope to the performers to make the most of. their characters and draw plenty of laughs. The story concerns the efforts of an aristocratic family in London, decidedly financially embarrassed, to keep up appearances in their large mansion, and their attempts to secure sufficient money to meet their mounting debts. The appearance of an Australian widow, her rich brother, and her daughter seems as a gift from Heaven, as they are taken as paying guests. However, the loud Australians are too much for the genteel aristocrats and after many brushes and misunderstandings they return to the Ritz without having solved the financial problem. They are taken up by another socialite, a friend of their former hostess, who launches them into society and eventually presents the daughter at Court. Though scheming could not achieve the restoration of the family fortunes, love did find a way, and the play closes with two marriages and the financial barometer at fair. As Lady Lilian Bedworthy, Miss K. Learmont gave a finished performance. She has a good stage appearance, moves easily, and sustained the character of the rather helpless, romantic Lady Lilian throughout the comedy. Miss M. Ray, as Lady Mary Crabbe, was excellent in her portrayal'of this shrewd woman of the world and was a splendid foil for her more sentimental sister, Lilian. Miss N. Grant created the free and easy Australian style convincingly in her characterisation of Mrs. Pidgeon and brought a refreshing naturalness to her part. Her daughter, Una, played by Miss J. Pearson, required a blending of shy awkwardness and pertness which Miss Pearson achieved.

Miss J. Lindsay, as Miss Swaine. Lady Mary’s secretary, and Miss M. Barrowman as Lady S’trawholme gave creditable performances in these lesser roles.

The principal male characters were those .of Tim Crabbe and Tom Larcomb, played respectively by Mr. J. Pike and Mr. R. Gibbins. Mr. Pike did well as the son of a forceful mother, though more contrast in the manner of speech between him, as the son of a titled family, and that of the rough Australian might have been made. Mr. Gibbins’s portrayal of the ex-hotelkeeper, Larcomb, was good and his awkwardness in unfamiliar surroundings was convincing. '

The. oilier male part was ■ well played by Mr. J. Wood as Ludlow (the butler), he achieving the necessary combination of deference and servility of an English servant. Others whose services helped to make the show go smoothly were’ Stage manager, Mr. T. Learmont; properties, Mr. K. Patterson; house manager, Mr. R. Orbell; publicity, Mr. A. White; prompter, Mr. J. Quinn, and make-up, Mrs. Fletcher and Miss McKnight. Musical interludes were supplied by Ford’s Orchestra. “Fresh Fields” will be repeated tonight, when it is hoped the perform--ance will, attract the bumper house it so richly deserves.