PLEASING COMEDY

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume 57, Issue 4001, 2 June 1948, Page 4

PLEASING COMEDY

PAEROA PRODUCTION GOOD ACTING ABILITY TO AID FUNDS FOR CHILDREN Proof that Paeroa is by no means lacking in dramatic talent,- initiative and co-operative spirit was ably demonstrated by the Paeroa Dramatic Club last night in the Parish hall when the three-act comedy, “ Tilly of Bloomsbury ” by lan Hay, produced by Mrs Malcolm J. Thomas, of Paeroa, played to a full and appreciative audience. Proceeds from the performance are to be donated to the United Nations Appeal for Funds for Children.

Mrs Thomas, in addition to producing the play, portrayed the character of “ Grandma Banks,” an old lady of 81, with exceptional understanding and conviction. However, it would be unfair, and indeed very difficult, to single out any one actor as being better than another as each part was

played appreciatively and intelligently and showed that much study and practice had been put into the performance. Stage setting, lighting and costumes were carefully and tastefully chosen, and the many difficulties confronting the producer of a threeact in such a small hall were effectively overcome.

The play has for its plot a light love story but is, in the main, a comedy depicting the idiosyncrasies of both the English aristocracy and the “ lowbrows.” Many of the parts portrayed drew forth hearty laughter and applause from the audience during acts —a factor liable to be disconcerting to actors —but the players carried on with a nonchalance and unconcern k which was a credit to them.

“ Tilly of Bloomsbury ” was scheduled to run for two nights only —last night and tonight—and it is to be hoped that the audience for the last performance will be just as large and sympathetic as that for the first. The players were as follows: Mcsdames Sibyl Craig, Joan Jeffrey, Thomas, Elsie Wylde; Misses Grace Crimmins, Jewell Hill, Jill Stewart; Messrs R. C. Blackmorte, E. D. Jameson, A. S. Julian, Maurice Lally, Robert Manson, Robert Morrison, Robert Sims, H. R. Thorp, Grey Townshend. Incidental music was supplied by Miss Rita Smith.