“QUALITY STREET”

Manawatu Standard, Volume LVI, Issue 259, 30 September 1936, Page 12

“QUALITY STREET”

The presentation of J. M. Barrie 6 delightful comedy “Quality Street” by the Palmerston North Little Theatre Society, next week, promisees to provide something unique in the dramatic life of the city. Humour and pathos, arc well interspersed in the dialogue, but the charm of manner and deportment of the characters in a setting of the period faithfully reproduced will make a great appeal. A youthful lead will be found in Miss Patricia Lower, who has already Avon encomiums for her excellent work in “Smoke Screens” and “Cradle Song,” and she plays “Phoebe Thruescl with infinite charm. Mr J. Allison, who plays “Valentine Brown,” ia a newcomer who gives a sincere characterisation. Another newcomer who is doing well at rehearsals is Mr Brian Louisson, and his portrayal of “Ensign Blade” will be enjoyed. Miss E. Ashby as “Fanny Willoughby” is delightful in her primness, while Miss Lucinda D’Ath is the righteous old maid of Quality Street. Miss Joan Maunder, who supports Phoebe in many of her scenes, gives a splendid picture of the sweet, but rather meek “Susan, who flares up occasionally and is immediately sorry. The children who are the pupils are natural and spontaneous, and look very quaint in their old world costumes. Mr J. W. Davidson brings all his experience to an amusing interpretation of the Irish re- , cruiting sergeant and his *>cene with Phoebe is delightful. An excellent 6cene is that between Phoebe, Ensign Blades, and j Lieutenant Spicer, played by Mr Ray j Stevenson. The box plan for members opens ; at Messrs Collinson and Cunninghame’s on { Friday and for the public on Saturday. ,