REPERTORY SOCIETY.

Manawatu Standard, Volume LVI, Issue 261, 2 October 1936, Page 12

REPERTORY SOCIETY.

FINAL READING. There was a record attendance in the Empire Hall, ast night, when the Manawatu Repertory Society presented its final reading of the present season. The society made an excellent choice of play in presenting “The Queens Husband” (Ever Shenvood), the cast being well chosen. The players well deserved the warm acclamation accorded them by the audience, and the producer (Mr T. M. N. Rodgers) is to bo congratulated on the performance. The action of the entire play takes place in the study of H.M. King Eric VIII. of an imaginary kingdom on an island somewhere in the North Sea, m the present time. AVith a well constructed plot and excellent character studies, the audience followed with keen interest the incidents in the life of “the Queen’s Husband”—the king who was only a symbol who used his kingly prerogative to bring a dramatic conclusion. A first-class revolution rvas staged with most realistic off-stage noises, and the final curtain brought well deserved tribute in spontaneous applause. The cast in the order of appearance was as follows:—Granton (the King’s Secretary), Mr M. N. Wallace; Phipps, Mr J. G. Driver; Lord Birten, Mr W. M. Webster; Petley, Mr Dickie; Princess Anne, Miss M. Richards; the Queen, Mrs L. E. Bale; First Lady-in-Waiting, Mrs R. Dolby; Second Lady-in-Waiting, Miss B. Collins; General Northrup, Mr C. N. Rabone; the King, Mr T. M. N. Rodgers; Dr Fellman, Mr R. Stacey ; Major Blent, Mr lan Young; Prince William, Mr A. A. Coles; Laker, Mr Baigent. Prior to the play, Mr Rodgers appeared before the crutain to express thanks to the members of the cast; to Mr M. N. Wallace and the P.D.C. for the use of furnishings; to Air W. M. Webster for lighting effects; and to Mr Coles for properties. Supper was served at the conclusion of the play.