“SHORT STORY”

Manawatu Standard, Volume LVII, Issue 127, 30 April 1937, Page 8

“SHORT STORY”

ENTERTAINING PERFORMANCE. BY LITTLE THEATRE SOCIETY. “Short Story”—a tale well told, and Very much worth the telling—is the vehicle for the first ,public production for the season of the Little Theatre Society, which opened at the Opera House last evening. Before an audience of disappointing proportions, a first-class entertainment, and one worthily succeeding “Laburnum Grove” (produced last year), received all the care and enthusiasm it warranted to ensure that the abundance of its intriguing situations should be exploited to their utmost, and the result was a most satisfying one. Thoroughly modern in setting, it is a story not rapidly told, and for three hours suspense is excellently maintained as still another new angle is thrown upon the age-old plot of the eternal triangle. With a cast of only eight, the theme calls for an unusual degree of insight as well as the capability of sustaining the characterisations in a variety ot moods—indeed 'there is no small proportion of drama in the broad theme of comedy—and it was most ci\ 9 liable, not only to the players, but to the producer (Mrs L. M. Bristow) that for a first-nignt performance the story was told so convincingly. Inevitable at a first performance, the prompter was at times called upon, but never was stage presence at fault or an opportunity lost to throw into strong relief the lights and shades of the pilot. Set entirely in a Kentish drawingroom, the play relates the sequel to an ocean cruise taken by the master of the house, tho romance, and the complications it brought in its train. Situations are blended skilfully, and when at one stage the wife, as the result of an American adventuress s amorous relations with her husband, decides to leave for Hollywood to pursue a film career, the plot becomes piquant indeed. What transpires furnishes, the material lor an excellent climax.

ilr James Vaughan plays the part of Simon Leigh (who takes the cruise), and carries a great deal of the burden in the earlier stages. As a successful author, the husband of a former equally successful actress, the role is excellently portrayed, and in the first act particularly one admires the case with which the cryptic- manner is captured; in the later stages Mr Vaughan is as successful in his portrayal of the husband -who is not so much an author as a disillusioned man. It is to be hoped that lie will have even greater scope for his skill in future productions. Georgina Leigh (the wife) is admirably cast, with Mrs Rowe (Miss Joan Maunder) in the title role. I rpbablv the most sustained characterisation of the production, it is admirably handled l>v Mrs Rowe, whose command ot stagecraft and pleasing enunciation and poise are well recognised, there is scarcely a scene in which she does not appear, and she runs the whole gamut to the emotions with perfect control, giving a more mature interpretation than in previous plays. Her complete control of the varying situations uas a delight. An “old friend ot Mis Leigh and a successful film producer on holiday in England is Mark Km t played by Mr J. P* MeDavitt, and hero again the casting has been extremely well done. Self-possessed, vital, and of a. good presence. Kurt commands attention immediately he en ters, and one recognises the expelienee and insight of Mr MeDavitt af every turn.' Entering the story sinnd taneously is Lord Henry Bucktiout. the source of most of the comedy, arul those who remember Mr b- L - ~ ' tow’s part in “Laburnum Grove appreciate the greater scope lie has m “Short Story.” Blundering, ingenuous and possessed of an insatiable thirst, h" won last night a big share of the 'approbation for his excellent portrayM of a comfortable “week-ender. There were numerous opportunities foi com edy ami they were all fully exploited. Most important in the plan of the storv, although appearing a little time after it opens, is Penelope Marsh, played by Miss Freda Whittakci. faking the role of an American adventuress. who seeks to cap her conquest bv°a London marriage, to which, in deed, she invites Leigh’s present wile, Mis l Whittaker has excellent scope to exercise her undoubted abilities, not tho least of which is her elocutionary control. To the southern drawl she imparts an aplomb that is churaetenstie of all her work, and when, in an unexpected climax she discards her ul-tra-modern views for a curious reticence, it adds lustre to a good pc - formance. Playing the part of Lady Bucktrout is Miss Jennifer fehuley, who also has no easy task. Alternately gushing and a meditating student of horoscopes, she is much with M s Leigh, and Miss Shirley’s sense ot dignity and emotional control are well suited to the part. Appearing in the first and third acts as Miss Flower, the fussy organiser of a garden fete more important., to her than anything else in the world, is Miss Irene Nettlefold, and sufficient is seen of her abilities to desire, a larger part in the future. Miss Jean Thomson plays the part ol Peacoeke, the maid, and, though -lie scope is necessarily limited, there is evident a pleasing desire to make tho role really vital to the play—an accomplishment ably performed. The play is considerably enhanced by the splendid staging, no effort being spared to ensure an authoritative reproduction of the drawing-room, while the frocking of the ladies is particularly striking and most attractive. Mrs Bristow lias every reason to feel satisfied with her work, while Mrs Maunder (wardrobe mistress) is equally to be complimented.

The appeal of the play is also greatly enhanced by the excellent music provided by an orchestra under the direction of Miss Dorothy feouthev Baker whose violin work is particularly enjoyable. The play is being presented again to-night and to-morrow.