LITTLE THEATRE

Manawatu Standard, Volume LVII, Issue 300, 18 November 1937, Page 18

LITTLE THEATRE

SEASON CONCLUDES. In the presence of another appreciative audfence, the Palmerston North Little Theptre Society made its final presentation of “The Land of Promise’ ’ last night, and thus brought to a fitting conclusion its 1937 season. The play, presented in four acts, called for a particularly high standard of stagecraft, and last night’s presentation was really a revelation to the audience. At the final curtain enthusiastic applause acclaimed the players and the producer (Mrs L. T. Bristow), upon whom were showered floral and other tributes. The opportunity was taken by Mr R. llees to thank the public for their support and all those who assisted in the production. “To-niglit,” he said, “we ring down the curtain on our season for 1937, feeling we have passed a definte milestone and have at the same time contributed something towards the cultural progress of this city.” , 1 Mr Rees apologised for the absence of the president (Mr H, G. Bagnall). He congratulated the players on the success which had attended their efforts with a really difficult play, and paid a special tribute to the services of Mrs Bristow. ■ The society had done a great deal since its inception less than two years ago, said Mr Rees. It had not always chosen the easiest plays to produce, as witness “The Land of Promise.” In the past year there had been eight readings, three nights of one-act plays, while this was the second—and the most successful —major production. In addition, the society had attained great success with “Privy Council,” with which they had been finalists in the New Zealand festival at Rorotua. If nothing else, their achievement on that occasion had put Palmerston North on the map as far as theatricals were concerned. He expressed the society’s thanks to the many who had assisted in various ways to make the production- of “The Land of Promise” the success which it had undoubtedly been, particularly those who had lent furniture and effects, rooms for rehearsals, also Mrs G. C; Petersen as prompter, Mr Ronberg as call-boy, Miss M. Warren, the energetic secretary, Messrs Cox and Callander for painting the scenery, those in charge of the properties (Misses Harman, Prideaux-Pndham, C. Cairns, J. Gaisford and R. Walker) and many others off-stage.