“JOURNEY’S END"

Manawatu Standard, Volume LVIII, Issue 187, 8 July 1938, Page 2

“JOURNEY’S END"

NOTED WAR DRAMA. OPERATIC SOCIETY’S SUCCESS. In a manner equalled by few war dramas, R. C, Sherriff’s “Journey’s End” lias come to occupy a place that is almost a tradition in British history of the post-war period. English to the core, and with the breath of English fields surmounting the din and horror of trench battle, it constitutes both a record and a warning. Grimly fascinating, a drama of the little things of which men’s characters are moulded—basically a psychopathic study—it is a masterpiece judged by world standards, and, it would seem, a play to be approached wjth circumspection by amateur societies. Because of the immensity of its conception and the relcntlessness with which it analyses human reflexes, it presents a supremely difficult and delicate task —it is either an outstanding success or a sorry failure, and each of the dozen players bears in himself a responsibility. Perhaps no finer tribute could be paid to the treatment accorded “Journey’s End” by the Palmerston North Amateur Operatic and Dramatic Society than to pronounce the production a thoroughly, outstanding success, and one certain to be regarded as a milestone in the society’s already’s notable history.

The initial performance, last evening, when there was an appreciative • audience of good proportions at the Opera House, could not have failed to register a very favourable impression with the most critical, for it was a capital enactment of a supremely arduous period in history. One could never forget the fact that it was essentially historic ; plot was conspicuously absent, unless it lay in the persistent suspense of the atmosphere in the support trench dug-out—won-derfully well staged—and the unpredictable reactions of the men to their circumstances. It is the story of an English youth fresh from school seeing war for the first time in the company of seasoned men who have never quite lost the devastating sense of fear that at best can only be drugged. Powerful, delicate because it might . he ruined by bathos, very stirring, it makes rigorous demands, and it is. a unique tribute to the participants and the producer, Mr F. Cousins —who must be warmly congratulated on his work—that “Journey’s ’End” has lost none of its essential message or significance at their hands. In a wonderfully realistic atmosphere —the rumble of guns was rarely absent —especially in the concluding scenes, when heavy explosions and dazzling shafts played their part, the virile drama carried conviction.

THE CAST. In a cast so uniformly excellent it is out of the question to differentiate. The central figure, however, is perhaps Stanhope, officer commanding the company, played by Mr K. M. N. Struthers. He is not an appealing character —yet so understandable — shot through with the cynicism and disillusionment of war, horribly afraid, and thus suspicious, yet respected, for his courage Mr Struthers has played increasingly responsible roles, but as Stanhope liis task is heaviest, and ho handles it splendidly. There are many tense scenes, and his sense of the dramatic is studiously exploited with outstanding success. Osborne, second in command to Stanhop, is double the age—and stability—of the younger man, and his philosophy is matured and rich. Ho is a man whose civilian life as a schoolmaster has acquired for him much understanding and who meets supreme crises with quiet devotion. Mr M. H. Oram is Osborne —and thus Osborne becomes very vital. Mr Oram’s ability has long been appreciated, and one admires very highly his fine portrayal of a most difficult and sustained role-

These is comparatively little humour, but a large share of the leavening is in the hands of Trotter, a jolly, philosophical officer, played by Mr A. Coles. Stirred by the singing -of a spring bird and equally so by pepper with his soup, he is indeed an appealing character, and it is probable that Mr Coles —who has established himself in this class of work—has never been more at home. He is certainly the cheerful philosopher Sherriff intended Trotter to be.

New. exuberant, thrilled, still affected' by the unreal glamour of w.ar, and “with hundreds of strange things to learn,” Ralei"li comes for liis first appointment to the company of his former school hero, meets disillusionment, and finally his “journey’s end.” Even in his “newness” so strangely out-of-place in the trenches he is dramatic, but in the closing stages, when the very deeps are plumbed. Mr E. Davidson' has a big responsibility. It wns a sterling performance in every respect and a great deal of credit is due to Mr Davidson for liis perspicacity. • Hardy, who hands over ; to Osborne, makes only a comparatively short appearance, hut Mr H. Pal.meiy (a seasoned pla.ver) utilises*pvery minute to good . effect, and his"Thterpretation of the genuine, cheerful officer rings true and is delightful. A difficult part falls to the lot of Mr G. Driver, as Hibbert. a junior officer stricken with terror, .which never quite disappears. This is his h ugest role to date, and the facility with which he portrays the varying moods of the soldier is the climax to the increusing measure of insight evident in his recent work. With Mr Coles probably the most popular player from the point of view of humour —otherwise it is generally sardonic —is Mr L. Searle as Mason, as tvpieal a Cockney batman as one could hope to meet. It is really, a masterly piece of work by a plaver from whom much of this nature might be expected in future productions. He is as appealing as he is irrepressible. Mr J. Renwick is the company ser-geant-major, and TMr A. Holmes the colonel,. both of whom make transient appearances as strategists and >as such play convincingly. The remaining members of the cast —Jlpssp? G. Oates (German soldier). E. D. Fuller t Private Broughton) and H. M. fewinburn (Private Penfold) turn m equallv n’easing performances. With Dir Cousins, who obviously had expended a great deal of attention on the production, particular;credit must l>e paid to Mr P. Clva.se f6r the excellence of the effects; always the scene was a dugout, and always, there was a war in progress —alarmingly, so at times. There .was nothing; Inching m realism land conviction in an atmosphere that was also enhanced by the authentic uniforming . of ■ the players and the splendid staging ;of the dugout. A capable orchestra under the direction of Mrs M. Clift, L:R.S.M., also made a notab'e contribution with appropriate music. Iu every way the production, which will be repeated topiglit and on Saturday, is an excellent enactment of a.n outstanding play.