MANAWATU REPERTORY SOCIETY.

Manawatu Standard, Volume LIX, Issue 195, 19 July 1939, Page 2

MANAWATU REPERTORY SOCIETY.

Tho forthcoming production of the AJanawatu Repertory Society should arouse keen interest among playgoers, since it offers John Van Druten’s charming family comedy, “The Distaff Side.” Miss Mavis Mortland is producing this, with the able assistance of a talented cast, and no efforts are being spared to make thin notable for production and getting. Among newcomers who should commend themselves warmly to the Palmerston North public are Peggy Waldcgrnve, as the capricious and ambitious Alix Alillwnrd: Miss K. X. Woodhouse. who presents a cameo of the self-effacing and long-suffering Miss Spicer, buffer to tho hectoring old Mm Venables (Airs IlowIey); Mrs Small as the forthright Theresa, who conceives it her mission in life to set other people right, and acta, incidentally, as a good foil to her cousin Nellie (Joyce Well wood), who has a fin o opportunity for character-study in presenting the provincialised and domesticated type of mother, somewhat addicted to self-pity; this study in the minor key is also a fine contrast to the quietly positive attitude of her sister. Kvie Millwnrd (Leslie Dolby), who, widowed, shoulders tho upbringing of her vivacious Alix and Poland (Brian Walclegrave), and' the responsibility for her aged mother. Airs Venables. Pleading portrayals are given by X. Af. Nash as the volatile and rather truculent Toby Chegwiddcn. who vies with the sleek and wealthy Charles Hubbard. (Poland Allison) for Alix s heart; by AJaynic Reid as the indispensable maid. Pose: by T.iz (Airs A c hwc!l) and her Hi Hie (TCon Struthcrsl. who brinar a troubling glimpse of a smarter world than is the usual domain of the Alillwards: and Chris, sympathetically played bv Frank Pendall. Tho booking i* now open for the production at tho Empire Hall, which commences this Saturday, to be repeated on AJoutlay and Tuesday. Book early.