"The Fake"

Manawatu Times, Volume 59, Issue 268, 15 November 1934, Page 8

"The Fake"

This evening at the Opera House the Palmerston North Amateur Dramatic and Operatic Society opens a three nights’ season with one of the most exciting dramas ever attempted by amateurs in New Zealand. ‘‘lhe Fake,” by Frederick Lonsdale, a leading iigurc in English drama, is a stirring play in three acts packed with the most tense situations. The play is a problem one and caricatures the effects of a marriage of convenience and places the spotlight of public opinion on one of the weaknesses of civilisation. Edward Stanton, M.P. (Mr. C. N. ltabone) has a daughter, Mavis (portrayed by Miss Betty Mcltae), whom he desires should marry lion. Gcrrard Pillick (Mr. N. Ellison) even though he is aware of his degeneracy. Mavis is slaughtered on the scaffold of convenience and the result is years of unhappiness, physical and mental torture, suspense, nervous strain and worry, increasing as her husband. Gcrrard, becomes a slave to the craving for drugs. Geoffrey Bauds (Mr. M. H. Oram), who has known the Stanton family and Gcrrard Pillick for many years, arrives at their country homo at a time when the strain upon Mavis lias almost reached breaking point. He cleverly arranges lor Gcrrard to journey to the seaside with him aud Gcrrard does not return. Why? This ouestion. as well as other questions such as "Who Was the Fake?" will be answered at the theatre. You must see this gripping stage presentation. It is without question the heaviest drama ever played by amateurs in Palmerston North. In addition to those mentioned above a strong cast of leading amateur talent is engaged. Mrs. D. .T. Davies, Miss Gwen Gibbs, Babcttc Dodgers, P. G. Seeker, E. Spraggon, and 11. Driver also have parts consistent with their wide experience in amateur work. Mr. Fred Cousins is the producer. Box plans are now open at the Central Booking Office.