Operatic Society Has Comedy in Rehearsal

Manawatu Times, Volume 61, Issue 190, 13 August 1936, Page 8

Operatic Society Has Comedy in Rehearsal

"LUCKY DlP’’ SCHEDULED AT END OP AUGUST

I’or somo time past the Palmerston North Amateur Operatic and Dramatic Society has been busy with rehearsals for its annual "straight" stage production, and the season has been fixed for August 27, 28 and 29. The selection this year is "Lucky Dip," a three-act comedy by the English author, Frank Vosper. This makes the eighth straight production of the society-, its previous successes being "Como Out of the Kitchen," "Just Like Judy," "The Naughty Wife," "The Best People," "Tho Damsel in Distress" (comedies), "Interference," "The Fake "(dramas). All of these plays were presented to the public with Mr. F. Cousins, as honorary producer for the society, responsible for their success. He annually undertakes one straight production for tho Operatic and Dramatic Society, and his lengthy experience is invaluable. This year the society has been extremely fortunate in securing a most talented cast, including such wellknown players as Miss Ulu Hancock, Mrs. Linda Bennett, Miss Babette Rodgers, Mr. M. H. Oram, Mr. E. G. Spraggou, Mr. K. N. Etruthers, Mr. A. Vernon, Mr. T. M. N. Rodgers, Mr. F. Murphy and Mr. W. Olliver. The play is in an ultra-modern setting. A young couple, Oliver Bolton and Betty Mainwaring, extend invitations to a cocktail dinner party. The appointed hour arrives, but no guests, and in desperation the pair discover bytelephone that the invitation cards have been dated a montn ahead. Not to be outdone, they use the telephone and also call in off the streets a number ot strangers who make an unconventional party. It comprises an author, a briga-dier-general, the keeper of a babies’ ware shop, a mannequin, a cat burglar, and a murderess. What happens during the various scenes enacted by this bizarre assembly offers excellent entertainment throughout "Lucky Dip," and calls fully upon the histrionic ability of tho artists. Undoubtedly this will -be one of the most Successful offerings yet made by the society.