P.N. Little Theatre’s Presentation

Manawatu Times, Volume 62, Issue 98, 27 April 1937, Page 4

P.N. Little Theatre’s Presentation

EXHILIRATING COMEDY, "SHORT STORY”

It is not given to every author to bocome a playwright; similarly every playwright is not an author. Flay writing belongs to a definite-branch of literature as it depends, not upon ability to write (although this faculty is a qualification), but upon a knowledge of the stage, technical as well as practical. For example, an author obviously must arrange his characters so that those who are speaking are actually on the stage. For this his entrances and exits must be correct. The location of his articles of stage furniture and the position in w'hich the cocktail cabinet, etc., shall be placed arc all matters requiring imagination and skill in stage design.

The play “Short Story” to bo staged by the Palmerston North Little Theatre Society (Inc.) for three nights, commencing Thursday next, is a first play by Robert Morlcy. It is full of droll raillery and a quick wit that will keep the audience in a state of high expectancy. Mr. Moricy shows a definito knowledge of the technique of tho stage. His plan is devised, to give those who take part an equal chance of ‘ ‘ taking the stage.” The part of Simon Leigh, tho author, is in the hands of Mr. J. A. Vaughan, a newcomer to Palmerston North audiences. Mr. Vaughan’s wide experience in straight and character parts is shown in tho clean m .%uner in which he works and lives the part which ho plays. Mrs. Georgina Leigh (his wife) is played by Miss Joan Maunder, whoso sterling performance was one of tho delights of “Quality Street.” Mr. S. T. Bristow will make a hit as Lord Bucktrout, the blundering fool known as “Public Ass No. 1.” Miss Freda Whittaker takes the part of Penelope Marsh with whom Simon had. an affair (much more serious in her eyes than in his) at Naples, and the exacting part of tho voluble Lady Bucktrout is well handled by Miss Jennifer Shirley, who makes her first appearance in a three-act, production in Palmerston North. Miss Njcttlefold plays Miss Flower whom Simon insists upon calling “Daisy” because she rides a bicycle and she brings to tho part an appreciation of its requirements seldom seen in amateur work. Air. J. P. McDavitt plays tho part of Alarlc Kurt the English film producer from Hollywood, -and Peaeoeke (a maid) is faithfully played by Jean Thomson. Altogether the production gives light comedy, very clever dialogue and hilarious situations. If a good humour is required “Short Story” should not be missed. Box pl'irts are at Collirison and Cufininghame’s.