Repertory Production

Manawatu Times, Volume 64, Issue 171, 22 July 1939, Page 15

Repertory Production

Xen- Zealanders And the picture, or play, of family life more satisfying than the woes aud complaints of tho solitary individual: so they Bhould find John van llruteu’s '‘The Distaff Hide” very min*Vi to their taste, incorporating as it does the unforced humour oi family situations with the deft character drawing and subtle touches that make the wor*. of this promising young playwright one of the hopes of the lish stage to-day. It is around Evio Miilward (Leslie Dolby;, mother of a son and daughter on the thresuold of adulthood, that the reactions of the play centre. Dame {Sybil Thorndike created this part in the original London production, and the breadth ot sympathy demanded by the character exerts a bencficient influence over all within her circle. The occasion of Evie’s mother's birthday, when tho pampered old Mrs. Venables (Mabel Howley) is feted and visited by all her relatives, offers a golden opportunity lor the clash and interplay of character, such as have been recentvxploited in popular Loudon successes, “Whiteo&ks” and “Dear Octopus." But it is the drama concealed from tlic all-eurious Mrs. Venables that grips tho audience, the drama of choice between mercenary and soul deadening success on the one hand and following the dictates of one's heart on tho other, that by a carious coincidence must be made by Evie’s sister Liz, and by her own daughter Alix (Peggy Waldegrave). The elegant drifter Gillie Baize represents one horn of Lie’s dilemma; Toby Chegwidden (N. M. Nash) and Charles Hubbard (Boland Allison) the two sides of Alix’s triangles. Erie has to watch Ler sister and her daughter make choices that will mean the uifference between embittennent and success, and in her attitude ."‘he is not entirely supported by her sister Nellie (Joyce Weilwood) and cousin Theresa (Ivy timall;. Other characters less directly concerned with the drama at the core of the play, but no less skilfully presented, are Roland Miilward (Brian Waldegrave), Miss Spicer (Ngita Woodhouse), Rose, Evie’s maid (Maynio Reid). Gillie aud Liz are sympathetically interpreted by Ken Struthers and Mary Ashwcll; and tho whole cast, newcomers and older favourites alike, are fortunate iu having as their producer Miss Mavis Mortland. The play opens at the Empire Hall 40-night and is to bo repeated on Monday and Tuesday.