Delightful Presentation Of “Dear Octopus”

Manawatu Times, Volume 65, Issue 259, 1 November 1940, Page 8

Delightful Presentation Of “Dear Octopus”

SUCCESS OP REPERTORY PLAYERS The large audience attending the opening performance of “Dear Octopus’ ’ by a clever team of Repertory players last evening at the Empire Hall must have gone away well satisfied with this delightful play of human relationships and convinced that its interpretation had reached a high level of dramatic art. The play is by no means an easy ono to present —it has no less than six scenes—and a large cast of seventeen, but its sparkling dialogue could not fail to go over nor its human touches and moving scenes fail to bo appreciated. A feature of the production is the fact that the feminine parts are taken by members entirely new to three-act plays for the society and it says much for the capabilities of the producer, Mr. M. H. Oram, and his assistant, Miss W. Cooper, that they were able to give such a good account of themselves. Dodie Smith has proved herself a keen psychologist in the characters she has drawn in “Dear Octopus,” which provide decided contrasts and in this regard tho cast was cleverly chosen. The play centres round the family life of the Randolphs, the focal point being the golden wedding anniversary of the grandparents, the celebrations of which provide the climax. Tho family comes together from many directions and intimate glimpses are given for tbe various directions into which 'the path has led them with much philosophising and exchanges of views on life in general. The Cast. In the leading role of Dora Kandoipn, * the grandmother with an infinite capacity for finding jobs for all around her, and possessing the secret of growing old gracefully, Miss Fat Fowler, of Feilding, was an admirable choice and 'achieved a notable success. This young player presented a perfect camoo and one forgot her youth, her work throughout being most convincing and her voice a delight. Playing opposite to Dora, Major Bosworth was very much at horns as Charles Randolph, a perfect foil. Of their children gathered into the fold, Mrs. Elsa Lovell made of the part ol Hilda (the successful business woman), the jolly good sort she was meant to be and well deserved the applause she scored. In the more difficult part cf the erring daughter Cynthia, Mr 3. Joan Kilpatrick gave an appealing characterisation which quite won the sympathy of the audience. Miss Eunice Scott was impressive as the nice, motherly Margery, a little sensitive about her increasing woight. This was a good characterisation. Nicholas, the fourth member of this generation, was played by Mr. Amos McKegg with conspicuous success, his love story with Fenny providing the second theme, and his speech iu proposing tho grand toast his crowning achievement, calling his mother “Dear Octopus whose tentaeies draw tho family into tbe fold. ’* The part of Kenueth, husband of Margery, was ably filled by Mr. Gordon Oates. Miss Rutli Catherwood has a fine stage 1 presence which aided her in presenting the exacting role of the catty Edna Randolph, widow of Peter. The remaining members of the clan were effectively portrayed by Mr. Guy Reece as Hugh, and Miss Myra Forrest who showed excellent promise as tho wife, Laurel, anxious that their son shall grow up in the family tradition. Sharing the honours with Miss Fowler was Miss Margarette Oram, who gave a very charming delineation of “ Fenny,’> companion to Dora, round whom the family affections centre. This is an important part in -which Miss Oram displayed a natural grace, carrying through her big scenes most convincingly to the anticlimax with Nicholas. A distinctive characterisation was that of Mrs. Norma Braddell, as Belle Slessinger, the elderly aunt trying desperately to stem the onrush of old ago and her make-up was excellent. Three graudchlidren play important parts and make delightful appearances, their very definite characteristics being cleverly portrayed by Suzanno Lewer as the motherless Scrap, wise beyond her years, Dorothy McKegg the downright yet very human Flouncey, and Amos McKegg jun. the very likeable Bill. Rounding off a wellbalanced team and splendidly iu the picture were Mrs. Marjorie Nicol as Nanny, tho old family nurse, and Mrs. Colleen Craven as Gertrude, the family housemaid.

Effective staging and dressing add to the enjoyment, of the presentation. “Dear Octopus” will be acclaimed by many as the best play yet chosen by the society and should enjoy outstanding success in the season closing tomorrow evening.

Providing delightful incidental music were the following members of the orchestra: —Mesdames R. S. Law and J. Fisher (violins), Mr. W. Barnett (’cello), Mr. W. Loet (double bass), Mrs. Barlow (piano), Mr. J. R. Wingate (viola), conductor. Combining off-stage to assist this delightful production were Mr. Y. Mean (stage manager),’ Messrs F. Bondall and L. Craven (scenery and stage management), Mr. W. M. Webster (lighting), Miss N. Woodhouse and Mrs. C. x\. Small (stage furnishings), Mesdames Bowler Watson and F. Bendall (stage properties), Miss Mavis Mortland (wardrobe), Miss Sylvia Ivirk (coiffures), Miss Ba/bette Rodgers and helpers (make-up), Miss L. Wimsett (prompt), Mr. F. Gatley (stage management).