Kaikohe Players Score At Whangarei

Northern Advocate, 15 July 1949, Page 4

Kaikohe Players Score At Whangarei

The large audience at fine Whangarei Town Hall last night was given a good insight into the lives of high society in the “Naughty Nineties." Presented by the Northland Players, Oscar Wilde’s play, “The Importance of Being Earnest” Was a highlight of the season. Full of wit and sarcasm and fiery darts of venom this comedy depends on tire players much more than do many modern plays, and the Kaikohe cast rose to the occasion.

No doubt the company had profited by its previous performances of the play, for audibility last night was good and the action went along smoothly. Tiie producer, Douglas Woolcott, had the aura of Victorian times, with its posturing and elegance,- well in hand. The grouping and movements were always natural and the stage settings, while simple, were quite effective. Five players have to carry the burden of the play, and it speaks well for them that an even pace was kept up right through, no sound of prompting being heard, CHARACTERS WELT SUSTAINED. In the role of John Worthing (Ernest) Paul Holmes sustained his difficult character from his first entry to his final curtain lines, although on one or two occasions he did appear a little too oldtime theatrical. His voice carries well, and his ability to act while not speaking was evident. As Algernon, Harry Ashworth was inclined to recite his lines a little too much but, nevertheless, his was a creditable performance as the young fop. He was a little too precipitate in getting his lines out, but that is better than pausing 100 long. Pauline Herbert, playing the role of Lady Bracknell, was every inch a high society lady. As a marriage-maker and a stern mother she carried off her part with distinction. She was dignified and assured in ell her movements and her voice matched her appearance. Her entrance in the ihird act was perhaps a trifle hurried.

As her daughter, the Hon. Gwendolen, Florence I-lolmes was able to keep her haughty and self-assured poise pt all times. Her skilful and quick changes of mood were well done, and the contrast with her “rival” was never allowed to flag.

Cecily Cardew is a young girl brought'up in the country and not permitted the gay life of the city. In this part, Amy Moffat was the sweet young thing'; her voice and her actions generally portrayed this, but she had a tendency to over-enunciate some words, her “of’ and “it” being too pronounced. THIRD VISIT. In the minor roles Joan Molesworth fis Miss Prism was quite the governess and companion until the climax of the play, when she appeared to get slightly out of character. Claude Floyd played the Rev Canon Chasuble a little too lightheartedly, arid his voice did not always carry well, due to his speaking too much across stage. There are two butlers. Bob Kennett as Lane, and Alan Newth as Merriman. Both were sufficiently deferential to their betters. Their movements were stately and full of deconun. The costuming of the players was excellent with the exception of Lane—his modern dinner suit was not quite in keeping with the times. This is the third visit to Whangarei by this company—each time with a completely different type of play. Playgoers in the town will look forward to the next visit with pleasure and anticipation of a well-acted performance.