AT THE PLAY

North Canterbury Gazette, Volume 7, Issue 59, 26 November 1937, Page 5

AT THE PLAY

Recital at Rangiora

DRAMATIC SOCIETY

PRESENTATION

The popularity of drama in North Canterbury was given added proof on Wednesday night, when the Town Hall at Rangiora was filled with an exceptionally good house for the Rangiora Dramatic Society’s first major presentation of plaj’s. A considerable amount of work in the way of organisation, rehearsals, and production on the part of members of the Society ensured that the programme would be of a high standard. The production details were in the hands of Mrs G. W. Watson, Mr 'H. M. Denton, Mr G. Mehrtens, and Mr H. Hibbert. The first play on the programme was the “March Wedding,” by M. and S. Box. Diana Wilton, played by Miss M. Martin, was a charming while, and her lines were well put over, while Miss E. Hamilton gave a realistic performance of a harassed mother. The two bridesmaids, Misses M. Stanton and N. Clark, did their parts very creditably, and Miss Baxter (Miss N. Brydon), who tried to upset the wedding arrangements, kept up the atmosphere of suspense. A very good performance was that of Toni Marshall by Miss M. Thwaites, and Alice, the maid (Miss E. Lane), although only a small part, was well done. A very charming setting made an effective background for the second play, “A Marriage Has Been Arranged,” by Alfred Sutro. This was undoubtedly the best play of the series, for at no time did it drag or was the atmosphere lost. The fewer the players the harder it is to hold the audience, and the two players succeeded in putting over a pleasing and well balanced performance. Miss M. Stanton as Lady Aline cleverly portrayed the change from the shallow designing young lady at the beginning of the play to the deeper feeling required at the end. She was very tastefully attired in a frock that suited her character. Harrison Crockstead was played by Mr H. M. Denton, whose interpretation was well maintained throughout and kept the audience in suspense. His acting was of a high order and there was a noticeable absence of monotony in the voices and movements of these two players. The fact that their words were always audible added considerably to the enjoyment of their audience. “Beauty for Sale,” by M. and S. Box, gave another opportunity for the ladies of the club to show their capabilities, which they managed to do successfully. In a very even team one cannot but compliment the work of Miss V. Cruickshank, who as Jane put over a very difficult part, though her agitation at the end slightly lacked conviction. Mrs S. Newell, as Mrs Hoyden Lyle, convincingly played her part and created the necessary atmosphere. Another good performance was given by Mrs J. A. Mackenzie as Madame Geraldine. Misses T. Edlin and G. Ryan, as Mrs Lome and Laura, also acted their parts very well, while Miss M . Martin, as Mrs Smithson, played a minor part well. The players are to be complimented on their dressing in this play, which created a dignity and real old time atmosphere which was of great help to the actors. A. A. Milne’s “The Boy Comes Home” proved a most suitable climax to the evening’s entertainment, the audience thoroughly enjoying the many amusing situations in the play. Credit is due to Mr H. Hibbert, who as Uncle James gave an excellent performance and created a great deal of the atmosphere that helped the other players successfully to carry out the theme of the play. His performance was a definite characterisation, and his acting of a high quality. Mr K. G. Taylor played a charming “Philip,” a part acted faithfully, carrying the sympathy of the audience with him. Miss G. Butwell, as Aunt Emily, whose acting and movements were very good, slightly marred her performance by her inaudibility. Good performances were also given by Miss E. Golding as Mary the parlourmaid, and Miss M. Thwaites as Mrs Higgins. The whole programme was a great credit to the Dramatic Society, and the plays were well produced. All the players showed good possibilities, and will improve with further acquaintance with the stage, though the outstanding weakness during the evening was a tendency for the lines to be missed through being inaudible.