SUCCESSFUL PLAYS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXIV, Issue 19743, 16 September 1927, Page 13

SUCCESSFUL PLAYS.

LITTLE THEATRE SOCIETY. Three choice illustrations of what pre-sent-day authors have accomplished through the medium of one-act plays were presented by the Little Theatre Society before a crowded audience in the Town Hall concert chamber last evening. The crowning success of a very happy evening was achieved in the presentation of Barrie's masterpiece of war-time memories, "The Old Lady Shows Her Medals." From the opening moment the attention of the audience was gripped, and as the theme developed "the tears and laughter of things," depicted with true artistry, kept them in thrall. The chief houours of a performance that reached a very high standard were shared by Miss Peggie Hovey as Mrs. Dowey, and Mr. J. D. Swan as Kenneth Dowey, the rough-spoken, true-hearted soldier lad, who unbends at last to adopt the lonely woman as his mother. Both of these entered with full insight into the pathos, the humour and the high courage tinged with tragedy that Barrie saw in these simple, humble people. Excellent support was given by Misses Cissie Phillips, Margaret Dupree and • Maisie C. Lloyd, who provided much amusement in the parts of the London charwomen whose pride it was to have a man of theii own at the war. Mr. Sayers did effectively what was required of him as Mr. Wilhngs, the padre, who found the old lady's missing son. The third piece presented was "Pan in Pimlico," Helen Simpson's delightful fantasy on the theme that heroism and love, and life and romance are to be found, not only in the unspoilt countryside, but even in the purlieus of Pimlico. The parts of the two fauns who introduce and lead up to the main theme and provide the requisite atmosphere were most gracefully taken by Misses Winifred Crosher and Wynona Wright. Miss Linda Murphy wtis the goldenhaired flower-girl whose danger in a bar-room roused all the latent chivalry in the rough fireman and caused him to revel in risk and danger for her sake. Mr. Arnold Goodwin was the man. Both parts present obvious difficulties which were skilfully avoided, and }he consistent and realistic work of Miss Murphy and Mr. Goodwin thoroughly earned the applause showered upon them. The whole entertainment was opened with Christopher Morley's most amusing "Rehearsal," which lets the audience in behind the scenes, while half-a-dozen lively Irish girls rehearse for a gloomy play they are about to present. The theme would easily lend itself to extravagant burlesque, but the members of the society showed & fine restraint. The six parts were taken by Miss Msrie Gaudin, who was most effective as JTreda, the directress of operations, and Misses Joy Bartley, Audrey Perry, Ysolinde McVeagh, Molly Overton and Biddy Philcox. The "rehearsal" was so natural and intriguing that one could not avoid a curious wish to see how the actual performance would come off. In the matter of scenery the society is to be congratulated on achieving distinct success. In every case the surroundings were simple and appropriate and effectively conducive to the desired atmosphere. " The performers received many floral tokens of appreciation. The triple bill is assured of an enthusiastic | reception when it is presented again this I evening and to-morrow evening.