"A GREEK SLAVE."

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVIII, Issue 20988, 26 September 1931, Page 10 (Supplement)

"A GREEK SLAVE."

STRONG CAST ASSEMBLED. MR. N. HAMMOND'S WORK. Mr. Norton Hammond, who lias been selected to play the part of " Archias " in the coming special attraction, " A Greek Slave," to be staged at Ilis Majesty's Theatre late in October by the Auckland Amateur Operatic Society, has played some interesting roles in Auckland productions. Character portrayals are his forte, and his early training to which he attributes much of his success, was given by Mrs. Hartley Baxter. Mr. Hammond has taken the part of Oliver Blayds in, " The Truth About Blayds," Farrand in Galsworthy's, " The Pigeon," and has played in, " Yellow Sands " and in " The Celebrity "by Jerome K. Jerome. lie has had much experience with the Grafton Shakespeare and Dramatic Society, and with other Auckland dramatic clubs. There is every indication that " A Gicek Slave" will,arouse much interest among Auckland theatregoers, as it will be the first musical comedy to be staged at His Majesty's for some considerable time past. In addition to spectacular staging and striking costuming, a feature of the play is the very strong chorus which is responsible for some magnificent numbers. The action of the play takes place on the heights of Dome about the year A.D. 90, and lends itself to effective ensembles and grouping, which aro utilised to the full in the handling of the sets. A big cast of principals gives a graphic rendering of the leading roles. The comedy element predominates throughout and some witty dialogue falls to the part of the principals. Miss Hojje Asher will play " Queen Antonia." Miss Asher played in " Florodora," u year or two ago, taking the ryle of Lady Holyrood.".