TWO CLEVER PLAYS

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXIX, Issue 21318, 20 October 1932, Page 14

TWO CLEVER PLAYS

AUCKLAND AUTHORS Cleverly written and interpreted by a cast of really able actors, the two plays by local authois presented in the Town Hall concert chamber last evening, in aid of (he St. John Ambulance Brigade funds, were thoroughly entertaining in everyway, and the large audience present signified its approval in no uncertain manner; At the conclusion the two authors of the plays, Mis. Nollo Porter and Dr. G. do Clive Lowe, appeared on the stage, and Airs. Porter expressed her appreciation of the reception given to the production, and her thanks to Dr. de Clive Lowe for the assistance he had given her in preparing her play for final presentation. Mrs. Porter's three-act play, "The Spinster Who Spun," is a comedy-drama lull of action, characterisation and humour. It swings along at a rapid pace and without any diminution of interest. The general production wa.V in the hands of Dr. de Clive Lowe and Air. .T. M. Clark, to whom much of the credit for tho evening's performance is due. As tho principal character, Miss Edna Derrick gave an exceedingly natural portrayal of a charming and sympathetic personality. As the "spinster of uncertain ago" who was so ready to' help others spin their webs happily that she tended to neglect her own, Miss Derrick invested her part with dignity and grace. Next to hei: performance came that of Miss Joan Ross, who proved herself a perfect comedienne in the roie of the pert yet affectionate little maid servant. Miss Noni Wright, as a serious-minded, ambitious, young modern girl, who could not decide between love and her career; Miss Hilda Morse as Margaret Hartnot, a rather unsympathetic part of a jealous wifo who determines to make her husband jealous; and Miss Edna Thomas, in a very living and clever interpretation of a slum woman; all gave splendid characterisations. The play gave more subsidiary roles to the men, tho parts being taken by Mr. Alan McSkimming, Mr. E. M. Newling, Mr. Zante Woods, Mr. John Carpenter, Mr. Ken Warburton and Mr. Owen Jones. As a curtain-raiser, a one-act play, by Dr. de Clive Lowe, "Cecil," gave a satirical portrait of two types of emptyheaded society people. As the over-em-phatic gushing Woman whoso ignorance shows through all her pretensions, Miss Mary Gruickshank gave a telling performance, while Mr. Jack Gordon, as her fatuous husband, was particularly effective as a mummer. The only word lie was allowed to speak was «, kind of bleat, yet ho was able to make it express v,ery many things. Miss Hilda Morse, as the very opposite, gave a charming portrayal. Incidental music was supplied by Mrs. C. Prime, Miss Lockwood and Miss M. Tiarks. Mr. Mervyn Rattray was stage manager, Mr. D. McLarcu was in charge of the lighting, Mr. J. D. Swan was stage director, and (he scenery, which was extremely effective, was under the charge of Miss Edio Sutherland. The plays will be repeated in th« concert chamber this evening.