ORIGINAL PLAY

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXX, Issue 21577, 23 August 1933, Page 12

ORIGINAL PLAY

"OUT OF YESTERDAY" New abilities as a playwright are revealed by Mrs. Nollo Porter, whoso comedy-drama. "The Spinster Who Spun " was successful in Auckland last year and in Sydney a few weeks ago, in "Out of Yesterday," a three-act drama, which was presented under tho direction of Dr. Georgo do Ciivo Lowe in the Town Hall concert chamber last evening. Tho play, which was well attended, was in aid of Prosperity Week funds. "Out of Yesterday" js pitched at a higher emotional level than Mrs. Porter's previous play, but _ in _ tho hands of a capablo cast tho high lights of tho drama were effectively accentuated, while tho humour and natural dialogue, which wero features of tho play, made it entertaining throughout. In tho principal role, as Madame Hcla, tho proprietress of a night club, Miss Mona Wallbank invested her characterisation with depth and sympathy. Miss Feed a Crosher was charming as the daughter who, in tho end, proves to have more understanding of iier mother's problems than her mother had even dared to hope. A fine senso of humour was displayed by Miss Edna Thomas as the garrulous but loyal old housekeeper, while as the irrepressiblo maid, Miss Joan Ross was delightful in every scene. Mr. Dan Flood forsook his usual humorous roles to appear, as tho romantic lead of the play, and ho gave a very likeablo study of the amateur criminologist who eventually dispels the difficulties surrounding Madame Heln. As the unscrupulous Comte do BelvilJe, Mr. B. Tole acted with assurance and finish, while Mr. Alan Hill was also good as Herr Paul, Madame Hela's assistant. • Other parts wero ably taken by Captain Clavton, as an admirer of Madame Heln, Mr. C. M. Maclaglen , as an habitue of the night club, and Mr. T. M. Clark, as an elderly banker. Small parts as visitors to .tho night club were taken by Misses Ida Lockwood, F. Heron and Betty Buddie and Messrs. John Hardcastle. junr., Peter Porter and John Carpenter. The play was very attractively costumed and staged. Incidental mu;yc was played during intervals by the Tiarks Trio. Tho play will be repeated this evening.