BRIGHT PLAY

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXI, Issue 21949, 5 November 1934, Page 16

BRIGHT PLAY

EPSOM GIRLS' GRAMMAR A delightful comedy in three acts by A. A. Milne, " Belinda," was presented with signal success by pupils of the Epsom Girls' Grammar School in the Seddon Memorial Technical College Hall on Saturday night. There was a very large audience, which was fully appreciative of the capable manner in which the cast overcame the many difficulties of the production. As an example of amateur dramatic art it was of a very high standard and as the work of a school it was truly excellent.

For subtelty of humour and general entertainment value " Belinda " is undoubtedly one of A. A. Milne's most pleasing works. Dependent on a particularly capable principal the play might appear to have been unsuitable for a school production, but the convincing acting of M iss Marie Blomfield as Belinda, who was almost constantly on the stage, worthily justified its choice. Her stage manner, clear voice and unassumed naturalness stamped her as a young actress of gifted ability. The role of Delia, Belinda's daughter, was portrayed in a very capable fashion by Sheila McKinnon. As Betty, Belinda's maid. Beryl Dickson played an exacting role with credit. The remaining three in the cast, Betty Hughes, Helen MacC'ormick and Cecily Beeehev, all gave remarkably good performances in male roles. Betty Hughes acquitted herself exceptionally well. She was responsible for most of the humour and vividly interpreted the character of Harold Baxter, a short, well-dressed man who thrived on formality of thought and action. The plav opened where Belinda, a middle-aged woman whose husband had left her soon after marriage, was joined by her daughter who had just finished school. Delia soon realises her mother is jokingly maintaining the attentions of two men who both believp they are going to marry her. The manner in which she falls in love with one of them herself, and the dramatic return of Belinda's husband make a fitting climax. The stage management, settings and lighting effects were all that could be desired and the play reflected great credit on the producer, Miss Flora Shenkin. Selections were rendered by the school orchestra and received warm applause.