HIS MAJESTY’S THEATRE

Otago Daily Times, Issue 18876, 31 May 1923, Page 8

HIS MAJESTY’S THEATRE

’ “FACING THE MUSIC.” The attendance at His Majesty’s Theatrelast evening, when “Facing the Music” was reproduced by a number of really clever amateurs, under tho direction of Mr T. De Spong, was disappointingly small, and certainly did not augur well for much of an increase being made to the Flood Relief Fund, in aid of which the performance was given. The comedy is an exceedingly bright and amusing one, and is full of opportunity for keeping an audience in a continual state of merriment. In general, the staging of such a work by amateurs is by no means attended with the success achieved by Mr De Spong and the ladies and gentlemen assisting him. Excepting for a few trifling hitches, such as the late lowering of the curtain at a critical moment and a momentary forgetfulness by some of those filling the cast of their lines, the comedy went brightly and briskly, and left very little to cavil at. In fact, the performance of “Pacing the Music,” when considered from an amateur standard, was a great improvement on what usually comes from amateur sources. A point of merit about the comedy is that an audience does not immediately grasp the truly awkward predicament in which John Smith innocently finds himself, and it is only as matters develop that the almost inextricable mess he has fallen into is thoroughly understood. That, of course, results in a sustained interest, which was added to in no moan degree by the capable way the characters were presented. One very pleasing feature about the performance was the way all taking part in the production spoke up. Another was that practically all played with a degree of confidence that is frequently lacking amongst amateurs. A still further one was that there was no straining on the part of anyone, from which it follows that the comedy went naturally and smoothly. Mr Do Spong’s study of the part of John Smith was a good one, and ho put plenty of life into his work. Mr W. J. Allpress is also to be complimented upon the way he carried out the character of the timid Anglican curate, the Rev. John Smith. Both tho Smiths are married, and there are consocpiently two Mrs John Smiths, and it is due to a confusion in the personality of these four that complication upon complication arises. The two Mrs Smiths were represented by Misses Ethel HUliker and Linda Johnston, and those young ladies played their parts very ably. Tho mirth-makers are tho quartette, and they certainly kept the audience thoroughly amused. Dick Desmond, a friend of tho one family, was capitally played by Mr Rog. Taploy, and Colonel Duncan Smith was quite satisfactorily presented by Mr A. F. M’Sfcimming. Miss Ruth Sullivan plight possibly have improved her impersonation of Mrs Footing, creditable as it was, by a little more sprightliness ; and Mr J. H. Brown as Sergeant Duffel! was rather constrained in his acting. Tho remaining part, that of Miss Pothoringay, of tho Bijou Theatre, was creditably taken by Miss Alice Smith.

" Facing the Music ” is to be again presented at His Majesty’s Theatre this evening.