“AS YOU LIKE IT."

Otago Daily Times, Issue 18990, 11 October 1923, Page 6

“AS YOU LIKE IT. "

PRODUCTION BY HIGH SCHOOL GIRLS. Shakespeare's comedy “As Yon Like It” was presented by a number of the pupils attending the Girls’ High School laat evening in His Majesty’s Theatre to an audience that very nearly filled the building. It was quite evident from the commencement of the performance that infinite trouble had been gone to in order that the comedy might be adequately staged, even down to the minutest detail. For a company of young ladies still in their teens to give an entirely successful representation of “As You Like It" could not be looked for, but those engaged in last evening’s performance made a much closer approach to complete success than it was reasonable to expect. It was a decidedly creditable and clever production the girls gave, considering their youth and inexperience, which must inevitably prove an obstacle not to bo entirely overcome. The one, and inevitable drawback in such a -aae ia a want of repose and dignity which very seldom go hand in hand wtih extreme juvenility. Had it been possible to overcome this the performance would have been one that adults might have been proud of. The girls had learned their “lesson” well, and any sign of forgetfulness of what fell to each and everyone of them was at no time noticeable. In that one respect the girls scored full marks. The nest point that impressed itself on the pund was that what was said was spoken intelligibly and intelligently. It was evident that all concerned quite understood the purport of the comedy, which suggests that they had been well tutored as to the significana of the parts they played, and had tba capacity to clearly understand what was expected of them. The only material improvement that could have been made on what wa« seen and heard was that the royal personages who are included in this dramatis personas might have been a little more stately in movement, and a trifle more grave m demeanour. That, of course, does not apply to such characters as Touchstone, Jacques, Audrey, and a few others. The comedy was remarkably well staged and the scenes depicted, especially in the Forest of Arden, were most artistic. Much depends on the lighting of the stage, and on this particular occasion Messrs H. L. Cole and G. Walters, who had charge of this department, carried out their duties with excellent results. During the performance several old English country dances were presented in a very picturesque form, included in the number being a minuet, a Morris dance, a rustic dance, and a merrymakers’ dance. Ail of these were danced very prettily, and where opportunity offered very gracefully. The overture and incidental music were supplied, by an efficient orchestra, which played everything very well. There was also some singing, and the young lady soloist sang exceedingly well. Her voice, not yet developed was not strong, but of sweet quality, and she sang witli good taste and expression. The two principal characters are, of course, Orlando and Rosalind; taken respectively by Miss I. Tait and Miss M. Taylor, both of whom acquitted themselves very well, it was in the latter portion of the comedy that their success became more apparent; that stage having been reached where Orlando “characters” his love on the trees of the forest, and reference is made to “the wounds invisible that -love’s arrows moke.” Mis® M. Williamson as the “melancholy” Jacques gave a good impersonation of the character, and delivered the seven ages of man very effectively, and also the account of Jacques .meeting with the “motley fool.” -u.isa M. M’Qucen was quite satisfactory as the jester Touchstone, and Miss E. Henry was amusing as Audrey. The remaining characters were filled by Mioses E. M’Kinnon, M. Yates, B. Clement, E. Miller, N. Jones, M. Randle, B. Whyte, K. Brown, E. Graham, V. Mitchell, N. Bows, M. Service, and R* Lambert. The dances were designed and produced by Miss Service, Mr W. Paget G&la was the musical director. Miss Stella Bayley was the leader of the orchestra, Miss b. Bayley had charge of the costuming, and the play was produced under the supervision of Miss M. H. M. King. "As You lake It” will be presented at Hi* Majesty's Theatre again this evening.