SHAKESPEARE CLUB.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 21019, 7 May 1930, Page 8

SHAKESPEARE CLUB.

- “THE TEMPEST,” As showing the continued popularity of the Shakespeare Club there were few ,vacant seats at His Majesty’s Theatre last night, when selections were given from “ The Tempest.” Tragedy and comedy walk side by side in the drama, and as the actors had been excellently cast a most successful recital resulted. The important part of Prospero, the rightful King of Milan, . was in the capable hands of Mr F. J. Gair, and he gave a very pleasing interpretation. The ’ light and shade were splendidly balanced, and a fine speaking voice completed a' thoroughly artistic performance.' The cpmedy work was provided by Mr H. W.; Hunter {the drunken butler Stephano), and Mr W. B. Quennell (Trineulo, a jester) with the savage, revengeful, Caliban as their butt, and the trio held the keen interest of the audience whenever they were on the stage. They presented a really artistic interpretation of scenes which, with no assistance whatever from stage trappings, might, have descended at times to buffoonery. This, however, was carefully avoided, and while it may be hardly fair to discriminate as between the merits of the three’ performers Mr Hunter must be complimented on an outstanding reading, in which he suited action to word and word to action, Miranda, daughter of Prospero, was charmingly interpreted by Mrs P. J. Gair. She gave a thoughtful study of the innocent-minded maiden who had spent most of her life on the island, and pleased the audience immensely with the naturalness of her reading. Miss M. Yates, as the airy spirit Ariel, likewise won a distinct success in her interpretation and reading. Miss Yates has the advantage of a , stage presence which fitted the ethereal nature of the character, and she had also a very fine sense of light and shade. The scene in which she was called on to sing some verses was most artistically done. The other characters wore capably interpreted as follows :-rFerdinand, Mr A. G, Fleming; Alonzo King of Naples, Mr M. H. Gaston; Sebastian, Mr N. M'Kinlay; Antonio, Mr R. H. Simpson; Gonzalo, Mr R. h! Wilson; and chorus. Miss E. Smith, At the interval Messrs J. Leech and L. North sang the duet, “The Day is Doug, and had to respond to an encore.'