“BIRD IN HAND”

Otago Daily Times, Issue 21627, 23 April 1932, Page 18

“BIRD IN HAND”

A WELL-BALANCED PERFORMANCE

The Workers’ Educational Association Little Theatre Company is to be congratulated not only on its very fine performance of Mr John Drinkwater s comedy in three acts, " Bird in Hand, at the Concert Chamber last night, but also on the kindly thought which prompted it to give a free entertainment to the unemployed and then families. The chamber was crowded, and it was quite apparent that the audience thoroughly enjoyed the comedy. This was only to be expected, as the play, as stated, was very capably interpreted, and; the players showed that they had studied their parts to effective purpose. Moreover, the confidence and poise of every one of the performers were most commendable. The play is set in the little country hotel, “ Bird in Hand,” the landlord ot which (Thomas GreenleafJ —stubborn, suspicious, dogmatic—is strongly opposed to his daughter having anything to do with the son of the squire, Sir Robert Arnwood. Grcenleaf lives in the traditions of the past, and knows his place, ihe arguments of his daughter Joan that the world has moved on make no impression on him. The climax is reached when Joan defies her father and goes oil one night for a motor drive with the young man. Into the hotel come three travellers seeking accommodation, and they quickly learn all about the trouble. They side with the attitude taken up by the girl, but their influence has no effect on the stubbornness of the old man. Finally Grecnleaf is interviewed by Sir Robert himself, and he shrewdly turns the tables on the father by suggesting that Joan is not good enough for his son. This rouses the old man's ire, and the lovers get their own way. Miss Phyllis Maden made a charming Joan. She acted nicely in the first act and went on improving as the play proceeded. Miss E. H. Laing, as Greenleaf g wife, gave a very fine character study. Gently she endeavoured to check the outbursts of her husband when he was in violent mood, and made a loving mother, true to her husband, and yet always trying to help her daughter. Mr Lindsay Smith, as John Grecnleaf, had an excellent idea of the requirements of a rather unlikeablc character, but he carried it through with wonderful evenness. He looked the part and acted it in convincing stylo. Victor Trochon, as the lugubrious Mr Blanquet, traveller for sardines, won the entire favour of the audience. He maintained his woe-begone manner right through, and while he looked foolish he was not without worldly wisdom. Frank Crawley took the part of Ambrose Godolphin, K.C., whose car has broken down and who has perforce to stay at the hotel for the night. Pompous in manner, dignified in speech, he made the character stand out, and achieved one of the successes of the evening. Mr Lloyd Ross, as Cyril Beverley, educated at Eton and Oxford, who claims to be a member of the Labour Party, fairly revelled in his part. He gave a finished performance of the irrepressible young man who asserts that his “ governor is something of a scream.” Mr H. J. Potter made a manly Sir Robert Arnwood. He only appeared in the last act to break down the resistance of the old man to the marriage into his family, and he quite out-argued and outwitted him. Mr'Edgar Hunter made a manly lover, and Mr A. Batchelor did all that was required of him in the small part of the barman.

The incidental music was provided by Bcgg’s orchestra, with Mr J. F. Hamburg as conductor.

“Bird in Hand” will be staged again on Tuesday night. The comedy is well worth seeing.

PERFORMANCE ON TUESDAY An opportunity of seeing one of the best of modern comedies will bo given on Tuesday evening next, when the W.E.A. Little Theatre will present John Drinkwater’s play, “ Bird in Hand,” at the Concert Chamber, • The performance will be for one night only, and is under the control of Mr Lloyd Ross. The dramatist has brought to an inn in an amusing and dramatic way a number of interesting characters who provide much excitement and humour before the question of the marriage of the innkeeper’s daughter is finally settled. Noel Coward and Somerset Maugham have dealt with a similar conflict of young and old, but Drinkwater’s play is superior in warmth of sentiment, wit, mid sincerity with life. The box plan is open at the Bristol. Anderson’s Bay will provide the orchestra.