"THREE WISE FOOLS"

Otago Daily Times, Issue 21983, 19 June 1933, Page 3

"THREE WISE FOOLS"

AN EXCELLENT PERFORMANCE The Dunedin*Strolling Players are to be congratulated on their performance ot Austin Strong's amusing comedy Three Wise Fools." The worth of the acting of the various members of the company had become realised' since the opening performance, and there was a very large audience at tin Town Hall Concert Chamber on Saturday night. The season did not, in the circumstances, close on Saturday night, as was originally intended. An extra performance will be given to-night, and those wl» have not yet availed themselves of the opportunity of realising what fine amateur talent we have in Dunedin should not lose this last chance. What impresses one, first, in connection witn the performance of the company is the amount of painstaking rehearsal which must have been gone through to enable the members to reach their high state ot proficiency, and, secondly, the capable manner in which they present the results of their rehearsals before the audience. It is a rather severe task to ask amateurs to portray character studies of the type introduced in "Three Wise Fools, but no excuses are necessary for the artists who enacted them. They, in fact, acted their parts with commendable histrionic ability and they maintained what is often lacking in amateur performers—poise. *or instance,-there are the " three wise old fools" themselves with the varying characteristics, varying natures, and varying perspectives of a judge, a banker, and a doctor. Mr Russell Napier was the irascible banker (Theodore Findlay), who, under a veneer of harshness, had a kindly heart; Mr Douglas Dall, the introspective Dr Gaunt, and Mr George Salmond as Judge Trumbull. The trio capably held the mirror up to nature, but probably Mr Salmond achieved the distinction of the rrost successful interpretation. The. fussy, self-important, precise-speaking judge was particularly well presented by him. Mr Angus Gorrie's experience in amateur performances stood him in good stead, and he carried through the part of the young lover (nephew of Findlay) in convincing style. His breezy manner and clear-speak-ing voice quite won the approval of the audience, who,.it may be added, were.very sympathetic when Mr Gome, waiting for his cue, rolled down Rome steps in a flurry of curtains and disappeared from view. The incident did not, however, disturb his poise in the slightest when he was able to make his entrance". Miss Anita Winkel did not have a great deal to do, but she " handled " her part with charm and made a sweet Sidney Fairchild, Praise must be awarded Miss Elsie M'Peak for her finished acting as the housekeeper. Miss M'Peak can always be relied upon to get inside her part, as the saying goes, and as Mrs Saunders she once more demonstrated her artistry in this direction. Mr Gordon Niven gave a good impersonation of the butler, and Messrs Charles Smith, Bert Jones. Douglas Skene, E. W. Griffiths, and Roland Watson played their respective parts in most capable fashion. Mr Himburg, with Begg's orchestra, supplied the music, and mention should be made of Mr Richard White (producer). Mr T. C. Wynne (stage manager), and Mr C. Paine (assistant stage manager). As stated, an additional performance of " Three Wise Fools" will be given tonight. The proceeds of the four performances are in aid of the Y.M.G.A.