DUNEDIN PLAYBOX

Otago Daily Times, Issue 23883, 10 August 1939, Page 18

DUNEDIN PLAYBOX

"THE FURNACE" "The Furnace," a four-act play by Francis Brett Young and William Armstrong, was presented by Mr W. Rus-sell-Wood at the Playbox Club on Tuesday evening and was witnessed by a crowded audience The play concerns a country mill-owner and his family, and is a powerful drama Its performance was notable for the excellent team work of the cast and for virile and full-blooded characterisation. It is doubtful whether there has ever been a better array of character studies in a Playbox presentation, and Mr Russell-Wood and his cast deserve credit for a sound and moving piece of work. The staging was most effective, the dressing and make-up good, and audibility throughout splendid. All the performers did well, but it was in the character parts that the greatest artistry was shown, especially among the male members of the company. MiLeonard J Ireland carried the biggest weight of the drama in the part of Walter Willis, and brought strong personality and dramatic ability to bear with excellent effect, working up to a fine climax as the final curtain fell. The part of his son, Edward Willis, was ehtrusted to Mr Jack Hanan, whose performance was invested with a death of sincerity and suppres&ed emotion that was truly impressive. Mr E. P Drew was responsible for some fine work in a difficult part, and Miss Mary Strang essayed the unlovely role of Celia Stafford with complete success, her vibrations being fullv registered in some tense scenes The part of Mrs Willis was aken by Miss Holmes Henderson, who gave a very fair performance, which lost a little in conviction towards the end of the play A sympathetic and poignant study was presented by Miss Ailsa Skinner in the part of the young sister, and Miss M. Rollo did effective workas the housekeeper. Genuine ability was revealed .by a newcomer, Miss Jean Huddart. in the small part of Celia's maid. In the second act the scene was a company's board room, and here there was some really fine character work. Mr Colin Martin being thoroughly convincing in the part of Muir a Scotsman. Mr A C. Steohens, excellently made-up, brought artistry to the part of the prudish S*.ebbings, and Mr E. L. Eastgate was excellent as Lord Henry Malpas, while Mr Ireland presided with telling effect. " The Furnace" was a performance which will be remembered by many with great pleasure. The hostesses. Mrs T. Roy and Mrs Milne, were assisted by Miss Edith Clare and Miss Beth Hazelwood. When new crockery Is bought, prepare it for its career and extend its life by putting it into a container of cold water; then bring the water to the boil, and leave the crockery in it till the water is cool. It is a precaution against cracks and heavy-handed kitchenmaids.

Old linoleum is too useful to throw away. Have it cut up into small pieces and use as fire-lighters. Housewives with coppers will find it a boon' in that way '