“MACBETH”

Otago Daily Times, Issue 26783, 28 May 1948, Page 6

“MACBETH”

SHAKESPEARE CLUB’S READING SATISFACTORY PERFORMANCE Shakespeare lovers had their -fill when the sonorous sentences of “ Macbeth ” were declaimed by members of the Dunedin Shakespeare Club at the Town Hall Concert Chamber last night. In spite of the handicap of having one hand clasped round the book, and with no backdrops to give the sombre setting for this macabre • work of the great playwright, the members of the cast nevertheless contrived to give an adequate performance, and the reading was enjoyed by a large audience. Mr J. W. Hayward, who read the title role, created a favourable impression by the manner in which he sustained a part which called for a considerable degree of intelligence and skill. His voice carried splendidly, to the obvious relief of several aged members of the audience who appeared to be sighing for ear trumpets when some of the other characters were on the stage. He was at his best when soliloquising, but a certain lack of cohesion between the players was inevitable with all the roles being read. In spite of a marked tendency towards over-emphasis, Miss Molly Randle had her moments as Lady Macbeth. She was particularly impressive during the scene in which she had to urge her quailing husband to his grisly task of murdering Duncan. Banquo (Mr H. Cohen) read his lines clearly and with understanding, and Mr Douglas Dali had the distinction of raising the only laugh of the evening with his portrayal of the sleep-sodden and slightly alcoholic porter. Miss H. Smith, Mrs E.' J. Murray and Miss S. V. Seelen made a convincing trio of witches, and the varied timbre of their voices enhanced the effect of their gruesome lines. One of the features of the evening was the reading of the chorus, Miss E. Abbott. Her cool, clear voice and dignified presence came as a breath of fresh air between the unfolding of the morbid sequences of the play. Other members of the cast were Messrs J. S. D. More, W. G. Clayton, N. McKinlay, M ; Joel, L. Francis, R. G. Osborn, and Mrs G. S. Thomson. The chairman for the reading was Mr H. W. Hunter.