ROMANTIC DRAMA

Otago Daily Times, Issue 27038, 24 March 1949, Page 8

ROMANTIC DRAMA

REPERTORY PRESENTATION “ THE BARRETTS OF WIMPOLE STREET” Not many weeks ago something of a rumpus in repertory circles was reported over a proposal—subsequently adopted—to raise the annual subscription. If the members could be assured that a fair percentage of the society’s quarterly major productions would have the distinction of the current endeavour there would seem to be little reason for quibbling over a few shillings. For there need be no cause for apology over the selection or production of “The Barretts of Wimpole Street” on the evidence provided by last evening’s initial presentation at His Majesty’s. As a play, “The Barretts”—if the familiar diminutive may. be permitted —makes excellent, if exacting, repertory material. It is balanced without being static; thoughtful, yet intelligible to the least imaginative member of the audience: dramatic, yet restrained within the bounds of accurate Victorian domesticity. It has humour, romance, and, for want of a better term, human interest. It permits ele§ance of costuming, yet makes no great emands for expensive scenery. In short, “ The Barretts ” takes any reasonable cast well along the road to success before the curtain is rung up on the first act.

Last night the Dunedin Repertory players were dealt these good cards, and they played their hand with determination and considerable finesse. Douglas Dali had one of the most difficult tasks of the evening in making the sanctimonious patriarch of the Barrett family something more than a half-believable anachronism. It is unfair to make cinematic comparisons, but it must be mentioned that, to many, toe role is unforgettably 'linked with Charles Laughton. Mr Dali may not have the same capacity for malevolence, but he still made a powerful figure of the domestic despot. Elizabeth Cargo, new to the local stage, may have been too obviously healthy and youthful to be the Elizabeth Barrett the script required, but her portrayal was sympathetic and subdued—perhaps too subdued at times. Her lack of affectation, both in manner and voice, was most worthy of commendation. William Meade succeeded in making the character of Robert Browning dominant in manner. yet subordinate in importance to Elizabeth. Unfortunately, Mr Meade seemed to be suffering from a cold last evening; Restraint was a quality demanded from both Sybil Westland and Elizabeth Abbott, who played the two sisters of Elizabeth Barrett. Miss Westland had the more demanding role and made the most of it, her naturalness being no small aid. Miss Abbott’s work was best shown in her careful handling of the moment of hysteria called for in the final scene. Elizabeth Briton kept carefully clear of any inclination to play the maid as a stock comedy character. In the extensive subsidiary cast. Kerry Jordan was neatly contrasted to his brother Barretts and did not overdo the slight stammer which the script required; while Dawn McAra was a competent Bella. It is so seldom that one is privileged to see the perfect performance that the occasion deserves a special paragraph. In last night’s presentation of “The Barretts” there was one such performance—a major role played flawlessly, with dignity and with considerable appeal. This Thespian triumph was justly earned by a small Scotch terrior dog named Flush. Under the production of Miss Bessie Thomson, “ The Barretts ” was presented smoothly and without waste of time. The costuming and setting wei?e' up to the high standard which has come to be expected of Repertory Society presentations. “The Barretts of Wimpole Street” deserves to have a successful season.