“YOUNG WOODLEY”

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 689, 14 June 1929, Page 15

“YOUNG WOODLEY”

A SPLENDID PERFORMANCE John Van Druten’s brilliant study of adolescence, "Young Woodley,” was presented again last evening to a most appreciative audience. Here is a play —one might almost add, "at long last" . —which, is intellectually satisfying and j admirably cast. Van Druten possesses ; a keen intuition. There is no false ; note in his presentment of questioning j youth; a study that is pervaded with ' a warmly sympathetic understanding. | Mr. L.fewis Shaw* in the name part gives a remarkably smooth performance. One doubts if fuller justice could have been done to this cameo of a sensitive, doubt-torn youngster. Miss Natalie Moya has charm and repose, and plays a very difficult part most effectively. Mr. Frank Royde, in addition to producing the play, is cast as the cynical housemaster, Simmons. His performance is an outstanding one. Woodley’s fellow-prefects are all in the picture, and young Trevor Brogan gives an exceptionally good performance as a jam-smeared fag. His sheepish exit * in the presence of the housemaster’s , wife is one of the highlights of the i evening. The season is a short one, i 1 and Aucklanders should take note that , | to miss seeing this much-discussed and j greatly admired play is to miss one ! of the theatrical events of 1929.

BIG IRISH NIGHT CHURCH CONCERT HELD Irelands songs were excellently interpreted at a concert arranged :n the Carlton Hall, Edendale, last evening by the Eden dale Presbyterian Women’s Association. The concert was the second of a series of concerts featuring national songs. A Scottish evening has already been held, but the next entertainment will be an international concert. The Rev. W. Gilmour welcomed a big audience and explained that the proceeds were in aid of the church funds. Songs by Miss Iloris Gower and clever monologues by Miss Edna Thomas were features of the evening and both entertainers were encored repeatedly. Other performers were: Jack Stuart, violin solos; Mr. J. Upton, songs; Mr. E. Maxwell. pianoforte solos: the Rev. J. 11. Boyd, songs; Miss Zeirna Spry, monologues; Mr. D. McConachio, songs; Miss P. King, Irish Competitions were held, the winner •o' the guessing of Irish, song titles i being Miss M. S. Barr.