DRAMATIC ENTERTAINMENT

Star (Christchurch), Issue 17410, 12 December 1924, Page 6

DRAMATIC ENTERTAINMENT

-MISS LUCY COWAX S PUPILS. Originality was not lacking in the dramatic concert given l>y Aliss Lucy Cowan and Her pupils at the Caledonian Hall last evening. The offerings from the first curtain to the final ensemble were of a standard which is not often encountered in amateur theatricals. Each and everyone of the performers showed clearly the result of diligent and assiduous practice. It has been said that amateur shows are a trifle boring after one lias become used to the artistry and convincing make-believe of the professional stage, but that this is not wholly true at any rate, was strikinglv demonstrated last night There was not a single offering throughout the lengthy programme which could be described as anything but’excellent. The programme as a whole reflected great credit on the tutorial ability of. Aliss Cowan, and the evening’s entertainment was in every respect a success, the large audience . never failing to appreciate the artistry of each individual offering. Aliss Muriel Kershaw opened the programme with a delightful little •‘•ong ‘Tea Gup Times.” which she sang daintily iti mid-Victorian costume. There followed a physological comedy entitled “Suppressed Desires.” which was responsible for much hilarity on the part of the audience, the three members of i ho caste putting in some good work. Aliss Hma Bloomfield was convincing in her characterisation of Henrietta Brewster, a staunch disciple of psychology. Mr A. Thompson as the unfortunate husband of the deluded woman, had a role which called for very careful handling, but it cannot be denied that he rose commendably to the occasion. Miss Edna Miles in her part as the uncomprehending sister was well nigh per-

feet, and lier natural manner contributed much towards the success of the plav “The" Way of the Will” was also the medium of bringing some good talent before the public. I n this Misses Jean Murchie and Edna Miles and Messrs J. M. Davies. B Goodland and U. K. Jones took part The work as a whole was well done, and was one of the hits of the evening. A short play entitled “Martha’s Mourning” was very well done by a capable trio, Misses Grace Cooper, Enid English and Dorothy Wicks. Perhaps the most successful offering of the evening was “Radio and Juliet.” a listening-in sketch, in which Miss Cowan herself took part. She was excellent in her work, and the other members of the cast reflected the sound systematic training to which thev had been subjected They were Messrs H. K Jones and C. Harrowav. and Misses Glad Vs O’Connell and Myra Williams*. Other items were provided by Aliss Kathleen Heed, character sketch; Bert Goodland and Ronald Foster, duct in character; Alissee Mabel Dyer and Eve Chapman, sketch duo; Aliss Lottie Colville. chorus; Aliss .Myra Pollard, song. and Myra Williams. Air J. I. Smail lent the apparatus