REPERTORY SOCIETY SCORE A SUCCESS.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 19108, 28 June 1930, Page 2

REPERTORY SOCIETY SCORE A SUCCESS.

“A BILL OF DIVORCEMENT” IS WELL PRODUCED. To a long list of successes, the Canterbury Repertory Society may now add Clemence Dane’s splendid play ”A Bill of Divorcement,” which the Society produced in the Radiant Hall last night ore , a , hi ehly appreciative audience rhe whole production reflected the greatest credit on the Society, and all through the performance, there was evidence of the most careful preparation, a feature which is so often lacking in amateur theatrical productions. The outstanding performance was given by Miss Valerie Tennent in the part of Sydney Fairfield. Her performance was most convincing, and quite captured the audience. She did not miss a single point, and carried through her part with ease and grace, giving every word and gesture its full value. Professor J. Shelley was, exceptionally good in his part as the father of the harassed Svdney. As the mother of Sydney, Mrs V. Evans was good, but was not as impressive as "ome of the other members of the caste. -She was at times rather forgetful that she had an audience before her, and was consequently hard to hear. Mrs F. C. Malpas was a prim and severe Aunt Hester, frank in her opinions and criticisms. She improved as the play progressed. More might have been made by Mr J. Young of the part of Kit Humphrey, but he was quite the average modern young man. Mr W. B. Harris had the weakest character in the play, Gray Meredith. Dr F. W. W. Dawson was Dr Alliot, Mr Roy Twyneham was the Rev Christopher Humphrey, and Mrs W. B. Harris was Bassett, the maid. The producer was Miss Kiore King, who shared the honours of the recall. Mrs T. W. Dent was wardrobe manager, and Mr H. Shaw stage manager. The society’s orchestra, conducted by Mr J. G. Parry, played “Traumeret” (Schumann), “Christmas Overture” (Coleridge Taylor), and selections from “Merrie England” (German).

The play will be repeated this even ing.