Marionette Show Appeals to Public

Waikato Independent, Volume XLIV, Issue 6075, 11 July 1947, Page 4

Marionette Show Appeals to Public

CAMBRIDGE PRESENTATION A LARGE ATTENDANCEProof that the unusual will appeal to the public taste for entertainment was shown by the large audience at the puppet show presented by the Goodwin Marionette Theatre 1 in the town hall last evening. The attendance, which included many children, was very pleasing to the local Community Arts Service Committee. The show was a masterly combination of the spoken voice of unseen humans and the expert manipulation by these same people of the many strings which worked the puppet figures. So realistic was the presentation, particularly in the straight scenes from Shakespeare, that attimes one was apt to forget that the characters on the miniature stage were but wooden figures. Clever lighting added much to the general effect and displayed the georgous costuming of the characters to the greatest advantage.

Those responsible for the presentation, working behind scenes (or above

to be exact) remained anonymous according to the programme, but they were all excellent dramatic artists, and are - entitled to the highest praise. Their voices were amplified tp be heard dearly throughout the hall; and it was evident that they were enjoying their roles as much as the audience appreciated listening to them.

The programme opened with “The Reluctant Dragon” a burlesque on the famous story of St. George, and the action, particularly the fight scene, gave full scope to the manipulation of the marionettes. The “voice” of the dragon was one of the high lights of the evening. Shakespeare’s “The Tempest” occupied the greater* part of the evening, and the well-known story with its 1

contrasting characters was admirably suited for staging in this form. Even with the novelty of the presentation, Shakespeare was ever dominant, this of course being due to the eloquence of the speakers. ‘ Suitable recorded music provided a background and a link between the various scenes.