GOOD ACTING NOT APPRECIATED

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 74, Issue 150, 27 June 1931, Page 6 (Supplement)

GOOD ACTING NOT APPRECIATED

AMATEUR COMEDY PRACTICALLY NEGLECTED

IS THE WANGANUI PUBLIC APATHETIC?

Even tnougli both nights were wet when “Laugh That OH’ was staged this week, the attendance would make one wonder whether Wanganui can appreciate a good show or not. Certainly the attendance was better on the second night. But that does not deny that for a decidedly outstanding production by clever amateurs it was poor.

“Laugh That Off’’ is a comedy that is eminently suited for amateurs. Then again each of the east is particularly suited for that part. The play is light, and is full of life. There is constant humour. The acting is of a standard that would do even professionals credit.

Perhaps it is that Wanganui takes some time to wake up and realise that there is a show on that is worth seeing. Maybe it is that the “talkie” has completely captured the evening entertainment. But “Laugh That Off” must cause some hard thinking to those who would be interested in amateur productions in this city.

Either Wanganui cannot appreciate a good comedy, or it is too apathetic to move from the fireside to have an evening of laughs with all the profit from the show to go to help the less fortunate in the city. Certainly the admission prices were not too high.

It would be a happier thought that Wanganui had not realised that “Laugh That Off” by Wanganui amateurs would be such fine entertainment. The news of the enjoyment to be had at “Laugh That Off” should have spread about the city by next week when it is to be staged for a further night. Certainly the attendance then will provide that “acid test.” If the attendance at this latest production is to be taken as a guide, it will be a very courageous body that will undertake an amateur production in Wanganui.—“Scenario.”