BRITISH DRAMA LEAGUE

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 77, Issue 218, 14 September 1934, Page 9

BRITISH DRAMA LEAGUE

SECOND ANNUAL FESTIVAL The second annual festival of the British Drama League in the Wanganui district is to take place in the Repertory Theatre next Monday and | Tuesday. Each night, one-act plays, lasting 30 minutes, are to be presented and a competition will be held for the best production. The Wanganui branch has been fortunate in securing the services of Mr Leo du Chateau as adjudicator. The winning play will compete in the North Island Elimination Festival at Hawera on October 5. her part with fine distinction and grace. Her acting is convincing and her singing, particularly towards the end of the play is delightful. She sustains her part in all of its shades and keeps the whole of the production on a high note. At the other end Laura Forbes, playing the low character pares of Madam Labille, the milliner, and Madam Sauterelle the procuress, once again gives great renderings. This actress, without doubt, is the finest character actress in Australasia. Jean Gibson, as the vulgar Margot, imports the contrast with Joanne and does this very well indeed. The part requires considerable ability because it would be easy to slip into broad comedy, which would injure the whole fabric of the play. Jean Duncan, as the Mareehale de France was true to the demands of that aristocratic role and as an intriguer very convincing. John Dudley, as the poet Lavallery, expressed the moods and passions of the part very ably, and Leslie Holland, as the not too nice Comte. Dubarry, was sustained. The part of Louis the XV. was well taken by Richard Parry but on the whole the male side of the caste was not so strong as the ladies side. The opportunities are more with tho latter, however. Cecil Pawley has air excellent speaking voice which permits of his giving his quiet humour without having to raise his voice. A word must be given to the orchestra. It was ever under control and the orchestration was definitely an assistance to the play. This called for complete first-class execution which was never wanting, Mr. Leo Packer being the musical director. The ballet was very dainty and in accordance with the period of the play. The curtain went up to a full house. 1