DRAMA FESTIVAL BEGINS

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 79, Issue 182, 6 August 1935, Page 9

DRAMA FESTIVAL BEGINS

FIRST PROGRAMME TO-NIGHT. At the Repertory Theatre to-night the first programme of the British Drama League’s third annual Drama Festival will be presented. It is an extremely attractive evening's entertainment, consisting of four widely different plays, each one of which, in itself, a gem of craftsmanship. Two of the presentations —“Ghosts on Christmas Eve,” a whimsical fantasy by .Mabel Brackcnbury Latter, and ••Flickering Light” a mystery drama with plenty of witty comedy, are New Zealand-written plays, the latter being the work of Ethel M. Madeley. The Fordell Drama Circle and the Kaitoke Drama Circle are evidently true supporters of the local product in choosing these two efforts for their entries. A delightful comedy drama by Roland Pertwee, the author of many notable successes including “Interference,” the mystery story which delighted patrons of the stage and the screen some years ago, is another item on the programme. This is “The Odd Streak,” produced by the Westmere Women’s Institute Drama Circle. “Birds of a Feather,” a charming rural comedy of the Welsh countryside, is to be the offering of the Repertory Theatre group. Attractive settings, strong casts and special lighting effects are features of the performance which will commence sharp at 8 o’clock. Miss Helen Gardner of Wellington is this year's adjudicator and will give helpful and detailed’ criticisms of the plays presented each evening. The festival will run for four nights, 15 plays being presented in all, with a new programme each night. Admission prices are low and patrons are advised to book at R. L. Cuthbertson’s Sports Depot,