“OUR MISS GIBBS”

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 89, Issue 264, 8 November 1945, Page 3

“OUR MISS GIBBS”

ANOTHER SUCCESSFUL NIGH) ch£vL musi * al Dlay “ Our Miss Gibbs" a ? aln t t° another enthusiastic n^h e f nC rt ln *n t i e Gpera House last S 3 i lt will-be shown again to-fiight aad also on luesday, Wednesday and M^ sd ? y of week * The box plan loi next week opens to-day. The play is centred at the start in one of London’s most fashionable Garrod ’ s » Where “Mary Gibbs” (lhelma Dandy), from Yorkshire, as one of the saleswomen, has endeared herself to all. On Mr. Lionel Sherriff has fallen the part of the manager of Garrod’s, “Mr. Toplady.” All the tvpe of custom such fashionable shops cater for revolves round the manager, who has to be as deferential to the nobility as he is firm against the impecunious. Douglas Sherriff carries the part well.

Thelma Dandy again demonstrated last night that she has a bright future m stage work of the type called for in “Our Miss Gibbs.”

The comedy of the play rests largely on the shoulders of Jimmie Mack, cast as "Timothy Gibbs,” Colin Peffers, as “Hon. Hughie Pierrepont," Lionel Gillman, as the taxi cabbie, Dan Gordon as “Slithers,” and Olive Holland as “Madame Jeanne.” All these young players have responded admirably to the parts they have been given.

Another aspect of the play centres on Nell Richardson, cast as the "Duchess of Minster” and Penrhyn Hutton as her daughter, “Lady Betty.” These two make a very valuable contribution to the play and Penrhyn Hutton's voice is outstanding. Stephen Nolan looked the part of the earl’s solicitor, “Mr. Beavis,” and was exceptionally good in the scene where he endeavours to placate the disdain and determination of the "Duchess" to have “Mary Gibbs" “brought off” and prevented from marrying the earl's son, “Lord Enysford.” This part is played realistically by Alan Scott, whose glorious singing was a great contribution. George Nelson is cast as “The Earl of St. Ives." who figures in the second act really in the role of a peacemaker. This part, like all the others, was well played.

The singing and music of this nlay are bright and appealing, some of the outstanding items last night being: "Yorkshire Lass” (Alan Scott). “Romance” (Penrhyn Hutton), ‘.‘Correct.” (“The Dudes." John Aves. Norman Davidson. Grant Toon, Bob Adams, Frank McCarten, and Ray Martin). “Mary,” (Thelma Dandy and the “Dudes”), “The White Citv” (nrincinals and chorus). "Gentlemen” (Doug. Sherriff. Dan Gordon, Colin Peffers, Jimmie Mack, Stephen Nolan and Alan Scott), “Arms and the Mon” (Penrhvn Hutton and chorus). “Moon Fairies" (ballet and chorus), “Moon Struck” (Thelma Dandy and chorus). The ballet, trained bv Eva Matthews, contributed largely to the success of the play, dancing with precision. THE CHORUS, Bob Adams, Shirley Allom, John Aves, Raie Barnett, Phyllis Bell, Aileen Burke, Louise Bushell, Kathleen Butler, John Cave, Beatrice Chesswas, Lionel Cook, Len. Coughlin, Garry Craig, Norman Davidson, Thelma Fleming, June Hansel, Sh.rley Hawke, Ngaire Holland, Marjorie Jones, Valmai Kidd, Frank McCarter, Raymond Martin, Aline Moorman, Fayette Rountree, Arthur Sampson, Shirley Sweeney, Bet ty Symes, Grant Toop, Marie Williams. Mar.nequins: Noeline Guthrie, Betty Barnard, Rosanna Garrick, Patricia Elliott, Lois Peters, Bubbles Dudes: John Aves, Bob Adams, Norman Davidson, Frank McCarten, Grant Toop, Raymond Martin. Ballet: Therese Griffin, Juno Hayhow, Ada Grillin, Betty Morrison. Beverley Richards, Ngaire Ruscoe, Patricia’ Healey. An orchestra of eight was conducted by Mrs. C. I. Spillane. Mrs. H. M. Armitage was wardrone mistress, property master Mr. C. T. Young, and stage manager Mr. A. Gaskin. Miss Eva Matthews -.vas ballet mistress.