Frocks And Settings In Priestley Play At Repertory Theatre

Wanganui Chronicle, 27 November 1948, Page 9

Frocks And Settings In Priestley Play At Repertory Theatre

By choosing J. B. Priestly’s clever play “An Inspector Calls,” the Wanganui Repertory Theatre Society produced one of their most successful of their many plays, and to show how popular their performances are becoming the Repertory Theatre was practically filled the first two nights of the seven night season and the audiences were most enthusiastic. Performances will be repeated tonight and first four nights of next week.

The appointments of the dining room in the Birling’s house in Brumley, an industrial city in the North Midlands, England, are beautifully carried out and special mention must be made of the arrangements of the furniture which gives an impression of spaciousness in the limited space of the stage. The way the entrance to the hall is arranged also gives a sense of depth to the room. A wide window attractively curtained forms a pleasing background for the dining table, placed at one side of the hall entrance, with a sideboard on the other side giving nice balance to the setting. This is further enhanced by the fireplace and mantlepiece being placed to the left of the stage and near the footlights.

The panelled walls are in keeping with the period and the cream interior of the hall is relieved by a silver vase of dark foliage and red flowers. Vivid colour is also given to the setting of the room by two large jars of rich-hued flowers placed on the sideboard and in a window. As the action of the play takes place during one evening, the frocking of the two women portraying the parts of Sybil Birling (mother) and Sheila Birling (daughter) remains the same throughout. Florence Sim, as the mother, wears a gown of crimson velvet with bodice gathered into a deep vandyked waistline. A cape collar of gold lace caught, with a large red brooch, and gold lace godet in front of the skirt adds distinction to the gown. Wynne Dunkley as Sheila, the daughter, appears in -a pastel green lace gown, open down the front to reveal a cream satin underdress with f v ront panel studded with gold sequins. A green belt is caught in front with a rhinestone buckle. June Dunstone, as the maid, wears the regulation black frock and white apron. The play is produced by Olive Tarrant. The wardrobe mistress is Eileen Warnock assisted by Marjorie Smith, and in charge of properties is Carol Jeffs. Alice Barrett and Irene Rayner are prompts.