ROBERT’S WIFE IS SUCCESSFULLY PRODUCED BY R.S.A. LITTLE THEATRE

Wanganui Chronicle, 2 June 1949, Page 6

ROBERT’S WIFE IS SUCCESSFULLY PRODUCED BY R.S.A. LITTLE THEATRE

(By H.C.J.) ‘‘Robert’s Wile” is St. John Ervine’s ‘‘Major Barbara.” The cause of Pacificism prompts the play but the ageold relationship between man and wife provides the interest. What is a woman doctor to do when she is married to a clergyman, relinquish her medical career which is the cure of bodies and assist her husband in the cure of souls, or to carry on with her own particular work without regard for the consequences upon the career of the husband? Sanchia Carson found the problem difficult of solution but was aided by the woman who also loved her husband without his being aware of it. The play abounds in good opportunities and on the whole the cast exploits them very effectively. At no point, is the play weak. There are occasions when a player with a secondary part runs near to stealing the play but these are held in check and the structure of the movement is preserved. As a production it is well balanced and Iris Aitken in attempting her most difficult play, has probably achieved her best artistic result to date. Other of her productions have been more dramatic and therefore might be more impressive, but in this play there were many difficulties and not a few pitfalls to be avoided. Her ability to take new <?cruits and make good performers of them is again demonstrated in this play, but it nevertheless does impose handicaps. Phyllis Barton as June Hanvey, the vicars secretary and prospective daughter-in-law, is a good introductory actor, being assisted in this by Anne, the parlour maid, played by Aileen Fell. They make their entrances and their exits quite naturally. The role of June moves into full secondary importance as the play proceeds. Jean Grace, as the parish worker Miss Orley, has a restrained part which was never out of bounds. The resistance to the temptation to overact a delicate role was highly commandable, Thus the part provided a foil for the delightful interpretation of the vulgar Mrs. Armitage by Molly Graves. The sense of character here displayed was of a high -order. Sanchia Carson, M. 8., the vicar’s second wife, is the main character of the play. Iris Aitken was assisted in this by her good stage presence, her easy movement and excellent elocution. She can always be heard, which in the Opera House with the play set deep in the stage is a feat of no mean order. Leicester Aitken, as the vicar, remains urbane in his perplexities and does not even lose it when meeting a crisis in his domestic life.

As the Bishop, Eric Parker was convincing. He played the part with a desire to carry the impression of a sincere man doing his best in a difficult position in a very incomplete world. In this he stood over against the Rev. Arthur Jefferson, a gentleman whose conviction of the rightness of his own views was so great that he believed himself the repository of the Almighty’s inner secrets. Herein George Robertson filled the bill adequately and again with a sense of character but kept within bounds that could easily have been exceeded. The dangerous character from the standpoint of the production was Mrs. Jones, the mother of the erring lad. She is Judy O’Grady to the vicar’s lady and they eventually prove to be sisters under their skins. Edith Gilbert’s two appearances rose to a height of dramatic intensity seldom seen on the amateur stage and often absent on the professional stage. Michael Taiboys, as Bob the,vicar’s son. revealed a histrionic talent not hitherto suspected and this can be developed as he learns more of the roles entrusted to him. Rod Goldsmid, as Chief Inspector Lindsey, carried his part well in arresting the vicar’s son and John Dent, as Dick Jones the working lad, whose destiny is a bone of contention, was also adequate. Frederick Nevard, who filled the role of Inspector Futvoye, also filled the office of stage manager.

The stage decorations and properties were very attractive and showed good taste throughout. The lighting was also well managed to provide the maximum of assistance to the play. The production merited the good audi.ence and there is every reason for believing that tonight will see another well filled Opera House.