"BLITHE SPIRIT” WAS ANOTHER TRIUMPH FOR MARTON PLATERS

Wanganui Chronicle, 24 November 1950, Page 3

"BLITHE SPIRIT” WAS ANOTHER TRIUMPH FOR MARTON PLATERS

Large and appreciative audiences enthusiastically received the latest production by the Marton Players of the three-act farce "Eiithe Spirit," by Noel Coward, the concluding performance of which was given in the Marton Civic Theatre last night. The producer, Mr John Wales, must be congratulated on the smootji and effortless running of the production, and on the splendid casting—each character giving a sound portrayal of his or her individual part. The artistic stage settings scored an instant success with the audience, and the outside scenery, the work of Roland and Greta Webb, added to the realism of the set. If anything, the stage set surpassed that of "Indoor Fireworks’’ and the excellence of the setting made a delightful background for the action of the play. Credit is due to those responsible for such pleasing decor.. The floral artistry, the work of Mrs M. R. Whale, added tc the beauty of the stage appearance.

At no time was interest in the play allowed to lag, and the dramatic climax was effectively handled by Noel Rix-Trott, as Charles Condomine, who delighted the audience with a splendid performance. Elvira, the first wife, Ena Wales, gave a charming performance, playing the enchanting, though wilful, first Mrs Condomine, to perfection. The make-up used was startling, but very effective and attractive. The difficult role of Ruth (wife No. 2) was handled well by Olive Erenchley, whose stage manner is pleasing, and as Madam Arcati, he medium called in to exorcise the ghost, Reg-gie Rix-Trott, deserved credit. As Mrs Bradman, Alice Thorp pleased the audience with her acting, as did her doctor husband, David Stanford. As the gauche new maid, Margaret Rubery played her part well. The most disturbing feature of the evening’s entertainment was the large number ol late-comers. Their noisy entrance was disconcerting to both the audience and the actors.

Behind the scenes, the producer had, as usual, a competent staff and they played no small measure in ensuring the success of the production. The stage manager was Mr Robert Brazier, and the lighting arrangements were in the hands of. Mr Fred Rubery. Misses Marie Kelly and June Lewis were in charge of the dressing. The prompt was Miss Dorothy Bond, and ihe property mistress, Miss Doreen Kimpton. House management arrangements were handled by Mrs Kathleen Cooper, assisted by Mrs Paddy Bold, Misses Gillian Knowsley, Anne Kelly and Madeline McKegg.

Marton Players, after modest beginning, are now recognised as a talented repertory group. They are an asset to the community and the appeal now being launched for funds to erect a small theatre on the section purchased in Lower High Street, is deserving of support. TOMORROW’S CRICKET.

Marton Old Boys, one of the leading teams in th? Rangitikei Cricket Association’s championship, will play Marton in the feature club game at Marton tomorrow. This will be th--* last opnortunity players will have of displaying their wares before the selectors before the selection of the South Rangitikei team to play North Rangitikei at Taihape next week-end.

Tomorrow’s fixtures are:—Suburbs v. Marton D.H. School, at Marton (No. 2 wicket); Sanson v. Porewa. at Sanson; Old Boys v. Marton, at Ma)> ton (No. 1 wicket); Hunterville a bye. Teams to hand are;— Porewa: A. B. R. S. Ful-lerton-Smith, W. B. r | a. Svendsen. M. Shand. M. Williams, R. Graves, R. Judd, D. Stanford, J. Shand, J. McLeod. Old Boys: R. Fittler, I. Dickson, P Anderson, E. Zander, L. Crockery. V. Simcox, J. Fittler. A. Simcox. J. Simcox. A. Bell, N. Miles, D. Beard (12fi man). FIRE BRIGADE ACTIVITIES. The first of a series of functions arranged to raise funds to send the Marton Fire Brigade team to Christchurch next year to participate in the Canterbury Centenary Fire Brigade demonstrations will be held in the Victory Hall tomorrow night. The sponsors havve arranged a grand dance with ample novelties. Next Tuesday night the variety show, “Watch Your Step," is to be presented. Major attraction' will be the popular radio •quiz, “Posers, Penalties and Profits,” the quiz master and compere being Basil, of 2ZB Wellington. Other forthcoming attractions are a dance at Turakina, a street sale, a garden party followed by a further dance in the Marton Victory Hall in the evening. BONNY GLEN W.D.F.F. A decision to hold a Christmas party at the Turakina Hail on Monday, December 18, was made at the monthly meeting of the Bonny GlenSouth Makirikiri branch of the W.D.F.F. It is hoped that all members will be present on this occasion. Four new members were welcomed and enrolled. Mrs Stantiall presided over an excellent muster of members. Two substantial parcels were made up —one for C.0.R.5.0. and the other of Christmas gifts for children in hospital. Mrs Bending, president of th? Marton W.D.F.F., was a guest for the afternoon and judged the competitions with the following results: —Scones, Mrs M. Brightwell 1, Mrs V/. Whittington 2, Mrs H. Welsh 3; three varieties of flowers, Mrs C. Gudopp 1, Mj-s W. Whittington 2, Mrs A. and M. Brightwell (equal) 3. Mrs G. Wilhelm wen the mystery parcel. After afternoon tea, a pleasant afternoon was brought to a close with a vote of thanks to Mrs E. Wilhelm for the use of her home The branch now goes into recess until February. * PERSONAL. I Mr J. Clougher, who has been manlager of the Marton branch of Hick- • son’s Timber Impregnation Company since its establishment in Marton, has left on an extended tour of America 'and Europe. It is Mr Clougher’s indention to visit many of the timber producing countries, including Canada, United States and Sweden, before returninp- to New Zealand.