LITTLE THEATRE.

Waikato Times, Volume 105, Issue 17746, 25 June 1929, Page 8

LITTLE THEATRE.

SUCCESSFULLY LAUNCHED.

“FALLING LEAVES” PRODUCED

FINE PLAY, WELL ACTED

The newly-formed Hamilton Little Theatre Society was launched very auspiciously at the Theatre Royal last night, when “ Falling Leaves,” by Sutton Vane, was staged. Such a fine play is seldom seen in Hamilton, while the work of the players was of a particularly high standard, and reached the professional level. The result was a thoroughly Interesting and enjoyable evening, that illustrated at once what an important part the society may play in the life of the community in providing entertainment and fostering talent. For a long time Hamilton has been very proud of its Operatic Society, the excellence of whose productions has gained a reputation throughout New Zealand. There is no doubt that the Little Theatre Society, if It receives the support that it deserves from the public, will have an equally successful career and bring equal credit to the town. Its first performance last night was entirely successful, and proved that there is unusual talent in Hamilton for dramatic work as well as for the lighter productions which had formerly been seen.

No better choice than “ Falling Leaves" could have been made for the launching of the society. The play presents an absorbing aspect of the “eternal triangle,” telling a story that holds the interest throughout, with some of the most beautiful lines heard on the local stage. The crisis that comes in the, lives of Sylva and Philip through the appearance of “the other man " at the moment when the husband is almost blind, therefore irritable and neglectful, and the wife is disappointed and unsatisfied, is set out in tense, dramatic fashion. Sylva leaves her husband, but before the irrevocable step is taken comes to her senses, and her return to Philip is one of the most moving scenes in a strong play, and brings the happy ending which is beloved of playgoers, and which in this case is thoroughly logical and artistic. Through it all one sees the leaves falling from the trees in the garden in which the action is set—emblematic of the withering that has affected the lives of the characters; and then comes the gardener with a philosophy which is as applicable, to life as to gardening, and his advice to “ sweep up the leaves with a jolly heart” is taken by Sylva and Philip in the solving of their problem. They sweep aside the autumn loaves of doubt and misunderstanding, and enter confidently into the new spring of love and happiness. The audience last night must have been surprised at the high standard attained by the players. There was au ease and a polish about their work which would have done credit to professionals, and in their hands Sutton Vane's interesting story lost nothing in the telling. They made every point —a fact that was obvious from Hie manner in which the audience responded, listening tensely, laughing heartily at the humorous lines, and breaking into spontaneous applause at frequent intervals. There was thorough accord between players and audience, which, of course, added greatly to the enjoyment of all concerned. The Little Theatre Society has proved that Hamilton has dramatic talent of a very high order in its midst. If it did nothing but develop this the society would justify its existence; but when, at the same lime, it provides playgoers with a really delightful evening, it certainly deserves well of the community.

A Very Strong Cast. Miss Zelda Mason, as Sylva, gave a performance marked by' unusual sincerity and grace—one that would have done credit to any professional. In tiie dramatic passages she never descended into the melodramatic, but acted with restraint and repose, and held her audience throughout. The emotional scenes were taken with real power, and the relief of the lighter moments was delightfully expressed. No finer work has been seen on the local amateur stage. Incidentally, Miss Mason looked charming, and wore some striking frocks.

Mr W. H. Frye gave a brilliant study of Lord Chark. It was a difficult character to portray—that of a man who, apparently of the "silly ass” type, is really all-seeing and concerned for the happiness of his friends—but Mr Frye surmounted the difficulties with ease, lie gave point to the many humorous lines which fell to his lot, and, altogether, made Lord Clark a very entertaining person. Mr Clement Sliakeshal't won much sympathy as Philip. The part was full of pitfalls for the amateur, but .Mr Shakeshaft avoided these cleverly, and realised the dramatic possibilities of the role. His performance was convincing, throughout. Mr 11. Morton appeared as Pennington, and so good was his work that it was difficult to realise that he had taken up the role only a few days previously. He has unusual ease on the stage, and his splendid diction makes his voice a deligbl. At first there was a tendency to speak rather 100 quietly, but later this fault' was remedied, and Mr Morton is ' to be congratulated'on a thoroughly sound performance. Hammerway, the gardener, has some of the best lines in the play. Mr F. 11. Clnpham made the most of this character, and fully deserved the rounds of applause that followed his delivery of the beautiful lines, especially at the beginning of the third act. A feature of the evening was the artistic presentation. The special scenery, painted by Mr Benson Turbott, was . very effective, and the lighting was excellent. A word of praise Is due to the person who caused the autumn leaves to fall; they fluttered down very realistically, and helped considerably to create the right atmosphere. A strong orchestra, conducted by Airs Morton, helped in the general success. Mr \V. 11. Frye was producer, and 'Mr W. Blyth stage manager, and Air A. E. Alanning s expert advice was freely placed at the disposal of the Society in coaching the performers. The secretarial duties were carried out capably by Air A. M. Fahey. Aliss Berry was responsible for "designing the charming frocks worn by Aliss Alason.

"Falling Leaves” will be given for the last time to-night, and iL is to be hoped that the theatre will be crowded. Apart altogether from the claims the Society may have owing to the nature of its work, "Falling Leaves,” as presented by the members, is as entertaining and interesting a production as has been seen in Hafftlton for a long time,.