AMATEUR TRIUMPH

Waikato Times, Volume 108, Issue 18164, 31 October 1930, Page 6

AMATEUR TRIUMPH

PLAYS AT FRANKTON. PACKED AUDIENCE DELIGHTED. Signs of a revival in amateur theatricals have been missing at Hamilton, this year, and it has been left to a comparatively small body, the St. George's Dramatic Club to keep alight the flame of. endeavour in this district. That this club has not failed in its mission and is arousing in youth a genuine appreciation of the literary value of the drama in an age of mechanised entertainment was fully evidenced at St. George’s Hall, Frankton, last evening, when three one-act plays were presented to a packed house. The presence in the audience of many playgoers and visitors from all parts of the town-showed that the Frankton players are gradually amassing a reputation. A remarkably high standard was attained in Harold Brighouse’s play, “Maid of Orleans,” done in costume with appropriate scenery, effective lighting and realistic “noises off stage." Dreaming that Joan of Arc's statue comes to life, an - English “Tommy” and a French soldier explain to the immortal maid the reasons for their fraternity during the war. Intensely patriotic though the play is and with limited scope, the most of it was made by performers, whose work was uniformly good. An extraordinary strain was excellently borne by Miss Marjory Anchor as the maid. She stood motionless on a pedestal for over 20 minutes. She was admirably cast, and on her “awakening” delivered her lines with a quiet restraint and earnestness. The gem of the piece was the impersonation of a typical Cockney “Tommy” by Mr Alt'. Buckland. He had the house gasping with laughter and his appearance in further comic roles will be eagerly looked for. The Gallic temperament was well captured by Mr George Anchor as the French soldier: In a part which could easily have been over-acted he was at once convincing and satisfactory. Mr Frank Brewer made an admirable ’ British officer, and the role of the 'flower-girl was adequately filled by Miss P. Bullock.

Throughout, the deft hand of Mrs J. Prenton could he traced. To this lady’s keen enthusiasm, inexhaustible energy and ability in drawing out the best from the . material available the success of the'performance was'iargely due.

uiipliant Downs’ delightful little phantasy, “The Maker of Dreams,”, was read in finished style, Miss G. Hamilton giving a charming performance as Pierrette. The whimsicalities of the piece were also fully exploited bv the Rev. R. J. Boyt as Pierrot and Mr 11. G. Coombs as the manufacturer.

Though the participants were loss experienced, there were many amusing features of the reading of Lady Gregory’s Play, “ Spreading the News.” The cast was:—Mrs Tar- [ pey, .Miss M. Leys; magistrate, Mr R. Brewer; ,loe Muldoon, Mr S. Anchor; Bartley Fallon, Mr J. Fricker; Mrs Fallon, Miss E. Clough; Jack Smith, Mr L. Keats; Mrs Tally, Miss J. Tempi er; Tim Casey, Mr R. Powell; Shown Early, Mr A. Templer; James Ryan, Mr 1. Clark. Misses 1. McKinnon and Clayton-Greene were the accompanists. \ iolin solos by - Miss C. OlaytonGrcene and songs by Mr. .J. Fricker were much appreciated. Supper followed, and- dancing continued until a laic hour. If this season’s work is-any criterion, the progress of the club should lie rapid and will he watched with interest.