AMATEUR ACTIVITIES.

Waikato Times, Volume 117, Issue 19597, 8 June 1935, Page 17 (Supplement)

AMATEUR ACTIVITIES.

Play-reading Contest at Show. I thoroughly enjoyed the play-read-ing competition at the Waikato Winter Show, and, although my idea of fhe respective merits of some of the entrants may have differed from the decision of the judge, I certainly agreed with her that the general standard of work was high and that the class was a very interesting and entertaining one. The winners, the iPlayreaders, gave a fine performance of the grim little play, “Vindication,” and the work of the other readers in plays ranging from farce to tense drama and mystical romance was in most cases very good. 'lt would he interesting to -see some of the plays produced publicly—perhaps on behalf of a charity—-and 1 hope that next year the section will be extended at the show.

“ Sally ” at Palmerston North. • The Palmerston North Operatic Society will commence rehearsals of “ Sally ” next week.

Dunedin Operatic Society’s Success. The Dunedin Operatic Society will give the last of nine performances—• seven evening and two matinees —of “ The Girl in the Taxi ” to-night. A Dunedin paper says the merry musical comedy was one of the society’s outstanding successes, with colourful presentation, whole-hearted interpretation by the principals, particularly good work by chorus and ballet, and superb mounting. Besides acting as producer, Stan t.awson played 'one >6f fhe leading parts.

Hawera Operatic Society Helps Charity.

The 'Hawera. Operatic Society, as a result of its successful production of {he pantomime “ Aladdin,” has been able to hand £55 over to charity.

Many people were turned away from the final performance.

Dunedin Playbox. The Dunedin Playbox, under the direction of Wallet Russell-Wood, read the comedy, “Eliza Comes to Stay," last week. Owing to indisposition Mrs 0. L. 'Garden (formerly Miss Isa Duff, of Hamilton) was unable to lake the leading part, and was replaced at an hour's notice by Mrs 11. Speight.

Wanganui Operatic Society. A definite move forward (says Iho Wanganui Herald) was made with Iho production of "No, No. Nanelle” last week when Hie producer, 'Cecily Ta-hnr-iiregory, arrived from Auckland, to lake over her first rehearsal. There was an attendance of over 50 members of Iho chorus, ami Ihe producer losl no lime in moulding Iho stage ensembles in keeping willi modern leelmiquo. Dunedin Repertory Society. “There's Always .liiliel." by Jolm van liriilen. will he slaved for live, ni,clils this moiilli by I lie Dunedin Reperlory Soeiely. The soeiely rceonlly presented Hirer onc-arl plays. "Shanghai." "March Wedding," and "<>n Second Tlioiiglils. Wanganui Repertory Theatre. The Wanganui Repertory Theatres (Continued In next oolumn.J

next production will ho “Caplain Applejolin's Adventure." Other Activities. The Auckland Opcralic Society's production of "A Runaway Girl " will commence next Friday.

“ Tim Lake,’ I lie tragedy by Stella Massinghani in which Marie Ne\, Hie Wellington girl, scored such a success in London, was read by Hie Thespians in Wellington recently.

IVntr performances of " Sixteen.” l,y Aimer and Philip Sluarl. were jjjvcn by I lie WelHnglon Repertory Theatre Ibis week, under Hie direction of Mr W. S. Wanchop.