WITH THE AMATEURS

Waikato Times, Volume 122, Issue 20464, 2 April 1938, Page 17 (Supplement)

WITH THE AMATEURS

I HAMILTON OPERATIC 800IETY ANNUAL MEETING NEXT WEEK The annual meeting of the Hamilton Operatic Society will be held next Thursday night. Judging by the enthusiasm displayed at the general meeting recently, there will be a large attendance. Rehearsals of “The Vagabond King” will commence immediately. ‘‘The Vagabond Klng”-Proflt £3OO In view of the fact that the Hamilton Operatic Society Is to produce “The Vagabond King” this year, It Is Interesting to learn that a company of Adelaide amateurs made a profit of £3OO on Its recent production of the spectacular musical play. The money Is to be divided between seven charities. Hamiltonian Leaving for England John Reidy, the Hamilton amateur actor, will sail for England from Wellington by the Tainui on Monday. Mr Reidy will be greatly missed in local amateur circles. He is a clever comedian and dancer, being a prominent member of the Operatic Society, the Performers’ Club, and other bodies. Last year he made a great hit in the principal comedy role in “Rio Rita.” He has also been connected prominently ■with local bands. The popular John will carry with him the good wishes of a wide circle of friends. OTHER PRODUCTIONS Wellington Repertory Theatre Three performances of “The Marquise,” a romantic comedy by Noel Coward, were given by the Wellington Repertory’ Theatre this week, under the' direction of Leo du Chateau. “The Marquise” is also in rehearsal by the Wanganui Repertory Theatre. ‘‘The Marquise” at Wanganui Four performances of “ The’ Marquise,” by Noel Coward, were given this week by the Wanganui Repertory Society, under the direction of Mrs S. W. Rankin and Mr F. R. McCallum. Turned Over In His Grave ! A company of amateurs produced “Hamlet.” The following account of the proceedings appeared in the local paper:— “Last night all the fashionables and elite of our town gathered to witness a performance of ‘Hamlet/ There has been considerable discussion in the Press as to whether the play was written by Shakespeare or Bacon. All doubt can be now set at rest. Let their graves be opened. The one who turned over last night is the author.” “The Queen’s Husband” at Palmerston Three performances of “The Queen’s Husband,’’ a comedy with a Ruritanian setting, will be given by the Manawatu Repertory Society at Palmerston North next week. The play is a delightful satire on contemporary conditions. It is a study of a worm that turns. Presentation to Producer At the conclusion of the season of the Wellington Repertory Society’s production, 44 The Marquise,” on Saturday, a presentation was made to the producer, Mr Leo du Chateau. On behalf of the cast, Mr G. H. A. Swan presented Mr du Chateau with a copy of the autobiography of Noel Coward’, author of the play, autographed by each member of the cast. Productions In Auckland The Auckland Operatic Society will commence rehearsals of “The Vagabond King” next week. Stan Lawson is producer and Colin Muston music director. The Auckland Repertory Theatre is rehearsing the old-time melodrama “Maria Marten, or the Murder at the Red Barn,” which will be staged at the end of April. The society will also produce John Masefield’s “Good Friday/’ to be presented in a church. The Auckland Guild of Players intends to burlesque the weepy old melodrama “East Lynne,” some time in June. “Baa, Baa, Black Sheep,” at Dunedin “Baa, Baa, Black Sheep,” a comedy by lan Hay, was staged for three nights this week by the Dunedin Little Theatre Society, under the direction of Mrs Aubrey Stephens. Canterbury Repertory Theatre’s Success The ninth annual report of the Canterbury Repertory Theatre Society stated that the result of the year’s working showed a profit of £22 13s 4d, a gratifying result after the losses of the two previous years. All branches of the society’s activities, the report staled, had contributed to the recovery. The year closed with a credit balance of £240 16s Id, and a membership of 549. The main plays presented during the year liacl sustained the high level previously set, but two plays, “Libel” and “Death Takes a Holiday,” had been outstanding. During the year four three-act plays, four groups of one-act plays (12 plays in all), and 11 readings, had been held ,as well as drama classes, and a social evening. Thirty-seven members took speaking parts in main plays, 47 in one-act plays, and 74 in readings. Shakespeare and Pronunciation At a meeting of the committee of the Dunedin Competitions Society the following recommendations were received from the Elocution Sub-com-mittee : That the champion of champions recitation contest be deleted (approved). That the Shakespearean dialogue be deleted from the programme and that a scene from Shakespeare be substituted in its place (approved). That the pronunciation contest be included in an evening programme (approved). That a verse-speaking hour contest, be held (approved . That Die time limit for setting stage for half-hour entrants should be live minutes .approved).