GREENROOM GOSSIP

New Zealand Illustrated Sporting & Dramatic Review, Issue 1564, 15 April 1920, Page 30

GREENROOM GOSSIP

WELLINGTON NOTES.

(By

“Lorgnette.”)

WELLINGTON, April 6. Humorous realism of a homely kind, especially when touched with a spice of caricature, goes a long way with all classes of playgoers, who possibly hug to themselves a feeling of superiority over the rough simplicity, the rustic awkwardness, and the kindly hot temper of such people as are depicted in the wayback regions of “ ’Possum Paddock,” as presented by Miss Kate Howarde’s company at the Grand Opera House on Saturday night. It was a successful beginning, and promises to be a triumphant season. “ ’Possum Paddock” is redolent of the stage-bush. The setting is well done, and the Australian dialogue is homely enough to the ears of anyone who was born on the broad countryside, but all in all “ ’Possum Paddock” is excruciatingly funny. Miss Kate Howarde’s Cousin Nella was a real gem, not losing any point from start to finish. Mr. Fred McDonald was simply superb as Bill, the eldest son. Mr. Jack Souter as Bobby was a good counter-foil to Mr. McDonald. The latter actor seems to hold the audience in the hollow of his hand. His ease and his judgment in the matter of voice inflection and facial expression are all admirable. The other characters are well played, and give one the knowledge that Miss Howarde knows her profession. There are a couple of performers in “ ’Possum Paddock” who are not included in the cast as it appears in the programme. They are a pair of kookaburras, who sit on the fence throughout the first act, and, taking their cue like the seasoned performers they are, laugh as only they can laugh. The next big attraction booked for Wellington is the comedy-drama “Lightnin’,” which will be produced under the direction of J. C. Williamson, Ltd.