BENEFIT CONCERT

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 8, Issue 23, 10 November 1944, Page 5

BENEFIT CONCERT

WOMEN'S INSTITUTE PLAYS f APPRECIATIVE AUDIENCE The Caledonian Hall was well packed l Monday evening when the winning plays of the recent Women's Institute Drama Festival were portrayed in. the? form of a benefit concert for the Whakatane Branch of the Plunket Society. This is the second occasion that the Women's Institutes have made this gesture towards a very deserving and as in the past; it was warmly appreciated! and resulted' in a substantial addition to the Society's fundsu The three plays presented were, followed with intense, interest by the :audience ? and serve to indicate the high standard which has- been achieved by the festival in the encouragement of local talent. . The first play "Widows" was presented by the Edgecumbe group and portrayed a homely scene in a London suburban 'kitchen. We have to •compliment Mrs Righton on her convincing handling of the part of Mrs Pin'k whilst Miss Wilson made, an equally strong appeal as the •character "Mrs Smith." The proMrs Malpas also took the difficult, part of Mirs- Yobb. The tener of the play Avas exceedingly weil maintained and its lesson was <5 not lost upon the, public.

The secondpplaty t "War For Women" was, presented by the Whakatane Institute which gained second place for its work at the festival. The plot of this unusual play was written about one of the. major problems of today brought about by the. war. The reaction of women generally to the strained circumstances- of war conditions was admirably conveyed in the bright conversations in. connection with the various points. The attitude of young and old towards family life in the Old Country was admirably featured and provided great food for thought. Mrs Stewart was a very forceful "Elizabeth Thorpe" whilst Mrs Cantreil gave a clear portrayal of her daughter "Claire O'Day." Mrs •Cole (the was particularly good as "Allama." The parts of the old Irish woman "Kathleen ■O'Day" and "Mary Coster" were admirably taken by Mesdames Murphy and Sims respectively.

A new note was struck in the play "Get Out of' Your Cage" presented by the Otakiri Women's Institute •which Avon, first place in the, recent festival. Written about the inner of an advanced girls' the whole plot was human and appealing conveying light, and shade and many natural circumstances which made for humour as well as pathos. The most difficult part, that ■of "Angele " the French school mistress was taken by the Miss Ruth Tunnicliife, who certainly made the most of- her part and ■carried the audience with every appearance. We congratulate Miss Tunnieliffe on her clever impersonation. Other members of the school staff were portrayed in telling fashion by Mrs Peck (as Miss Hope) tj Mrs K. Armstrong (as Miss Drear), Mrs Mayo (as Miss Meek), Mrs Steenson (as Miss Lcgg) and Mrs Jessop (as Miss Duquesne).

We extend our warmest compliments to the ladies taking part, in the above plays and trust that we will be privileged to see the same gesture made for many years to come.

The programme was also assisted t>y a number of items supplied by local artists. Mrs R. Thompson was particularly well received for her well rendered solos ; whilst Mrs Larimer must again be praised for her violin solo work which never fails fails to win popular favour. The Boys' Band, ever willing to oblige any deserving cause provided several instrumental items which were •also warmly received.