"THE CAT AND THE CHERUB."

Press, Volume LXIII, Issue 19166, 24 November 1927, Page 2

"THE CAT AND THE CHERUB."

The Canterbury College Dram* Society, fresh from its great achievement in the recent production of Masefield's "Good Friday," is now turning its attention to less serious drama for a time. As an example of what melodrama can bo at its best, 0. B. Fernald's play, "The Cat and the Cherub," would be hard to beat. Amongst "thrillers" it ranks as a small masterpiece, on account of the excellent and compact plot, the remarkable characterisation, and the power, pathos, and wit (for it is in places distinctly witty) of the dialogue. _ One usually thinks of melodrama as not giving the best opportunities either to author or to actors; but "The Cat and the Cherub" is a remarkable exception. It gives full scope for some tense, gripping acting, and the plot is one which is strongly dramatic.in character. It is laid in the Chinese underworld of San Francisco, squalid and exotic, with itsopium dens and joss-sticks, and the booming of the fog-sirenß from the distant Golden Horn. All the characters are Chinese, and this gives scope for, some interesting stage technique on the part of the Drama Society's Company, Professor Shelley, Miss N. Billeliffe. Miss W. Smith, Mr A. S. Prime, Mr R Neale, and Mr R. W. Baker taking the chief parts. The production promises to be an excellent one. Those whp saw Good Friday" will know of whaU-perfectiou of artistic conception and attention to detail tho producers, Professor Shelley and Miss Billbliffe, are capable. It is to be presented for a three-nights season, starting on Monday. November 28th. Reserved seats, price 2i, may be booked at the School of Forestry, old Boys' High School.