W.I. DRAMA CIRCLE

Chronicle (Levin), 28 September 1946, Page 3

W.I. DRAMA CIRCLE

SUCCESSFUL PRESENTATION There was a good attendance at the Druids' Hall on Monday evening to witness the presentation by the Drama Circles of Foxton, Shannon and Tokomaru Women's Institutes of the three one-act plays which were staged at the W.I. drama festival, held recently at Foxton. All were well received by the audience and that the plays were well chosen was evidenced by the close attention with which they were followed. As a curtain-raiser Mesdames W. Easton, E. Thorne, E. Chester, K. Thomson, S. Pedersen, C. Stern and Master Russell Gyde presented a humorous sketch entitl-ed "Waiting for the Train." Foxton's presentation was a very pretty Elizabethan costume play, which had beeri placed first at the festival. Mrs. Barron's portrayal of Queen Elizabeth was outstanding and her make-up was excellent. Others. taking part were .Mesdames Wells, East, Chittenden, Scott, Lucinsky, Webberbern and Miss Aikman. Mrs. McNicoll was the .producer. A problem settled in a drawing room scene was acted by the following Shannon personnel, with Mrs. D. Fitzgerald as the producer : — Misses Ngaire P6ach, Paula Small, "Billie" Peach, Catherine Stern and Mesdames C. Stern and S. Pedersen. The f rocks were well chosen and distipctive, It will be remembered that Miss N. Peach was awarded the prize for the most promising young player at the Foxton festival for her part in this play. Miss Peach played- her part very well; her voice was clear and distinct. She should go far in amateur theatrical circles. Miss Paula Small played her part very well. Although Her soft voice carried in the hall on Monday evening, more volume would be required in a larger hall. Both her manner of presentation and acting ability were good. Miss "Billie" Peach also played her part well, as did Miss Stern, who had only a small part in which to present her acting abilities. Mrs. Stern is an old-time on the stage in and around Shannon, and always gives an excellent portrayal. Mrs. S. Pedersen also has a soft voice and would require more volume in a larger hall, but her presentation was good and natural. The play was well handled by Mrs. Fitzgerald and it is the feeling that if these local players were to come before the public more often in amateur theatrical productions they would receive the whole-hearted support of the public. Their show was very good, and it is quite a change to have flesh and blood presentations in this town. It is hoped that the drama circle will give those who cannot visit stage shows in the cities an oppor- - tunity to see something of this ;ype in Shannon. Tokomaru presented a comedy of old age with a small-town flavour." Appropriate dresses were worn and the scene was grandma's sitting room. Those taking part were Mesdames Waghorn, Grieg, Walker, Bond, Watts, Misses Fraser and - Rowe. The producer was Mrs. Sheridan. A further presentation 1 of the plays took place at Tokor maru on Tuesday evening.