AUCKLAND SHAKESPEARE CLUB.

Dominion, Volume 5, Issue 1268, 25 October 1911, Page 5

AUCKLAND SHAKESPEARE CLUB.

IN "CAPTAIN BRASSBOUND'S CONVERSION." ' Gcorpo Bernard Shaw was introduced to the Wellington public at the Concert Chamber last evening by the Auckland Shakespeare Club. Tho play is rcpleto with i strongly-drawn characters, which gave the readers ample scope for tho exercise of tho rare talent they possess. ' The performance—it was a performance rather than a reading—was a revelation as lo what can be dono in this direction, and Mr. J. F. Montaguo and his oonfreres aro to bo highly congratulated upon tho really admirablo entertainment they provided. In Mrs, Jj. M'Callum they poa?ess a reader who is an artist to her finger-tips. Blessed with a high degree of ability which would mako her an ornament to the stage, sho presented Lady Cicely to the life. Her dialogue came trippingly from the tongue, and sho was never at fault in applying just the right measuro of emphasis whoro required, and withal sho was as bright and winsome in tho unconventionalities of the part as even Shaw himself could desire. Another very sound reading was ihat of Mr. George Warren as Mr. Rankin, the Scotch missionary. This gentleman got fairly "into the skin" of tho part, with accent, cexprcssion, and enunciation almost perfect. 51 r. Montaguo read the part of Brassbonnd very ably, and at times almost imiprcssiyely, but now and again allowed his glibness to dominate his judgment. Particular!}- was this so in the longer speeches towards the end His scenes with Lady Ciceley at tho castle, and at the close ot the play were very well dono indeed. Mr. Richardson was (admirably suited as Drinlcwater, ami the Rev. W. Jollio showed to advantage in rough character work as Johnson, ono of Bra.-.-,bound's gang. Mr. L. N. Bacyerlz rend Sir Howard Hallain on straight lines with elocutionary skill. Mr. i. Jl. liorkin» as Sidi el Assif and Mr. M'L wain a-s Cant Koarnev wore both excellent in tlioir roles. The reading was thoroughly enjoyed by all present, and at tho end tho visitors were accorded an oration.