WHAT HAPPENED TO JONES?

Hutt News, Volume 2, Issue 15, 5 September 1929, Page 9

WHAT HAPPENED TO JONES?

On Monday evening, in conjunction with the 3rd Lower Hutt Wesleyan Boy Scouts, i>he Hutt Valley Dramade and Operatic Society presented the amusing comedy "What Happened to Jones?" The King George Theatre was well filled and the audience, which was a most appreciative one, did not fail to expTess its appreciation by /requent rounds of applause. The ?la'y was well presented, the 3tage settiug leaving nothing to be desired.

The caste was well chosen and uach member performed Ms or rher paTt mth pleasing ability. Before the rise of the curtain the producer, Mr. Assheton Harbord, apalogised for the absence of Mr Colii. Andrews, through illness, and explained that "Mr. J. Shadlock iiad kindly consented to take the part at very short notice.

Tiie play is bristling with humour and each part was well developed by the principals. Mf. Leu Jones performed the part o£ Professor Ebeneger Goodly, in a masterly manner f,nd made up remarkably well as the old

man. Mrs. Burgess as Mrs Goodly acted with ease and filled the role fcdmirably. Miss Lou Morrison, as Marjorie, was not wholly successful in oncealing her nervousness, but she spoke well and disposed of her lines in a pleasing manner, Mr. Assheton Harbord, who has -had greater experience on the stage than any other member of his company, filled the role of Richard Heatherley, the part being hardly big enough for >him to show his ability to advantage. Mr. Shadlock as Helma (a maidservant) caused a great deal of amusement and made the most of a rather difficult part entirely to the satisfaction of Ms audience. Miss Jean Andrews played the part of Cissie with perfect charm, her vivacious manner was eminently suited to the part. Her scene at tie piano when she prevents Jones opening the instrument sent her audience into raptures. Miss Evelyn Taylor found some difficulty in being quite at -home on the stage, but she spoke heT lines quite pleasantly. Mrs Henderson, as Alvina Starlight, had a -difficult par,t and carried it off quite satisfactorily. Mr. J. W. P. Welch had the principal role of Jones, and he performed the part to perfection and. t>he producer should be complimented upon Ms ehoiee. Mr WeleVs personality eminently suited him for the part, hot only in the role of the man about town, but as the impersonating Bishop. He was careful not to overdo the part though it migih.t offer many temptations to one less wary. Mr. A. C. Sceats as the police officer failed to develop the humour of his part. Mr. Stan Burrows as the Bish.jp of Ballarat, spoke the part well and was entirely satisfactory. Mr. liob Taylor took the part of Big Bee (an escaped lunatic) and Mr. J. W. HarboTd that of t&e asylum attendant.

The performance was en extremely satisfactory one, enjoyed by all, and goes to prove that the Hmtt Valley Dramatic and Operatic Society has the material to present the dramatic crt equal to any amateur society in the city.