PRINCESS THEATRE

Hokitika Guardian, 16 November 1928, Page 3

PRINCESS THEATRE

AY ELL VA R TED PR OGR AAIAIE.

There was a very full house at the Princess Theatre last evening to witness another appearance of ,St. Paul’s Amateur Dramatic Club in a wellvaried programme of playottes. X’o less L..an live were produced, supplying excellent. variety and giving scope for the l’n 11 strength of the Club members. The whole production may be described as very satisfactory, and the management may Ire. complimented on the smoothness with which the stage pro i-:>3iitatknis went. The voice of the prompter was to he heard at times, hut this is in accordance with customs when amateurs assemble we believe. ! lie five pieces were well presented as regards detail dressing and properties, and the public found much to amuse and entertain in the performance. The situations in many cases were very amusing, and the audience followed the performances with a closeness which indicated the attractiveness of the production, and the interest which was excited by the players and so well maintained by their success in interpretation. The performers almost invariably spoke up well, while tho “business” introduced indicated a good deal of careful preparation, and that attention was responsible for the all round success of the stage presentation “Jane’s Legacy” was the first piece produced. There was a very interesting moral to the story of this playettc; fortunately for humanity, wealth is not essential for domestic happiness, notwithstanding that its lack may mean so icty’s aloofness. Its sudden acquisition may interfere with the 1 (inner, whilst gaining rccogniton from the latter. An eavesdropper does not always hear correctly and lalse reports may bring awkward complications. The true values of life are emphasised, however, when the truth is out and ‘All’s well that ends well.’ To reveal in its entirety the motif of the play there were some six characters, namely: Mr Sampson, a medianc; Mrs Sampson, his wife; Mrs Holland. .Mrs Sampson’s sister; Miss Baxter, old maid; Airs AA illiamsou, society leader: Squire r l horndike, financier. All did very well, and tho success of tho production awakened a keener interest in the plays to follow.

“An interrupted Proposal” was tho second production. This told the story of a rather conventional romance along acceptable lines. The seaside is credited with many passing romances hut occasionally the memory lingers, and nlays its part in later days, presenting obstacles to an ardent wo-or. ami upsetting the plans of a designing mother. If. however, the course or true love never runs smooth;kit does overcome all obstacles and finds a way out of awkward 'situations, and triumphs in the end. To pourtrny this special episode some seven characters Were requisitioned as follows: —■ Stenhon Howard, a pracDeal joker; Samuel Tracy, his friend; Thomas Stone, a prosperous merchant; Airs Sione. his wife; Helen Stone, their daughter. Airs Ramsay, next door noigh'our; Alary, a maid. The plot was developed neatly and the strong points well brought out-the denouement being loudly applauded when love found the old and only way to a happy end-

mg. In “El Dorado” there was a bright natch of comedy hidden behind the acts

of a grasping farmer. r J be spirit of the miser often leads to very reprehensible practices and causes discomfort and discontent in tbe home. Over eagerness, may, however, with a shrewd and observant opponent, give itself away, and the biter find himself bit. '“-•pc iallv if a member of bis own family has become so disgruntled as to take no interest in his business dealings. Retributive justice often stages a very ironical climax. And it did in this instance, as was brought out by the following characters: James AYatson. a farmer: Henry Watson, his daughter: Emma. Burroughs, a widow and market gardener. There was a very amusing climax in which the villainy of the designing farmer was vanquished, and virtue had its reward in the excellent bargain made by the widow for her four jxitatoes. The points of the play wero brought out with excellent effect.

“The Rest Cure” proved to he one of the most homely of the fine plavetfos, while its comedy and amusing situations kept the audience in a simmer of laughter. Incidentally the parakeet acted as to the manner horn, and brought to mind that after all there is nothing more natural than nature unaided. The plot of the play might he of every day life. Imagining nervous ailments often proves a source of irritation to tbe family and of ironic jesting to those in charge, though forsooth, very real to the patient. Disillusionment may come from unexpected quarters, whilst mercenary motives of unfulfilled ambitions may prove admirable allies to secure desired escape. Five busy characters filed tbe bill in this instance, and with tbe help of tbe parakeet aforesaid, kept tbe audience highly amused. 3be characterisations were:--Clarence Reed, an author: Olivo Reed, bis wife; Alice Palmer and May Williams, nurses; Muriel, a servant.

The final presentation was “The Batbro un Poor.” not a very impressive name, but'hotel life is a seductive environment for the display oi eccentricities and idiosyncrasies, especially at tbe bath parade. A hasty conclusion assisted by a vivid imagination creates a scene which becomes the more farcical owing to its imagined tragedy. Round this story was built a very amusing quarter of an hour or so. Those participating in tbe fun were a young man and young lady, an elderlv lady and an elderlv gentlemen ; a prima donna of a travelling show and ‘•'boots.” The; little piece was excel

lcntly pourtrayed and the presentation quite in keeping with the standard of the evening for detailed preparation.

The audience enjoyed every play and applause was liberal and free throughout the evening. All are to he complimented on their success. In the intervals between the playottes, the Chib orchestra lent friendly aid with a bright musical programme, and won much appreciation. Hokitika seems to have much reserve talent if only some one will he at pains to bring it out. Before the National Anthem was sung, the Rcvd. G. Knowles Smith, on behalf of St. Paul’s Cl id) thanked the audonco for the very liberal patronage and their generous applause. The appreciation was much appreciated, and he hoped wh.cn the Club appeared again in some six months’ time with a fresh programme, the same excellent reception would await them.