PRINCESS THEATRE

Hokitika Guardian, 11 December 1931, Page 4

PRINCESS THEATRE

AMATEUR PRODUCTION. The St. Paul’s Amateur Dramatic Culb revived acquaintance with local theatregoers last evening, when the farcical comedy “The Arabian Nights” was produced before a good house, and the audience proved a very pleased one. “The Arabian Nights” was produced here a few years ago by a travelling ; company, and it was interesting to renew- acquaintance with the characters again. The play is a bright one built round domestic troubles which are magnified as the piece progresses. There is a crisp and entertainng dialogue, and many amusing scenes, all of which caused much amusement, while the climax at the ■end of the second act produced unlimited laughter.

The piece was produced by Miss E. James, and generally the performers acquitted themselves very well. There was a bright interior scene for the setting of the play. The properties were well furnished and the i dressing was a feature of the evening. The attention to detail in respect to the matters mentioned was to be commended.

Mr George Kennedy as Arthur Hummingtop had to carry the burden of the play. Although the load was a heavy one. on the whole lie aquitted himself well, showing much improvement on previous appearances. He registered distraction in a very abandoned manner. Mr W. Chetwynd, as an artist friend, was not unacceptable, and performed above his average. As Joshua Gill’ibrand, the silly brother-in-law, Mr F. Johnstone made one of the hits of the evening, accommodating himself to the part exceedingly well. Mr G. Gilchrist as the butler performed creditably, playing opposite Mrs French, the maid, and both acquitting themselves well. Miss B. Evans was the austere and meddlesome mother-in-law, and was the■ character to stage life. As the music hall artiste, Miss Hazel Perry opened well, but rather failed to sustain the dash of the part ' as the play progressed. Miss C. Wylie was a sympathetic arid confiding wife of the erring Hummingtop, and' Miss E. Robinson was a pleasing ne-ice. Altogether the players may be congratulated on a uniform performance—one which gave evident pleasure to the audience, and added to the reputation of the Club. There was a good orchestra which supplied inter-act music.

The Revel. Knowles Smith returned thanks for the patronage extended, and specially thanked Miss James for her help as producer. It was announced that- in February next the Club would produce “Lord Richard in the Pantry,” another typical English comedy with a high reputation for good entertainment.