REPERTORY SOCIETY

Manawatu Standard, Volume LVII, Issue 213, 9 August 1937, Page 11

REPERTORY SOCIETY

, "GRIEF GOES OVER.” A successful reading of Dr. Merton Hodge’s play, “Grief Goes Over,” was presented by the Manawatu Repertory Society on Thursday night. There was a large attendance. The well-known New Zealand playwright. who made his name in London with “The Wind and the Rain,” has written in “Grief Goes Over” a very frank but human play, its dramatic climaxes mingling with delightful touches of natural humour. The play centres round the family problems of Mrs Blanche Oldham, a part originally written for Dame Sybil Thorndyke. A sympathetic interpretation of this part was given by Miss Joyce Wellwood. The parts of her three sons, of varying characters, David, a pompous business man; Tony, a restless modern who takes his own life ; and Kim, a delightful young boy, were taken by Mr R. Allison, Mr G. Crossley and Mr Ewen Davidson, respectively. The characterisations in each case were ably made, particularly Tony and Kim, the latter showing outstanding ability for a young player. Miss J. Wischnewsky, as Mary Lou, the childhood friend and sweetheart of Kim ; Miss Babette Rodgers as Joan Trevor, her friend; Miss N. Woodhouse as Blanche’s sister-in-law, Lady Linda Maddox, the interfering aunt; and Miss ivi. Wischnewsky as Judith, David’s wife, were all sharply differentiated characters, well presented. Among the minor parts special mention should be made of Mrs Dowrick’s reading of Nanny, Mary Lou’s old auree. Hester (Miss R. Lees) and Police Officer (Mr O’Cbnnell) completed a cast combining experienced and new readers. The reading reflected great credit upon the producers. Miss M. Prideaux-Pridhain and Miss Muriel Richards. The lighting and stage effects were very pleasing.