“A COUNTRY GIRL”

Otago Witness, Issue 4029, 2 June 1931, Page 64

“A COUNTRY GIRL”

The local Operatic Society hag secured the rights to play the musical comedy “A Country Girl,” and opened a season at His Majesty’s Theatre last night. Major Lampen is the producer, and in addition he played the character of Sir Joseph Verity with success. Mr T. J. KirkBurnnand is musical director, and he has under his baton a professional orchestra of nineteen, engaged at a cost of nearly £lOO. Among the principals are many who have previously appeared in productions of the society, and whose appearance in “ A Country Girl ” has been looked forivard to yvith pleasure. Miss Lettie de Clifford, the “ star ” of “ A Runaway Girl ” and “ Cinderella,” yvas seen as Nan, and she added considerably to her already large number of admirers. Miss Gyvenda Burt, who, it will be remembered played the part of leading “boy” in the pantomime Cinderella,” as Marjorie, a famous actress on the London stage, but ever and anon a true Devonshire lass unspoiled by city life, played a dual role, which showed this young actress at her best. To Miss Anita Winkel was allotted a typical “Anita Winkel ” part as Madam Sophie, and she enacted it very creditably. Mr Stan Layvson is the fun-maker, for he portrayed the character of Barry, and he made the part stand out by his artistry.

In playing leading man Mr Arthur Lungley had to stand the brunt of the many misdeeds of his valet (and self-appointed adviser) Barry, but he acquited himself well. The society has every reason to congratulate itself in having secured Mr Reg. Tapley to step into the all-important and all-imposing character of Rajah of Bhong, and he filled the part yvith credit to himself and to the satisfaction of the audience. The staging, the dressing, and the chorus and ballet yvork yvere really excellent, and they played no small part in a very fine performance.