SCHOOLBOY OPERA

Sun (Auckland), Volume I, Issue 210, 24 November 1927, Page 13

SCHOOLBOY OPERA

HAMILTON PERFORMANCE On Monday and Tuesday nights at the Hamilton Town Hall, Gilbert and Sullivan’s comic opera "Princess Ida” 'yus staged by the boys of Southwell School, who during the past few years have given splendid performances of “The Gondoliers.” “The Yeomen of the Guard," "H.M.S. Pinafore,” and "The Mikado.” Owing to sickness in the school, rehearsals and general study the opera have not received the u suaL amount of time this year, but when the limited resources of a boys’ school are taken into consideration, the Performance of "Princess Ida” was a v ery creditable one. The settings were v ®ry fine, the costuming quite effective, an d the dialogue sparkling. Perhaps >h© best performances were given by L. Meredith as Cyril, the swaggering lad who imbibes too much wine, and reveals the identity of a trio of young men who are disguised as ladies, and admission to the college conducted b y “Princess Ida.” R. Fell as Florian save a very animated performance, P. Chitty was good as Melissa. °ther parts were filled by the following: “King Hildebrand,” F. Platt; "HilarJon." a. Fell; "King Gama,” R. Carde; "Princess Ida.” F. Martin: "Lady Blanche," p. Pillans; "Lady Physche,” G-Cnater; "Arac.” D. Oldfield: "Guron,” w. Eiby: "Scynthiu-s,” B. McCorkinThe performances, which attracted crowded houses, reflected credit Mr. W. Russell-Wood, producer, and V r - E. H. Apthorp, A.R.C.0., who filled position of musical director. Mrs. ?L G. Sergei designed the costumes, ; nf l Mrs. Noel Johnson arranged some tncidentul dances.