TRIPLE BILL

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 774, 21 September 1929, Page 30

TRIPLE BILL

Good Work by Grafton Players

Three excellent one-act plays were presented this week by the Grafton Shakespeare and Dramatic Club. A grim little tragedy of Red Russia, an amusing episode in rustic England and a charming fantasy completed the bill. “The House with the Twisty Windows,” by Mary Pakington. .. James Roper, K.C HcxFairburn Charles Clive .. .. Norton Hammond Lady Pouting I ) ett , y Heather Sorrell mifred Bate Anne Sorrell Nance Redstone Stepan •• E. C. AV ebster Derrick Moore W. E. Lindsay “The House with the Twisty Windows” was rather beyond the dramatic ability of tire players. It deals with the sacrifice of a whimsical Irishman to save his fellow-countryman from the Soviet officials. The theme demands an intensity which was lacking-. Mr. Lindsay, in telling his fairy tale to quell the fears of the others in the room, hardly succeeded in obtaining the desired effect. Still, the day showed that the society is not fraid to interpret serious work and or that it is to be complimented. “The Banns of Marriage,*' by Charles Lee. lev. Cyril Bestwick .. Gainor Jackson Vlice ‘ . Briar Gardner William Hobb S. M. Yallop Lizzie Charles Mary Pilkington Mr. Yallop and Miss Pilkington were excellent in this slice of rustic England. Both characters were admirably drawn and never over-acted. “Colombine," by Reginald Arkell. Dan’l Ernest Blair Nathan’l Keith McKerras Colombine .. Rosie Stratton Harlequin Arthur G. Parsons Pierrot ~ .. Lloys Grieve Old Man Arthur Gloucester “Colombine” was the most consistently even production. It is a pretty theme, though an old one, and the work of one of the promising young men of the theatre today. Miss Stratton made Colombine a charming figure. She has poise and grace, a good speaking voice and a competent knowledge of stage work. Mr. Parsons used a good speaking voice and gave us a lively figure. Mr. Blair’s old man was excellently done. Galsworthy’s latest play, “Exiled,” was withdrawn after a run of only eight performances. * * * Claude Saunders, who has toured New Zealand with Allan Wilkie’s company and later with J. C. Williamson, is playing lead with a company touring the English provinces. Maisie Gay, English comedienne, who originally came to Australia for “This Year of Grace” and later appeared in vaudeville, has left on her return to England.