TAUPO DRAMATIC SOCIETY

Taupo Times, Volume I, Issue 43, 5 November 1952, Page 5

TAUPO DRAMATIC SOCIETY

GOOD PROGRESS BEING MADE The Taupo Dramatic Society has been quietly active in the past few weeks and is gradually preparing for the arrival next Tuesday of their producer Mr Arnold Goodwin. ! Mr Goodwin will be remembered for the delightful marionette production which he gave at Rickits Hall in J'une last. He is possibly the fore;most producer in New Zealand at present and will s tay with the Society for six weeks, thi sis, until after the first production 6f Noel Coward's *"BIithe Spirit" which is to -be staged in Taupo 011 Desember 22nd. It is understaood that &Itogether three performanses will ■be given. In preparation for Mr Goodwin's arrival the committee of the Society have selected two complete casts for the 1 intended production and arrangements have been made for him to see these casts in action. An oppprtunity will also be given for him to view as many other potential players as possible in a series of readings at the usual fortjnightly evenings of the Society. Since the f ormation of the Society several members evenings have been beld at which a sries of - one-act plays have been read. These performances have been of a high standard, even though in niany cases very little previous preparation has been possible. The plays presented have included "Dark Brown," "Paper Chase," "Grand Cham's Diainond;." "Traveller's Joy," "The Monkey's Paw" and "On Dartmoor," -all popular playlets toffering* wicfie seope for the acting talents of members. Those who have taken part in these readings inelude Mesdames J. Booth, A. Kennedy, G. Taylor, J. R. Osborne, T. Kenf, J. Dixon, G. Acres, G. F. Colbeck, G. Sutherland, J. Laughton, C. F. Sherley, A. Sharp and R. W. Booth; Misses D. M. Gohen, Y. '.Sharp and C. Scott; and Messrs C. R. Leslie, G. Patchett, H. Gibson, J. Dixon, R. Beale, A. Fulford, J. Laurent, G. Acres and T. Burt.

On the evening of his arrival Mr Goodwin will attend a meeting of the committee of the Society at which he will be able to outline his requirements and the lines on which he proses to work. On the following evening* he will have the opportunity of giving auditions to the proposed casts of Blithe Spirit and also of hearing two short leadings by other members of the society. .

The trial readings which have taken place so far have revealed a very gratifying variety oftalent and abilitly, and a real enthusiasm for dramatic work amongst the lady tmembers. Amongst the men the scope is much more limited, and alfhough nine have received trials, only three or four are really interested in the work and willing to give dose attention to a production. This tmay not be surprising in a town ihe size of Taupo, endeavouring to stage a major production during its busy season, but it is a difficulty which is not insurmountable, and is In any case almost certain itseif in the eourse of time. The Society is fortunate in enjoying the services of several members who have had not inconsiderable experience of production in other "centres and these inelude Messrs J. B. Swan, C. R. Leslie, and A. Fulford and Mesdames Sherley and Sutherland, whilst auite a few •others have taken prominent stage parts in other amateur societies. On the whole the prospects of the Society for the future are very rosy.