TAUPO DRAMATIC SOCIETY

Taupo Times, Volume 11, Issue 76, 1 July 1953, Page 6

TAUPO DRAMATIC SOCIETY

PLAY READING That so many braved the icy fang and churlish chiding of the Winter's wind (and noisy rain) to attend last Wednesday evening's play-reading is proof of the quality of the entertainment offered by this progressive little group. The two plays read, acted and costumed were actually more in the nature of productions than nlay-read-ings, but ^rops/ movement and 'business, were managed so skilfully, (!Specially in the second play, that oue was scarcely aware of the books. The first play, "Roundabout," presented by Col. and Mrs Barton was mainly concerned with the day-dream of a young wife, about to depart on a ten-day visit leaving her very engaging husband at home, as to how she thinks she would re-act should she discover there was 'another woman.' We are shown how wrong sh.e is in her mental picture of the supposed designing female, also how mistaken is her smug assumption that she is the only woman in his life. The visualized Paula is inde,ed and alas very real, if only fleetingly. All the players in this little domestic drama read convincingly, Margaaxt Bealqe in particular, as Paula, showing very promising talent, while Charles L.eslie (whose histrionic abiiity and versatility aire already wellknown) gave a clever cameo sketch of a house-porter. David Woodward was the erring husband. Iris Taylor his wife Ruth, and Rawi McKelvie mad.e a brief appearance as the wife of the concierge. The second playlet, "Have You Seen My Lady ?,?, a clever farcieal comedy by Geoffr ey Skelton, produced by Beryl K.ennedy, was a perfect gem, which will long be remembered with chortless of glee. It is to be hoped it will be repeated some time. Dressed in the period of ahout 40 years ago, the characterizations were excellent, Waltjer?s flowing mustachios being something to maawel at. Mrs Tucker (Avis Acres) has designs on the mid-dle-aged Walter Treadgold and his comfortable bank-roll for her daughter, but Walter (Bob Acres) has his eye on mother, while daughter Caroline (Lois Denize) has eyes for no one but the eharming young Patrick Cassidy (John Kellett), And sure, didn't he have the wonderful way wid him, with his foine Blarney and merry glint in his eyel Much hilarity is caused by jealousies and misunderstandings, but all comes iright in the end, with a startling denouement which adds to the fun. Taupo is ind.eed fortunate j in the possession of so much amateui dramatic talent. — E. C. B. In last week?s Dramatic Society report reference was unfortunately omitted to the part of Rose taken by Katl Scot in "Tbte Bride wore an Opa] Ring." Miss Scott gave a delightfu' portraya! of the gushing sister of tlu bridegroom. It was a small character part which was splendidly performed and fully deserved specia' mention.

E. C.

B