“MILESTONES”

Taranaki Central Press, Volume IV, Issue 253, 10 June 1937, Page 5

“MILESTONES”

ARNOLD BENNETT PLAY Interesting Reading By W.E.A. Society An interesting reading of the late Arnold Bennett’s “Milestones” was given in the Parish Hall on Tuesday evening by the W.E.A., under the auspices of the local branch of the Drama League. “Milestones” is one of those successful Edwardian play? that’ would scarcely bear serious revival in these enlightened days, even if it were to be perfectly acted and the essential atmosphere of the periods captured. But it will always remain pleasant and acceptable reading. The W.E.A. players’ interpretation was quite creditable. Much of the essential atmosphere was created, and the tempo peculiar to the Victoria and' Edwardian aras was fairly well maintained. The attempt at dressing was commendable, and what was more commendable, all the performers spoke with intelligent clearness, though the majority would have been even more impressive, would have created more realism, if they had relied less on the script. All things considered —the short time for preparation, the inadequate, though unavailable, rehearsals —the reading was eminently successful, and did not drag, even for those who knew “Milestones” and had seen it acted in pre-war days. Act two, really, was the most satisfactory. !

The brief first act performance of Mrs Carryer, ’ senri (as Mrs Rhead) was charming and true, and'Miss K. Cowin’s rebellious Victorian miss of the secohd act was artistically dressed and very well done. But Mrs F. Walker’s Gertrude Rhead, probably because the part has more histrionic possibilities, was the soundest performance, and thd most consistent. Mr A. H. R. Amess, who acted as producer, and should try his ability as producer on something more vital —Shaw, Galsworthy, or Van Druten — was well cast as the far-seeing John Rhead. The same can be said of Mr D. G. Sherson as Sam Sibley, the sjtolid, unseeing Victorian. Miss J. Henry’s third act performance was more distinguished than that of the second act, and the third act performance of Mrs Carryer, Junr., better than those of acts one or two. Miss N. Burgess made a charming appearance as the Hon. Muriel Pym—the 1912 period —and others who read were Messrs C. Henderson, R. Stokes, R. Carryer, J. Anderson and N. O. Ebbett. Miss Black gave a brief resume of the play during the acts and helped in creating the Victoran-Edwardian •atmosphere by singing “Juanita,” oft* stage.

At a suitable juncture, Mr W. J. Hall referred to the forthcoming Drama League Festival and urged members to create as much interest in it as possible. He also appealed to those with the necessary knowledge of stagecraft to utilise that knowledge on the producing side. There was not the attendance that one anticipated at ,the reading of “Milestones,.” but those who were present were agreeably entertained. Among those noticed in the audience were the Mesdames L. G. Pope, E. H. Young, A. H. R. Afness, C. Day, R. Tyrer, Thomas, A. S. McKenzie, D. Steven, Woodhams, Lenon, N. O. Ebbett, F. Bodie, W. J. Hall and the Misses J. Harper, M. and H. Middleton, E. and E. Cartwright, T. Lacey, N. and L. Carryer, V. and E. Mullon, K. Hill, D. Sadler, E. Moon, E. Pierce and P. Anderson.