“BILLETED”

Taranaki Daily News, 23 November 1921, Page 5

“BILLETED”

ANOTHER SUCCESSFUL PERFORMANCE. That “Billeted.” the three-act comedy staged by the New Plymouth amateurs, has found instant favor was strikingly evidenced by the crowded house that greeted the performers on their second appearance at the Empire Theatre last night. The slight weaknesses inseparable from a first night performance were absent last night, and the most critical play-goer was ready to admit that the local amateur players have excelled themselves, and have presented a production well worthy of the best professional company. The players showed their ability to infuse the atmosphere of reality into their respective characters, with the result that the’progress of the comedy was marked by a swing that lent the crowning touch to the piece. Mrs. Claude - Weston again ably sustained the arduous part of Betty Taradine with conspicuous success, her clever acting and her ability to vary her moods to suit the .progress of the theme denoting careful study. As Penelope Moon, Mrs. Taradine’s companion, Mrs. Rex. Brewster showed a discriminating appreciation of her past, and carried through the chara-eter with, distinct success. The conception of Miss Liptrott, the vicar’s sistar, and the self-appointed guardian o-f the village morals, was well interpreted by Mrs. E. A. Walker, who gave a true-to-life portrayal of her part. Minor characters amongst the ladies svere taken by Miss Jessie Home as Rosa, the maid, and Mrs. R. H. Bartley as Mrs. Brace, the cook. Both are entitled to credit for their work.

The chief male parts were sustained by Mr. A. L. Moore, as Colonel Preedy, and Mr. A. L. North as his adjutant, Peter Taradine, under an assumed name. Mr. Moore’s interpretation of the grizzled colonel who found that his sympathetic nature lacked adequate expression was distinctly good. Mi Moore has distinct ability; and his work in a difficult role was above the usual standard in amateur productions. Mr. North, too, performed with considerable ability, his dry, semi-satirical remark* fitting in well with the part he had t > play of a husband, believed to be dead by the world, but re-appearing at an inopportune moment for his wife. Other parts were borne by Mr. C. H. Wynyard, as the Rev. Ambrose Liptrott, and Mr. A. Smith as the bank manager, Mr. McFarlane, each creating considerable amusement, but in totally different ways.

The furnishings, electric-lighting and the scenery in general are on a most elaborate scale, the whole scheme being charmingly arranged to form a most attractive representation of the morningroom of a manor house. “Billeted”, is produced under the direction of Mrs. Claude Weston, with Mr. Holder as stage director, Mr. Reginald Day as stage manager, and Mr. H. Collier as business manager. Great credit is due to these organisers for the harmonious manner in which the general arrangements worked. The Boys’ High School orchestra, tinder Mr. George Lomas, one of the pupils, again rendered several selections, which were much enjoyed. The ladies in the comedy were each the recipients of beautiful bouquets, which were presented during the intervals and at the close of the performance. “Billeted” is to be presented again, tonight and finally to-morrow night, for which remaining performances the box jpla&s are already well filled.