“FAMILY AFFAIRS”

Wairarapa Times-Age, 9 August 1939, Page 4

“FAMILY AFFAIRS”

LITTLE THEATRE SOCIETY PRESENTATION. A CREDITABLE PERFORMANCE. “Family Affairs,” presented in tne Opera House last night by the Masterton Little Theatre Society, added another notable success to the society’s presentations. It provided capital entertainment and it is regrettable that there was not a larger audience present to appreciate it. Those who were there were undoubtedly delighted and were warmly appreciative. “Family Affairs” will be presented again this evening. Good bookings have been made for tonight’s performance, and there is every indication that the attendance of the public will be much more satisfactory and worthy of the efforts of this talented band of amateurs. The story of “Family Affairs” concerns the fortunes of the household of Lady Madehurst, who asserts her authority, not only on her own immediate family, but on her relatives as well. Shrewd as well as capable, she manages to steer them through their troubles and to overcome any opposition to her plans. As Lady Madehurst, Mrs T. R. Barrer gave an excellent characterisation. She had a big role to fill, the central pivot of the whole play, and she did it remarkably well. A striking contrast was provided in the characters of her three sons, Harvey, ably enacted by Mr Gilbert Gaze, had sacrificed everything to remain at home and care for his mother, and on him fell the burden of trying to straighten out many family tangles of which .it was not always advisable that his mother should become aware, though she found out in the end. Herbert, her second son, who had achieved business success, and was considered the purse of the family, was forcefully portrayed by Mi’ M. M. Simpson, who pleaded poverty in spite of having an income of £5OOO a year after having been “ruined.” The eldest son, Sidney, who had fallen into evil ways, caused no end of complications by returning home when his mother had thought him to be dead. Mr L. Tamblyn gave a good characterisation of the prodigal son, who received a great shock when ultimately his mother welcomed him with joy and forgiveness. A particularly vivacious role was taken by Mrs A. Stubbings, as Lady Madehurst’s sister, Amy Wigmore, whose dress and tittle-tattle are responsible for most of the lighter touches of the play. Other parts, all well handled, were taken by Miss M. Kane (Lady Madehurst’s daughter Sarah); Mr S. Charleson, as her grandson, Nevil; Mrs T. Jordan as Mrs Herbert Madehurst (Julia) who often scored off her husband’s remarks; Miss Joyce Shearer as Mrs Nevil Madehurst (Rose) who caused a sensation by deciding to run off with a hairdresser, and was brought back by Harvey; Miss Marjory Mackay as Margaret . Hamilton, Lady Madehurst’s lady companion and secretary, whom Lady Madehurst wished to see married to Harvey; Miss Jean Douglas as Mrs Helena Warwick, whQ, having secured a divorce, desired to marry Harvey and Mrs R. Miller as Hannah, the servant.

The whole of the action of the play takes place in the drawing room of Lady Madehurst’s house in London. The play was produced by Miss Betty Coleman and the stage manager was Mr T. C. Wynne, to whom much credit was due for the success of the presentation.