“LUCKY DIP”

Wairarapa Times-Age, 20 September 1939, Page 4

“LUCKY DIP”

EXCELLENT COMEDY BY LITTLE THEATRE SOCIETY. FINE STANDARD OF PERFORMANCE. Anyone who appreciates a bright comedy, with a touch of the drama, should on no account miss seeing “Lucky Dip,” which opened its season at the Opera House last night. “Lucky Dip” is one of the best productions ever put on by the Masterton Little Theatre Society and the excellence of last night’s performance reflected the greatest credit on those taking part and on those responsible for its presentation. In the first place, the acting throughout is remarkably good, there are plenty of laughs, the humour is brisk and clean and the whole performance is put over with a verve and swing that is delightful. No one can see “Lucky Dip,” as it was presented by the Little Theatre Society last night, without enjoying it to the full. The comedy will be presented finally tonight. The theme of the play revolves round the rather unconventional idea of inviting complete strangers, picked at random, to a party at the Mainwaring flat in Mayfair. It can readily be imagined that a plot on these lines offers possibilities of the most unusual kind and the developments that take place bring in no end of surprises that are the highlights of the comedy. The whole action of the play takes place in the lounge of the flat, before dinner, after dinner and finally ten seconds later. Mr John Lawson, as Oliver Boulton, “' who, with his fiancee, decides to invite strangers to the party, gave a splendid characterisation of the modern young man who is intent on getting the utmost enjoyment out of life. He was quite at ease and natural in his prominent role in the comedy and never failed to uphold his part. Miss Jocelyn Betts, as Betty Mainwaring, his fiancee, also gave a delightful performance in every way. As a young lady with a great liking for parties she gave a convincing characterisation, vividly portrayed. She, too, had a big role to fill and like,Mr Lawson, never flagged throughout. Mr James Claridge, as Arthur Robinson, who was invited to the party while passing in the street, had an unusual role to fulfil. He handled it well and in doing so, was able to spring a surprise on everyone. Mr Neal Irwin, who took the part of Adrian Hinchcliffe, a novelist in search of incident? for a story, was quite at ease and his association with Mrs Carrington Horne gave rise to many laughs. A vivacious characterisation was given of Katie Bothways, a “rough but homely” sort of woman, formerly a, barmaid, by Mrs F. Price, who raised roars of laughter by her sayings.. Her performance was most creditable. Mr H. Mackenzie Douglas, as Brigadier-General Sir Francis Bulmer Bothways, also did well in his rqle of a retired army officer. As Mrs Carrington Horne, a widow, who had had three “duds” as husbands, Mrs T. Jordan was a great success. She was well known for her “beautiful voice” and every now and again she had something to say that brought down the house. Perhaps the most vivid portrayal of the evening was that given by Miss Norah Rob.inson as Mrs Cameron, who wandered into the party unasked and acted most strangely until she confessed. She rose to fine dramatic heights and the atmosphere at its climax was tense. Other more minor roles were taken by Mr T. Cunningham, as Higham, the butler; Mr G. R. Sykes as DetectiveInspector Miller; Mr J. Mackay as Hawkins, the policeman, and by Mr Graham Dickel as Roderick Cameron, Mrs Cameron’s husband. In the presentation of “Lucky Dip” last night it was obvious that the play had been carefully rehearsed and the influence of the producer, Mrs E. J. Rich, was apparent throughout. She was ably assisted by Miss K. Cruickshank. The stage manager was Mr Tom E. Handcock.