“PRIVATE LIVES”

Wairarapa Times-Age, 13 December 1939, Page 2

“PRIVATE LIVES”

PRESENTATION ON SATURDAY. The eulogies that appeared in Wellington papers in reference to the Thespians’ presentation of "Private Lives” at Wellington were so comprehensive as to leave little further to be said in praise of the production. For three successive nights, the Thespians played to crowded houses —in fact, would-be patrons were turned away for lack of seating accommodation. That the performances should have proved so attractive to sophisticated city audiences, who are not lacking in opportunity of witnessing productions of every variety, is sufficient evidence of the treat in store for Mastertonians at the Opera House on Saturday evening. The Masterton production will be identical with that at Wellington—the same principals, the same producer, the saifie stage-manager. On the other hand. Masterton playgoers are privileged to see this remarkable performance at prices very much lower than residents of Wellington. With reserved seats at 3s, and others at 2s and Is, this must be regarded as a bargain in entertainment. Messrs Steele and Bull report a steady demand for reservations. The play abounds in hilarious situations, none of the joy of which is lost in the presentation. Noel Cow-, ard plays are notoriously difficult to produce, but, given adequate presentation. the resultant enjoyment is directly proportionate to the difficulty. This the Thespians proved in Wellington. They went further —their presentation was much more than merely adequate, it was outstanding; and the enjoyment of the large audiences was correspondingly great. This is what is to be expected at the Opera House, Masterton, on Saturday evening.