“TELL ME THE TRUTH”

Wairarapa Times-Age, 27 June 1940, Page 7

“TELL ME THE TRUTH”

PRESENTATION AT OPERA HOUSE. LITTLE THEATRE SOCIETY. When a maiden lady, of uncertain age. brought up on the strictest curly Victorian lines, for the first time comes into close contact with the frivolity of modern youth, there is no 'knowing how she may develop. At all events, the situation is obviously one that lends itself to hiliarious exploitation, and Leslie Howard has not failed to avail himself of all opportunities in his riotous comedy, "Tell Me The Truth,” which is to be presented in the Opera House next Monday and Tuesday. He, and the Little Theatre Society, can both be congratulated on having such an accomplished humorist as Mrs Robt. Miller to demonstrate this truth in the part of Elizabeth Tweedie. Mrs Miller is ably supported by Mrs H. H. Daniell, as the maiden sister who (perhaps for lack of opportunity) remains uncontaminated by modernity. She is an admirable foil to Mrs Miller, and contributes humour of a contrasting variety. Yet another contrast is provided by Mrs Stubbings, in the character of the widowed old ex-nurse to the Tweedie family. Mr J. A. Kennedy is reported to be excellent as the source of all the trouble —the scapegrace nephew who is catapulted into the straight-laced household. He admirably portrays the ingratiating ways that endear him to his Aunt Elizabeth, and eventually cause her fall from Victorian grace. Mr Armstrong’s “deputy-assistant-mor-tician,” the eventual establishment of whose identity provides another highlight in the play, is a skilful presentation. He is paired with Mr Kennedy in some highly comical scenes, to which the bewilderment of the family lawyer (Mr Kent Johnson) gives additional merriment. Throughout, the comings and goings of Mr V. Joseph, as the old family retainer, play an important part; he succeeds admirably in conveying the impression that in an early Victorian household he is an early Victorian butler, but that his behaviour might be adaptable to different circumstances. The sweet unsophistication of Miss Barbara Hair as the attractive young Amelia Tweedie is stated to be an ideal presentation. Her reluctant, but eventually enthusiastic response to the unaccustomed sensations of young love contribute still further to the general gaiety. The net proceeds of the production are to be applied to patriotic purposes. Both 3s and 2s seats may be reserved at Steel and Bull’s for a charge of 6d. The rapid filling of the box plans suggests the prudence of early reservation.