“THE FOURTH WALL”

Wairarapa Times-Age, 13 November 1940, Page 2

“THE FOURTH WALL”

LITTLE THEATRE SOCIETY PRODUCTION

Modern literature and stage productions on detective themes create the impression that a detective story is, in its nature, sordid, and its whole atmosphere unhealthy. Nothing could be further from the truth in the case of “The Fourth Wall.” Of this, the fact that Mr A. A. Milne is the author should be sufficient to convince the most dubious. Crime is necessarily involved in the plot, but it does not constitute the plot. The caste to which the Little Theatre Society has entrusted the performances of the play on Saturday and Monday evenings next is a good one. There are some very heavy and exacting parts, notably those of Susan Cunningham, Jimmy Ludgrove. Sergeant Mallet, and Edward Carter. These have been ! allotted to experienced players in Miss Phyllis Shearer, Mr J. M. Lawson, Mr J. A. Kennedy, and Mr J. Kent-Johnston respectively. Reports on rehearsals indicate that these performers all support their important roles with conspicuous success. Of little less importance are the parts of Edward Laverick, Jane West, and Police Constable Mallet, taken by Mr O. Hemmingsen, Miss Jose Hosking and Mr S. J. Barber respectively. Much of the humour of the play comes from minor characters. These include a delightful portrayal by Mrs J. A. Kennedy of Mrs Fulverton-Fane, a flirtatious widow with a powder-puff and other toilet accessories. Mr H. Mackenzie Douglas is Major Fothergill, a kind of male counterpart of Mrs Fulverton-Fane, while Mr J. Norrie is reported to be excellent as Adams. In addition, Mr Neville Fleming is said to enact with great dignity and skill the part of Arthur Ludgrove, during the brief existence that the plot allows him. Production is in the capable hands of Mr J. A. Kennedy, and only his considerable ability and experience could enable him to carry out his duties as producer, as well as sustain the very important part allotted to him. To the stage-manager. Mr C. B. L. Kyngdon,. is due the credit for the excellent stage-sets. In his duties he has received willing assistance from various members, notably Mr J. M. Lawson. For the furnishing of properties, and the arrangement of the stage, the society is indebted to Mrs H. H. Daniell and Miss Patricia Jordan whose work in these directions is sure of appreciation by a discriminating audience. Mrs A. L. Paterson is the official prompter, but she believes that she will have little to do at the actual performances. The box-plans are rapidly filling ,at the shop of Messrs Steele and Bull and wise patrons will not delay their reservations. All the net proceeds will go to patriotic purposes.