“WITHOUT THE PRINCE”

Wairarapa Times-Age, 11 March 1941, Page 8

“WITHOUT THE PRINCE”

LITTLE THEATRE SOCIETY PRODUCTION. PRESENTATION ON SATURDAY \ AND MONDAY. Those who have been privileged to see rehearsals of “Without the Prince,” to be staged by the Little Theatre Society at the Opera House on Saturday and Monday next, are unanimous and enthusiastic in asserting that no-better cast could have been selected for the play. The play is one which calls for more than ordinary acting ability. Perhaps the most exacting part, that of “The Stranger," is taken by Mr J. A. Kennedy, and his very considerable experience no doubt contributes to the polish that is said to mark his performance. Miss Mary McLaren, who plays opposite to him, is, on the other hand, a newcomer to the boards, but her natural gift for acting, it is stated, entirely makes up for lack of experience. She it is who had been cast as Ophelia for the rustic production of Hamlet, and many of the more moving incidents of the play centre in her. Her performance is described as impressive. The Rev. Simon Peters, the vicar (with views on intellectual uplift, is portrayed with pathos and humour, and withal most successfully, by Mr Neal M. Irwin; while Miss Bebe Francis, his wife, is so immersed in her part of Queen Gertrude, of Denmark, as to be blind to all the exciting happenings around her. Miss Francis infuses true humour into her part. The character studies by Mr J. Kent-Johnston and Mrs F. L. Price, as Egra Weatherhead and his wife Emma, are described as perfect, and they are ably supported by Mr Lawson Pither as their son, Robert. Mr Jock Norrie is the stolid village constable, cast to portray in “Hamlet,” the garrulous old Polonius. Mrs Norman Beetham (well-known to Masterton playgoers under her maiden name. Miss Jocelyn Betts) plays the part of a famous London actress; and Mr M. M. Simpson, as her manager Wyndham Johns, complete a noteworthy cast. The stage-setting, it is stated, will be well up to the high standard set by the Little Theatre Society. Altogether, it is expected that the producer and ; stage-manager. Mr J. M. Lawson. will I have sound reason for pride in the successful result cf al! the time and | trouble he is lavishing on the produc- , lion. J