PLAY READING

Wairarapa Times-Age, 22 July 1943, Page 4

PLAY READING

VICTORIAN THRILLER PRESENTED MASTERTON LITTLE THEATRE SOCIETY. The Masterton Little Theatre Society held another successful play-reading at its hall in Bannister Street last evening. The 'hall was again crowded with an appreciative audience. The play was “Gaslight," described as a Victorian thriller in three acts, by Patrick Hamilton, who has a number of successful thrillers to his credit. The part of the criminal was most ably read by Mr. J. M. Lawson, while that of his ill-treated wife was most convincingly and dramatically read by Mrs. J. G. Heasley. Mr. A. E. Clemas was excellent as an elderly retired detective While smaller parts were taken, with excellent characterisation, by Mrs. Stubbings and Miss P. Turner. The reading was under the direction of Leading Aircraftman C. Beavis, who also read stage-directions with a clarity and judgment that may well serve as a model for others who undertake this difficult and important task. The cast was as follows: —Mrs. Manningham, Mrs. J. G. Heasley; Mr. Manningham, Mr. J. M. Lawson; rough, Mr A. E. Clemas; Elizabeth, Mrs Stubbings; Nancy, Miss P. Turner; stage directions, Leading Aircraftman C. Beavis.