PLAYREADING

Wairarapa Times-Age, 25 November 1943, Page 4

PLAYREADING

LITTLE THEATRE SOCIETY PRESENTATION OF “LIBEL” - SPLENDID PERFORMANCES The Masterton Little Theatre. Society presented one of its best playreadings this season in Bannister Street Hall last night. There was a large attendance to witness the presentation of “Libel,” a play in three acts by Edward Wooll. Throughout the play there is a court scene. The following is the cast: Sir Mark Lodden, Bart., M.P. (the plaintiff), Mr J. A. Kennedy; Lady Lodden (Enid, his wife), Mrs J. A. Kennedy; the Hon Sir Arthur Tuttington (a judge of the King’s Bench Division), Mr McK. Douglas; Sir Alfred Kelling, K.C., M.P., Mr M. M. Simpson; William Bale, counsel for the plaintiff, Mr J. G. Heasley; Thomas Foxley K.C. and George Hemsby, counsel for the defendants, Mr H. H. Daniell and Mr B-, Roach, respectively; Patrick Buckenham, Mr J. M. Lawson; Emile Flcwdpn, Mr J. B. Kent-Johnston; Sarah Caraon, Miss W. Young; Major Brampton, Mr R. Thorne; judge’s associate, usher, etc., Mr P. Alexander. Mr L. T. Daniell was in charge of the stage directions and was director of pre-reading.. The cast as a whole gave a splendid performance. Mr Kennedy had a long ordeal in the witness box and his demeanour was excellent in examination and cross-examination. Messrs Simpson and H. H. Daniell, as counsel, added spice to their parts by vigorous verbal battles. Mr McKenzie Douglas gave a polished presentation as a judge. Mrs Kennedy, who possesses an excellent speaking voice, was particularly good. i Miss W. Young played her part' well ■ and Mr Kent-Johnston was splendid as a Belgian alienist. Mr John Lawson also gave a good impersonation of an American. Messrs Roache, Heasley and Alexander gave creditable performances.