WITH THE AMATEURS.

Waikato Times, Volume 121, Issue 20254, 24 July 1937, Page 17 (Supplement)

WITH THE AMATEURS.

Drama Festival In Hamilton. The drama festival to be held in Hamilton next week, starting on Monday and extending over five nights, is arousing much interest and promises to be very successful. No fewer than 17 one-act plays have been entered, covering a wide range and assuring an Interesting and entertaining time for those who attend. Miss Elizabeth Loe, who was In Hamilton conducting rehearsals, said that the standard of work was high, and she was particularly well pleased at the excellence of the stage settings and the attention to detail. Large audiences are assured at the Winter Show Hall next week. Hamiltonians at Royal Party. In a photograph published in the press showing a group of the many housands of people present at the Royal garden parly at Buckingham l’alace last month two former Hamilton residents, Mr and Mrs W. Frye, are plainly visible. Mr Frye now has a position In the London shop of one of the oldest jewellery establishments in England. 44 Sally ” at Auckland. "Sally" is having a long season by the Auckland Operatic Society. There is divided opinion regarding the merits of the show. Vocally it is said to be weak, but the comedy, dancing, and dressing are good. “ Rio Rita ” at Hamilton. Members of the Hamilton Operatic Society are showing gratifying enthusiasm over “Rio Rita,” and the rehearsals are proceeding very satisfactorily. The score is filled with delightfully tuneful melodies, and these are already being sung in splendid style by the large chorus, under the baton of Mr Stanley James. Soon they will be whistled all over Hamilton, for they are very catchy melodies. The principals are hard at work under the direction of the producer, Mr Walter George, and the ballet is busy under Miss Mavis Laurenson. “Rio Rita” promises to recapture for tiie Hamilton Operatic Society the proud position it held a few years ago. The 44 Mys-ter-les ” in Hamilton. The Hamilton Performers’ Club has done excellent work In discovering and fostering talent. Recently the Black and White Dandies, under the direction of George Kingston, were launched successfully, and have'imade several public appearances. A second costume comedy company, directed by Will Bynon-Powell, made

its appearance this week, giving a programme of songs, concerted numbers, sketches, dancing and comedy, j with the principals supported by a ! ballet. j The principals are Misses Valerie Purler, Shirley Burton, Joy Grozier, I Margot Wyder; Messrs Walter Richj ards, Rex Walden. Stan Carroll, David Reed, Harry Moody, lan Ovahoe, Harry Parkes and Ronald Porter. The ballet, under the direction of | Miss Ailsu Docherty, includes Misses I ltona Painter, Joan Purkhouse, Patty Blake, Claire Seale, Thelma Long and Boie Doeherl^. Mr J. McK. Clark is stage manager, Mrs Doris Rhodes wardrobe mistress, and Mr Cordon Hear pianist, while the lighting is controlled by Mr Harry Moody. Auckland Catholic Repertory Society. "Professor Tim,” George Shlel’s brilliant play, is lo be presented by the Catholic Repertory Society in Auckland for a season of three nights, commencing on August 7. The production is in Ihe capable bands of Norton Hammond. Wcnganul Operatic Society. The annual meeting of Hip Wanganui Amateur Musical and Dramatic Society will be held next week, when a full discussion of Ihe Society's position will lake place. The decision lo produce “ Our Miss Gibbs ” is in abeyance in the inean-

time, although the rights have already been obtained. Hamilton Performers at Whatawhata. A most enjoyable evening was spent in the Whatawhata Ilall recently when the Black and White Dandies of the Hamilton Performers’ Club gave a concert on behalf of the funds of the Whatawhata Women’s Institute. There was a large audience, which thoroughly appreciated the items presented. Former Hamiltonian In Napier. In referring to the production of “The Amazing. Dr. Clilterhouse ” by the Napier Repertory Players, a Business-like and true to character, Louis Sweeney was seen to advantage as the “fence” who always found safe transactions welcome. His part called for the eVer-on-the-alert bearing and bis lines were necessarily of tlie forceful variety. He maintained bis characterisation well and played ins part with competence’. Membership of 350. The Manawatu (Palmerston North) Repertory Society lias a membership Of 350. The society will stage “The Shining Hour” for three nights next month. Other ActivitiesThe first rehearsal of “ Rio Rita” by the Palmerston Operatic Society was held ou Wednesday night.