WITH THE AMATEURS.

Waikato Times, Volume 121, Issue 20260, 31 July 1937, Page 17 (Supplement)

WITH THE AMATEURS.

Hamilton’s Successful Drama Festival. The festival held in Hamilton this week by the Waikato Area of the Brilish Drama League was a great success. The work of the teams was of a very high standard and the capacity audiences throughout the five nights’ season were kept interested and entertained. The president of the league, Dean Weatherhog, the secretary, Mrs J. Prenton, and all those associated with them are to be congratulated on the success of the festival. I disagree with the Adjudicator. One of the things which make a drama festival interesting is the opportunity it gives to compare one’s own opinion with the rulings of the adjudicator I On the first night of the drama festival in Hamilton this week the judge, in referring to the performance of "The Pacifist,” said that one of the characters was rather miscast: she should have been violent and stubborn. As the character in question was that of a girl who, with the thoughts of her father’s death in the war in her mind and with a desire to save others from a similar fate, had become imbued with a fanatical desire for pacifism, I failed to see how “ violent ” and " stubborn ” could be applied to the character. To me she was an idealist, carried away by her enthusiasm for the cause of peace. However, as I said at the beginning, these differences of opinion make things interesting “Aren’t We All.” In Hamilton. Rehearsals of "Aren’t We All?” by the Hamilton Playbox, under the direction of Mr A. E. Manning, are proceeding very satisfactorily. The players chosen are particularly well suited to the characters, and are already giving very line performances. "Aren’t We All?” is an exceptionally clever comedy, very modern in theme, with witty lines and intriguing situations, and Hie interest of the audience is held throughout. The “ curtain ” at the finish is particularly funny—and a little startling! “ Rio Rita ” at Invercargill. Invercargill will have the honour of seeing the first amateur production of “Rio Rita" in New Zealand, the Operate Society commencing a seven nights' season on August 7. An Invercargill paper says:—The haunting melodies, " Rio Rita,” “If You’re in Love You’ll Waltz,” “ Out on the Loose," “ Jumping Bean,” “ Kinkajou ” and a host of others will be on everybody’s lips before the week of production has advanced far. With gorgeous settings, tunefu. melodies, delightful comedy, appealing ballets and rousing choruses, “Rio Rita” should be a great success.

Original Drama at Wanganui. “By Crook or By Hook.” a threeact play by Miss Mavis Jack, of Wanganui, was presented by the Repertory Theatre for two nights this week. The producer was Mrs. S. W. Rankin. Wanganui Chooses “Our Miss Gibbs.” There was a small attendance of members at Hie annual meeting or the Wanganui Amateur Dramatic Society. It was resolved lo play "Our Miss Gibbs" a I a near dale. The balance-sheet disclosed finfinances " received consideration. A raffle was the subject of favourable comment. It was decided that to revive interest in Hie Society the membership must be increased and lo this end it was resolved that Hie subscriptions be reduced from £1 to 10s Gd. "These Pretty Things” in Hamilton. The St. Peter’s Players will produce Gertrude Jennings’ comedy, "These Pretty Tilings,” in Ilie Theatre Royal on Monday night. The cast includes Mrs Weatherhog, Mrs Sullivan, Mrs Hill, Misses Roma Garratl, Jean Laurenson, Gwen Simcock, Dawn Rogerson, Beatrice St. Paul, Very Rev. T. P. Weatherhog, the Rev. Martin Sullivan and Mr 11. Hill. The play, with its interesting dialogue and diverting situations, is very entertaining. A feature will be made of tlie frocking. “Rio Rita” at Palmerston North. Mrs Mcßeath, of Levin (better known as Mrs E. Hume), has been appointed producer by Ilie Palmerston North Operatic Society for its production of "Bio Mila.” Mr A. J. Graham is* music director. II is anticipated that llio chorus will he the best for a considerable time and Ilie male voices arc particularly fine, which is fortunate in view of the demands of "Bio Rita" in which the male characters predominate. Dunedin Repertory Society. I The Dunedin Repertory Society i will present nexl week, for a season j or four nights, ils seventh major production. The play chosen is Edward | Wooll's "Libel.” which had a succcss- | (Continued in previous column.}