WITH THE AMATEURS

Waikato Times, Volume 125, Issue 20953, 4 November 1939, Page 15 (Supplement)

WITH THE AMATEURS

Hamilton Operatic Society Success Congratulations to the Hamilton Operatic Society on the success of “A Runaway Girl.” It has been a very enjoyable show, and to-night’s final performance should provide a gay finish. I hope the financial result is good, for the profits are to go to patriotic funds. “The Gondoliers” in Hamilton I The boys of Southwell School, whose annual production of a Gilbert and Sullivan opera has become a feature of theatrical life in Hamilton, have “The Gondoliers” in rehearsal this year, and it will be staged at the Civic Theatre on Wednesday and Thursday, November 28 and 29. “The Gondoliers” is probably the most popular of all the operas, its lovely melodies and witty dialogue making a wide appeal. Te Awamutu Drama Club The Te Awamutu Drama Club gave the last reading of the season recently, the play selected being A. A. Milne’s “To Have the Honour.” The readers, who acquitted themselves excellently, were: Mr B. Malone, Miss L. Potts, Mrs M. Sullivan, Miss B. Malone, Mr H. A. Swarbrick, Miss E. Strathdee, Mrs H. Steer, Miss N. Potts, Mr F. W. Bevin, the Rev. M. Sullivan and Mr W. Foggin. The president, Mr H. A. Swarbrick, thanked members and the audience for their support during the season. Six plays were read and proved viry popular. Original Play at Auckland An absorbing play of an unusual type, “Cartoon,” by the New Zealander, J. A. S. Coppard, will be presented by the Workers’ Educational Association at Auckland for a season commencing tonight. A humorous and biting satire, “Cartoon” attacks many established institutions and conventions. Operatic Productions Cancelled The annual report of the Wellington Operatic and Theatrical Society expresses satisfaction with the society's financial position, although some subscriptions are outstanding. The books show a credit balance although there was no major production during the year. Regret is expressed that the contemplated production of “The Belle of New York,” has been cancelled because of many of the male members going into camp, and the inability of the society to finalise the

of skating ballets and solo turns that are singularly novel and attractive. “Up in Mabel’s Room” Pleases Auckland Of “Up in Mabel’s Room,” which will follow “Charley’s Aunt” in Hamilton on Tuesday night, an Auckland paper says: In the same vein of wholesome fun which was characteristic of their opening presentation “Charley’s Aunt,” the Celebrity Comedy Company switched to a modern farcical comedy, “Up in Mabel’s Room,” for the opening production of their second week at His Majesty’s Theatre. A joyous production which filled the house with laughter from end to end, this Broadway success was produced in a style which engaged the laughing attention of the audience at the outset and jumped naturally to a series of hilarious farcical situations, mingled with a deal of the wise-cracking comedy so beloved of Americans. Exploiting a wide range of funmaking devices, the play was frequently uproarious, and it revealed the all-round talent of the company at its best.