HAMILTON PLAYBOX

Waikato Times, Volume 127, Issue 21228, 26 September 1940, Page 10

HAMILTON PLAYBOX

“YOU NEVER CAN TELL” BERNARD SHAW PLAY VERY ENJOYABLE PRODUCTION The Hamilton Playbox, which has done much to promote interest in the drama in Hamilton, scored another success last night when it staged Bernard Shaw’s comedy, “ You Never Can Tell,” at the Civic Theatre. There was a large audience, and, as the witty play ran very smoothly, those present spent a very enjoyable time. “ You Never Can Tell ” has all the typical Shaw touches, and though it would gain tremendously if presented hi Victorian dress, for many of the Shavian tilts—hits at “ family,” etc. —are “ dated,” and have lost their point to some extent, it is a very amusing comedy, with a deeper undercurrent of that human sentiment against which, paradoxically enough, Shaw often rails so vehemently. Last night’s audience found it all very interesting and enjoyable. A little speeding up of the action, with cues taken more snappily, would have improved things, but that is always apparent on a first night, and will doubtless be done tonight. A particularly good feature was the fact that the intervals were short, so that the audience’s interest was never lost. The whole production reflected great credit on the producer, Mrs Zelda Fahey, and those associated with her.

The story opens with a family—mother, two daughters and son—arriving in England from Madeira, the children curious about the father they have never seen. The sudden appearance of the father and the bitterness between the parents on account of past differences causes complications, but of course—even in a Shaw play ! —everything is straightened out eventually. There are other issues—a romance which two young people try to treat scientifically, but which they find is just “ old-fash-ioned ” love; the activities of two bright young things who shock their elders; the piquant situation of a waiter who finds himself attending to the wants of his K.C. son—and all are welded into an entertaining whole. An Excellent Cast The work of the players was excellent. Perhaps the outstanding performance was given by Mr Gordon Bowden as the waiter, William—human, understanding, always on the spot to smooth things over, and with a sane and appealing philosophy* of life. There was a slight monotony of tone at times, but altogether it was a very fine performance. Miss Grace Fuller, with a good speaking voice, was very successful as the mother, and Miss Joy Crozier was a thoroughly convincing Gloria Clandon, taking the unusual love scenes with great sincerity. The two bright young things were played with delightful vivacity by Mrs Mae Walker and Mr Stanley Carroll; they gave life and gaiety to their scenes. Mr David Reid, though making the character far too old (after all, Mr Crampton was only in the fifties), played a complex part splendidly, the pent-up emotion and the occasional outbursts being done very cleverly. Mr Jock Churton erred in the other direction, for his Valentine was far too young and petulant in treatment, but he was likeable and breezy as the puzzled lover. Mr Albert Cope as McComas and Mr Richard Pedrotti as Bohun, presented excellent character studies, their work being at all times convincing. Miss Betty Davy had the small part of a maid. Enjoyable incidental music was provided by the Salon Orchestra, under the direction of Mr W. Whitehead. It consisted of Miss Y. McLachlan, Messrs P. Harvidge, C. Champness, M. Kelly, W. Taylor, W. Woolford, C. Jones, H. Worth, H. Reid, D. Sutherland. Several other people played important, if unseen ,parts in the success of the production—the stage manager, Mr Harold Curling; assistant stage manager, Mr Geoffrey Garvey; property mistress, Mrs C. Edmunds; assistant-property mistress, Miss L. Swarbrick; lighting, Mr Brooks; front-of-house manager, Mr E. Ewart; make-up, Messrs Hugh Morton and Bob Harris. Final Performance Tonight “ You Never Can Tell ” will be staged for the last time tonight. As the proceeds are to go to the patriotic funds it is hoped there will be a large attendance. Apart from that, the production deserves a full house on its merits.