"Kirk o' Field"

Radio Record, Volume V, Issue 24, 24 December 1931, Page 5

"Kirk o' Field"

(By

Fidius

Dius

N answer to those critics who state that there is no local talent available suitable for broadcasting was given on Wednesday night last, when the radio play, "Kirk o’ Field." was presented from station 1YA. Listeners received a great treat, and "Kirk 0’ 6Field" is, undoubtedly, the most successful broadcast of its kind that has yet been given from any New Zealand radio station. From beginning to end the rendition held listeners spellbound, and proves conclusively that we have broadcast artists in New Zealand equal to those who can be found anywhere. The majority of ,the artists who took part in the play have outstanding oratorical and dramavtie ability, and great credit is due to Mr. J. M. Clark, the producer of the play, in choosing his cast, for each artist was eminently suited for the character represented. Miss Althea Parker, who took the part of Mary Queen of Scots, was the inainstay of the piece. Her part was an exceedingly heavy one, and her splendid. contralto voice fitted the play exactly. This lady would have been even more successful if she had imparted a little more light and shade into her delivery. The microphone had a tendency to harden the higher range of Miss Parker’s voice, causing a harshness which I think could have been obviated if the artist had. used more modulation. The versatility of Mr. L, Barnes, the station director at 1YA, was exemplified by his characterisation of Lord Darnley, consort to Queen Mary. Mr. Barnes improved as the play went on, and he was at his best in the bedroom scene at Kirk o’ Field. ‘The climax at the end of this act was an oratorical gem. and Mr. Barnes is to be congratulated. The character of Lord Ruthven, a dour. fearless and determined Scottish noble, was ably portrayed by Mr. Forbes Eadie (better known to listeners at 1YA as "Lee Fore Brace’). His delightful Doric was superlative, and he is one of the few artists appearing at any radio station who can, as it were, impart a personality into the character he represents. This artist was outstanding in excellent company and wil) go very far in the radio world. Miss Nevill as "Mary Beaton," gave a sweet rendering of her part, and left nothing to be desired. "David Rizzio" lived again when played by Mr. Brown Douglas, and this artist’s ability to use his voice to fit the part was a feature of the play. Mr. A. McSkimming did well as Lord Maitland. This gentleman has an ex: cellent radio voice, but should cult: vate greater range in his tones. The Rey. W. Jellie, who took the part of Sir Thomas Randolph is a finished speaker, his tones, modulations, and enunciation can be taken as a pattern for others to follow. Mr. Neville as the Earl of Morton, could have done much better by speaking slower. This gentleman has a good voice, but «at

times was stilted in range. Inflection and defiection, even in conversation, are necessary in radio broadcasting, Of the minor parts that of the ari of Bothwell was outstanding. Mr. J. M. Clark, who took the part of the Earl is, perhaps, one of the finest elocutionists in the Dominion, and although his part was a small one, listeners appreciated his great ability. I have heard all the radio plays given oyer the air which have emanated from the versatile brain of Dr. George de Clive Lowe, and I congratulate him on his masterpiece, "Kirk 0’ Yield." It is, without doubt, the finest radio play that has yet been produced in the Dominion, and it is to be hoped that the new Broadcasting Board wi!! take advantage of Dr. de Clive Lowe's artistry, and give us more of his radio plays. I would also suggest that the Royal Scottish Historical Society, ander whose auspices "Kirk o’ Field" was given, arrange to have it broa/easted from the other YA stations to give southern listeners the same treat as was given to those of us at Auckland.