...And From A Little Acorn

Radio Record, 31 July 1936, Page 14

...And From A Little Acorn

Growth of Repertory And Progress During This Year

N an article she wrote for the "Radio Record" some weeks’ ago, Ethel Morrison, the well-known actress at present in New Zealand with the "Fresh Fields" Company, commented onthe tremendous growth of the repertory movement in the Dominion during the past few years. In Auckland, Wellington and Dunedin first-class productions are coming along at.the rate of almost one a month, while ia Christchurch the Canterbury Repertory Society has considerably extended its schedule. ‘ , Wellington is fortunate in the possession of three outstanding producers-Messrs. W. 8. Waushop, Victor 8. Lloyd and Leo du Chateau. The \Vellington Repertory Theatre produces six major shows a year, Mr, Wauchop and Mr. du Chateau nyondneing three each. My. Lloyd, producer for

the -Thespians Society, stages four productions each year, the last one, "Laburnum Grove," being taken to ‘Wanganui after 4 most successful Wellington season. The Thespians are now at work on "Lover's Leap," Philip Johnson's brilliant London success, the cast including T. Vy. Anson, Sinclair Breen, Marjorie Murray, Myles Wright and Selwyn Toogood. For the last production of the year the society will produce "Call It a Day," the clever new play by Dodie Smith-reviewed in the book page of the "Radio Record" recently. This play, which stars Owen Nares and Fay Compton, is still running to crowded houses in London. The Wellington Repertory Theatre, which achieved something of a triumph ‘ith its production of "Richard of Bordeaux," is hard at work on rehearsals for "The Mask and the Face," an adaptation of an Italian comedy which was seen by the producer, Mr. W. 8S, Wauchop, when he was in Europe last year. : This: play, which has been in rehearsal for the past fortnight in anticipation of presentation early in September, has the following cast :-Messrs. W. 8S. Wauchop. W. Simm, Warren Toogood, Jasper Baldwin, J. H. Lindon, F. G, HayesTownes, GC. Y, Bell, John Proudfoot, Mesdamesg Phyllis Murray, J. G. Young, eater VMackenzie, Misses Yvonne Holmes and Evelyn O’Brien. H Mir, Leo du Chateau’s next.production for the Repertory Theatre in Wellington will be Ibsen’s famous drama, "Hedda Gabler." At Christinas the Repertory Theatre, in conjunction with Messrs. J. ©. Williamson, Ltd., intends to present "Peter Pan." ae ‘

HD Auckland Little Theatre Society, the premier / repertory society ‘in Auckland, has recently concluded 12 years of progress. Mr. Herbert Bently, the founder of the society, had produced but two plays when he died. Just before he died he said to his wife that he wished his old friend "Brammie" could take the society on. When.Mr, Kenneth Brampton heard of this he applied to Mr. L. P. Leary for the position, and was appointed producer and organiser by. the committee in. February of 1927. Mr. Joseph Clark produced two of the plays, Mr. Leary one, Mr. Gaston Mervale five, Mr. Frederick McCallum fourteen, and Mr. Brampton nineteen. This brings the total up to 48 productions. For four years Mr. Brampton was responsible. for the society’s activities. -and during that time the success of the Little Theatre was remarkable, The society’s last production, "Hasy Virtue," by Noel Coward, was an outstanding success. The 44th production’ is almost ready to go into rehearsal, but the name of the piece cannot yet be divulged, the producer at present, being engaged on a hunt to secure ' the right leading man for . . & 1

» the play. SO far, Be dis failed. If he does not succeed, the play the society has in mind will have .to be dropped. The Grafton Dramatic Society recently staged Eugene O’Neill’s "Days Without End," probably the: most controversial sex play ever put on in Auckland. Peter Bathurst, the producer, quite a young man, also took the leading role in this piece. . Miss Ysolinde McVeagh, the popular producer for the Auckland Catholic Repertory Society, last Saturday (July 25) staged (Continued on page 16.)

Growth of Repertory (Continued from page 15.)

Alfred Sangster’s historical play "The Brontes," a study of the famous writing family. Although the role of Charlotte is the principal one, the play sets out to develop at length those of Emily and Ann, while the father, the Rev. Patrick Bronte is made the most charming character. This society is now seriously challenging tle rival Little Theatre Society. " AS You Like It" will be the next production of the Canterbury Re‘pertory Society, and will be staged in the Radiant Hall from July 29 to August 1. . The cast includes Dr. Robinson E., Hall, Rex Booth, Denys Cow, Professor James Shelley, A. Jackson Thomas,’ G. S. Salter, Hugh Hunter, Harry Blake, Cyril Wheeler, Selwyn Davies, Brice Cordery, R. H. Thomson, John Dunford, H, ‘Taylor-Smith, Nordon Barker, Guy Cotterill, Valerie Haslam, roma King, Barbara Griffiths and Judy Barker. Valerie Haslam is well known for her skill in Shakespearean characters and will be remembered for her characterisation of Portia in "The Merchant of Venice’ last spring. Cyril

Wheeler is an actor who performs at 4 Canterbury College and who. has recently shown great development in dramatic power. The Drama League’s festival will be held in the Radiant Hall on August 18 and 20. Various teamg will compete, the winner going to Timaru to contest the semi-final, and the fina! will take place in Dunedin, FoR. quite some years theatricals in Dunedin have been booming, and several amateur societies have now become solidly established. Their vari: ous classes of productions are always liberally supported by an enthusiastic public no matter how frequently they may be given, especially during the winter months. ot The Dunedin Shakespeare Club proposes giving an _ interpretation ‘on August 6 of "Macbeth." Mr. Douglas Dall will be cast in the name part, while Lady Macbeth will be played by Miss Nellie Henaghan, with W. 8. Hunter as Macduff. .