PLAY SUCCESS

Radio Record, 15 July 1938, Page 22

PLAY SUCCESS

ee EDGAR WALLACE NIGHT AT PALMERSTON SUCCESS attended the production recently by the Palmerston North Little Theatre Society of the late Edgar Wallace’s intriguing play, "The Case of the Frightened Lady." The story was handled with an expertness by the cast that kept the identity of the villain unsuspected until the final curtain, and the. producer, Mrs. L. M. Bristow, is to be congratulated upon the success of the venture. The munificence of the stage furnishings were reminiscent of London or Broadway, rather than Palmerston North. The cast was a small and compact one, the players themselves out to give a really discerning performance and succeeding, with one or two exceptions. As Lady Lebanon, Mrs. M. Harman acted with distinction, having a fair measure of experience. Aptitude for emotional roles was shown by Molly Oakley (Aisla Crane) in her first appearance on the stage. She had to maintain a state of heavy emotional strain. This may probably account for @ period when her yoice seemed to fade away, leaving her mouthing at the audience. ; Ronald Rees, as Lord Lebanon, by virtue of fine acting, easily won the acting honours. Ralph Park (Chief Inspector Tanner) handled # dignified part with expertness. In his biggest role to date, that of an unconscious humorist, W. Oliver (Sergeant Totty) won ready recognition. Harold Harman’s sterling performance as Kelver, a butler, was deserving of more recognition than it was given. As a eriminal from Wormwood Serubbs, who was brought in for a brief interview with the inspector, Hric Whitehead (Briggs) was not entirely convincing. One could not help but feel that he had somehow just failed to submerge his individuality entirely in the character. Novelty wags added by Messrs. F. Hopwood and T. Bird, Brooks and Gilder respectively, who were called upon to carry much more responsibility than is usually the case with the roles of footmen. The net proceeds were devoted to the Alan Loveday fund, a fund to help Palmerston North’s juvenile violinist to further his musical studies abroad.