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Salient. An Organ of Student Opinion at Victoria College, Wellington, N.Z. Vol. 1, No. 3. March 23, 1938

Curtain!

Curtain!

The University Dramatic Club need have no inferiority complex after the excellent production of this entertaining comedy—all the other dramatic clubs in Wellington start late, anyhow.

Perhaps the worst feature of the evening's entertainment was the boorish behaviour of a certain group of would be lads occupying a front seat. Their Intermittent commentary may have been intended as an improvement to A.A. Milne's play.

The players are to be congratulated—their work was excellent and greatly appreciated by the audience. Of course mistakes occurred, more particularly in exits and entrances, but in view of the very small stage, criticism is not warranted.

The producer might have improved the set had he moved the props, etc., and action further up stage, perhaps dispensing with or moving the bowl of roses to the front.

It was particularly noticeable that Mr. Henderson, playing George Mardon, was consistently in a shadow so long as he remained in the down stage position: in any case it was unnecessary, and one sensed the relief when he moved up stage.

When acting on a small stage near the audience, the players should endeavour to keep up stage as much as possible.

Several of the players made the fatal error of looking at the audience—nothing kills atmosphere so quickly. Lack of reaction to a situation was a common fault particularly with Mr. Henderson at the [unclear: common] Act. I.

Few of us could continue to write a letter so placidly as Mr. Mardon did. If we heard a Mr. Pim telling his story of Mr. Tellworthy.

Mr. Pim was excellently done by Guy Bliss—in fact a more convincing characterization would be difficult to imagine. Oleria—Miss Hilary Henderson, and Dinah—Miss O'Halloran, less degree the same remark applies to the other characters.

This production required only a little polish to be worthy of public presentation. Such matters as quiet cueing, movement and naturalness will come with experience.

The play is full of meat and every character has an equal share of good lines.

Incorrect emphasis was responsible for one or two good lines being missed. An example for instance, was to be found in Olerla's line. "I can't hush up two husbands"—a remark she tosses to George Mardon when be is ranting about the unexpected revival of her former husband.

If all the Dramatic Club's productions are as good as "Mr. Pim," its members need have no fear of the future.

—F.M.R.