“The Chiltern Hundreds” was performed on Thursday 16, Friday 17, and Saturday 18 Oct, 1952, at the Theatre Royal.
Townsville Theatrical Society ‘The Chiltern Hundreds’, Theatre Royal Thursday 16, Friday 17, and Saturday 18 Oct 1952 Cast The Earl of Lister (Lord Lieutenant)…………………Carl Schuchard The Countess of Lister (his wife)……………………..Beryl Bonfield June Farrell (of the American Embassy)…………..Betty Page Bessie………………………………………………………………Joan MacKenzie Beecham………………………………………………………….Ron Forno Lord Pym (Lord Lister’s son)…………………………….Bill Spencer Lady Caroline Smith (Lord Lister’s sister)………...Day Dwyer Mr Cleghorn…………………………………………...........John Reid Producer…………………………………………………….. Rita Jell Stage Manager……………………………………………. John Eckersley Assistant Stage Manager…………………………….. R. Jackson Assistants……………………………………………………. K. Armit, R. Kern, J. Benson Electrical Effects…………………………………………. Alan Stephenson Stage Design and Construction…………………… R. Jackson Orchestra…………………………………………………… (Mrs Summerfield’s) Messrs F. Feather, L. Grau, G. Saunders, V. Johnston, W. Newman, J. Phillips, Mrs L. Benstead, Mrs P. Gander. |
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The article on the left reads: New Play At Royal A Success Townsville Theatrical Society last night gave an amusing - and, at times, cleverly presented— performance of William Home's modern British comedy, 'The Chiltern Hundreds’ The play is probably one of the wittiest and most literate of comedies dealing with the aristocracy and politics. Last night's performance contained an exceptionally realistic and well-drawn portrayal by Carl Schuchard as the Earl of Lister. Lister is an impoverished aristocrat with an obsession about the rabbits and foxes infesting his estate. Carl Schuchard brought to the role a polish and easy style which dominated the play. DELIGHTFUL He was responsible for some delightful passages— when he finds his son in the arms of Bessie the maid; when he invites Bessie and Beecham his butler, who is opposing his son at a by-election, to be week-end guests at the castle; and when he discusses the peculiar construction of the human stomach. He was alternatively vague, kind, blustering, and bewildered without once creating a sense of unreality, or dropping from character. Bill Spencer was easy and natural as Lord Pym, the Earl's son. He is a young man who makes two unsuccessful essays into politics, first as a Conservative, and then as a Labour candidate. As always, he displayed an excellent stage technique. Joan MacKenzie was a bright (but not arch) Bessie —who became engaged to Lord Pym but finally settled for the butler. A newcomer to the local stage, she has personality and charm, and considerable poise. Ron Forno was adequately competent as Beecham, the ultra-conservative butler. It was unfortunate, however, that his second and third act in dress was so completely at variance with the character. EXCELLENT MOMENTS Beryl Bonfield was the harassed Countess, and Betty Page the American fiancee of her son. Day Dwyer, as the Earl's sister, who set out to polish an 'uncut' Labour M.P., was the typical tweeds and brogues county type. John Reid, as Cleghorn, the M.P., who, after denouncing the aristocracy as parasites, finds himself sent to the House of Lords 'with the Dominions' had some excellent moments. The play was produced by Rita Jell. It will continue its season at the Theatre Royal to-night and on Saturday night. |
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