“The Man Who Came To Dinner” was performed on Wednesday 8, Thursday 9, Friday 10, and Saturday 11 July, 1953, at the Theatre Royal.
 The Man Who Came to Dinner advert Townsville Daily Bulletin Fri 3 July 1953 | |
| Townsville Theatrical Society ‘The Man Who Came To Dinner’, Theatre Royal Wed 8, Thurs 9, Fri 10, Sat 11 July 1953 Cast Sheridan Whiteside……………………………………..Lou Sumner Lorraine Sheldon………………………………………….Thelma Bourke The Hostess………………………………………………….Mavis Colban The Secretary……………………………………………….Mary Summerfield The Nurse…………………………………………………….Beryl Stabler Other players……………………………………………….Brian Wanchap, Auriol Raddon, Ted Smyth, Jean Holliday, Freda Greske, Day Dywer, John Reid, Bryan Erickson, Mattie Mercer, Bob Mahaffrey, Eric Grey, John Bunting, Edgar Jackson, Bob Jackson, Eric Jell, and Jack Taylor. Producer…………………………………….Rita Jell |
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 The Man Who Came To Dinner review Townsville Daily Bulletin Thurs 9 July 1953 |
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| The article above reads: “The Man Who Came To Dinner” Last night the Townsville Theatrical Society began a four-night season of Hart and Kaufman's rollicking American comedy 'The Man Who Came To Dinner’. Under the experienced direction of Rita Jell, there was never a dull moment. The title role was played by Lou Sumner. Sheridan Whiteside was the man who came to dinner and stayed for weeks. Not only did he install his secretary, nurse and doctor, but he took over full control of his host's house. From there, with many background distractions, he made his Christmas broadcast. He made trans-Atlantic and trunk line calls without restraint. He invited many odd people to visit him, and gave the penguins sent to him by Admiral Byrd a home in his host's library. How he la finally removed and what happens after, caps many amusing situations. Lou Sumner played the star role with distinction, and gave a memorable performance. Characterisation was never lost, and there was always a lightness of touch and an apparent spontaneity. The cast was a large one and they supported him ably, Thelma Bourke, as Lorraine Sheldon, the gold digging actress with ambitions to marry the wealthy but buck-toothed aristocrat gave a capable performance. Mavis Colban was the harassed hostess, Mary Summerfield the secretary, and Beryl Stabler the nurse. Other parts were played by Brian Wanchap, Auriol Raddon, Ted Smyth, Jean Holliday, Freda Greske. Day Dwyer, John Reid, Bryan Erickson, Mattie Mercer, Bob Mahaffrey, Eric Grey, John Bunting, Edgar Jackson, Bob Jackson, Eric Jell and Jack Taylor, Des Allen Stephensen and Keith Armit. All helped make the show an outstanding success. The setting and back stage work was of the usual high standard. The production is a happy addition to the entertainment of Show Week and great credit is due to all concerned. |
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