Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), Tuesday 13 July 1943, page 7


"TWELFTH NIGHT"

AT ROYAL

Better Behaviour by

Students

The first performance of "Twelfth Night" in a season of Shakespearean matinees for In-termediate and Leaving Certifi-

cate examination students was given yesterday at the Theatre Royal.

The play, produced by John Alden on behalf of Austral-American Pro-ductions, Ltd., In association with J. C. Williamson's Theatres, was satisfy-ingiy played and mounted, and de-

served a larger house.

The students behaved better than those who attended last year's mati-nees, although the love scenes were greeted with hurrahs, whistles, and yells from the bovs in the gallery.

Acting honours were shared by Charles Tasman, with a well-sustain-ed performance as Malvolio, Edward Finn as Sir Andrew Aguecheek, and Marion Johns as Maria. Desmond Rolfe as Sir Toby Belch was not alwavs convincingly tipsy.

Jean McAlister, as Viola, started out a little woodenly, but soon warm-ed to her part and gave a restrained and convincing performance. As Olivia., Sheila Sewell made a very charming and suitably impassioned countess. Vaughan Tracey, as the Duke Orsino, might have been a more convincing lover. Robert Healey as Feste, the clown, was satisfactory, if not inspired.

The introduction into the play of an adagio dancer (Pamela Promley-Smith) needlessly held up the action of the piece, which, otherwise be-cause of the efficient stage manage-ment of Gwen Oatley, moved along smoothly.

"Twelfth Night" will be repeated this afternoon (for girls only), and on Thursdav, Friday, Monday, and Tues-day, at 2 p.m.. to be followed by "The Tempest" on July 29. The season is under the patronage of the Minister for Education, Mr. Evatt.