Mexborough and Swinton Times December 9, 1938
Wath Grammar School Plays
Wath Grammar School staff and scholars have presented several plays with great skill during recent years, but with “Pride and Prejudice” on Wednesday they set up a new standard.
The play is a dramatisation by Helen Jerome of the Jane Austen novel and makes exacting demands of actors and producer; but from every point of view the production was thoroughly satisfying.
“Pride and Prejudice” will be repeated tonight (Friday); last night “The Truth about Blade,” by A. A. Milne was presented, and it will be given again to-morrow (Saturday).
Wednesday’s young cast was usually equal to a difficult task. The players got under the skin of their characters, and acted with great spirit. Their elocution had richness and range, and the only blemish was an occasional staccato effect which suggested effort.
- Kenning took “Mr. Bennet” and gave a shrewd portrait of a sorely tried husband and father; and K. Clarke gave a lively account of “Mrs. Bennet,” gossipy and commercially matrimonial. M. Wragg, D. Woods and S. Searle made a charming group of daughters.
One of the most formidable parts, that of the Rev. Mr. Collins, did not daunt J. Simpson; indeed, he etched the reverend gentleman’s follies and pettinesses with very strong satiric acid and made the part one of the best of the evening.
Good performances were given by P. Thompson, K. Clarke, E. Quinney, K. Ibberson. G. Hudson. D. Dexter, L. Red-gate, J. Bishop, R. E. Barnes, N. Jackson. B. Station and E. Higgs.
The costumes, which were the work of Miss C. R. Rudolf and scholars, were exceptionally well done; and Messrs. W. E. Leadley and R. L. Lewis, assisted by members of the Art Club, were responsible for the scenery.
The School Orchestra played during the intervals.
A scene from me Wath Grammar School production of “Pride and Prejudice,” and (above) the full cast.
