The whole Produced by Mrs, HENRY sony "A Little Bit of Fluff," which was presented at the Lyceum Theatre -on Thursday night by the Dramatic Section of the B.W.A., is one of those farces which depend rather on briskness of action than on sheer humour in the plot. Consequently it is none the less difficult for amateurs to produce, with the result that when they do succeed, they deserve all the more credit.' In fact the manner in which this play was performed last night before a good house la worthy of the highest praise, for though there were times when the action dragged a little, and others where players forgot their parts, the general impression produced was very favourable. Indeed, it is pos: sible to go even further and say that last night's performance was one of the best staged by the BW.A., and: the criticism given jebove may very well be obviated, for first night is always the most try-those who take part in Apart from that we have no hesitation in saying that the cast succeeded in providing a most amusing evening's entertainment. They made the most of every siti and delighted the audi with their work. If thers any particular merit in pride of place, it must be given to Mr. Chris 'Wingrove, who sustained an admire able character part as Bertram Fully, the ready tool of a husband who is not too scrupulous in getting "himself out of difficulties. He had a great amount of work to do, did' it well, and thoroughly: earned the applause accorded him. Mrs. E. G. Tait, as the very business-like and, withal, suspicious wife of John Ayers, played with considerable ability, and by the conviction she imported into her portrayal greatly' assisted in the development of the. humour. She was seconded by Mrs. E, L. Roberts, who not only looked "a little bit of fluff" but played it every bit as well. Both of these ladies were admirably dressed for their respective parts, and, what is probable more, wore their dre well.
Amongst the ladies there were two character parte—Ursula, by Mra, C. Buekstone and Aunt Han-nab, by Mrs. R. H. Peyton-Griffin, The former, a belligerent "slavey" with a most refreshing Cockney accent, was well sketched in and fitted well into the general scheme. As for Aunt Hannah, that role was} portrayed in such a'manner as to leave one in suspense between sym~ pathy" for her tribulations and] amusement at the boisterous treat ment she received. The part though small was well acted, and both Tndies deserve every congratulation for their work.
Mr. John Raikes, as John Ayere, the errant husband, created quite a favourable impression, and did extremely well with a' part which taxes the ability of any player, no matter how experienced. It ' demands considerable aplomb to. jerry so many farcical situations in rapid succession, and we doubt if} there are many hai who could hi better.
Miss Billie Firth, Mr. Henry Jory' and Mr. F. Coombs had small, but! necessary, parts to fill, and did' well them. ' The scenery and lighting were good throughout, while the other incidentals, so essential to a good performance, were in capable hands and well eared for.
As we remarked above farces such as this demand the most of factors. The sheer improbabilities of the story involve a greater tax on the cast, and the producer, Mrs. Henry Jory, is to be sincerely con-[spatial nat sel on te cout sha jose, but on the careful rehearsing their' performance demonstrated. auction prohibited without permission.
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.