Mexborough and Swinton Times November 4, 1938

Wombwell Thespians

Pleasing Performance of “The Barretts”

Wombwell Thespians’ Amateur Dramatic Society, who gave the first of three performances of Rudolf Besier’s play in the Baths Hall, Wombwell, last night, hit the quite the proper approach and their work ran smoothly from opening to satisfying fulfilment.

In this, their most ambitious project, they have a producer, Mr. Verdi Popple. Of Mexborough,- from whose expert promptings they have greatly benefited.

It was realised at once that Mr. Popple had not allowed himself to be influenced by film factors; nor was there any suggestion of plagiarism. Mr. Herbert Sykes was Edward Moulton-Barrett, not Charles. Laughton; Miss Lily Jackson was the dutiful Elizabeth, not Norma Shearer; Mr. Jack Guest was Robert Browning, not Frederick March.

Imitation would have spoiled the performance completely. Nevertheless, enjoyment of the work was heightened by familiarity gained from the screen version of this fascinating picture of early Victorian home life.

As the “pivot” of the performance Miss Lily Jackson scored a notable triumph. She seldom left the stage, and never ceased to arouse interest, this despite the fact that she hardly ever rose from “the bed like a sofa and no bed” and, as an invalid was given no opportunity of displaying her natural grace of movement. Her diction was finely modulated and the limited actions allotted to her were achieved with the usual distinction.

Mr. Herbert Sykes gave a masterly study of Edward Moulton-Barrett, as we expected  he would, but his pharisaical acerbity might have been a little more brittle. His “shouting mood” was not the best because he veered too far towards the bully. All the same he gave us a well defined and thoroughly detestable “Barrett”

Mr. Rowland Gill had not a heavy part, but his “Doctor Chambers” was another masterpiece. His bedside manner was perfect and his presence always cheerful and convincing.

A charming study in temperamental contrasts was presented by the Barrett sisters, Miss Bessie Turner (Henrietta) and Miss Hilda Varney (Arabel), the latter making quite a promising debut. High spirited effervescence and submissive respectability were here quite piquantly etched.

Miss Turner, whose natural charm is a great asset, was seen to best advantage in open revolt against paternal tyranny. The gloom of the Barrett home served to accentuate this delightful quality.

As the polite attentive suitor, Mr. Jack Guest revealed his great versatility. His Robert Browning was a restrained performance of rare merit.

It would have been difficult to imagine a more successful interpretation of the faithful retainer than that given by Miss Dorothy Robinson as the maid Wilson. In lightly submerged humour she gave just the correct colour to the part.

Miss Pearl Holling, who is making her first appearance with the Thespians, struck a note of joyous vivacity with her Bella Hedley. Her unsophisticated vamping of the lugubrious papa was one of the best bits of the show.

The Barrett automata were capably represented by Messrs. Arthur Charlesworth, Alfred Barber, George Bassford, Kenneth Thompson and Ernest Hinchcliffe, all newcomers to the stage with the exception of the first mentioned.

High up in the points list were Mr. Edward Robinson as Henry Bevan and Mr. Stanley Parrish as the debonair Captain Surtees Cook. Another recruit, Mr. Fred B. T. ring, managed convincingly the relatively small part of Doctor Ford-Waterlow, though he was inclined to fade out a little at times.

“Judy of Hemingfield” was as lovable a little spaniel as ever was permitted in a ladies’ boudoir. When Elizabeth, running away to get married, remarks “Flush, if you bark now we are lost.” there was no fear of Judy spoiling the performance by a noisy interruption. As a matter of fact she cannot bark. The property of Mr Ernest Lovatt, of Hemingfield she seemed to have been born for this part.

Efficient staging by Mr. J. Schofield contributed in no small degree to the success of the production. Lighting effects by the Wombwell U.D.C., directed by Mr. E. J. Wellens, left nothing to be desired. Some choice period furniture had been supplied by. Mr. J. A. Garbutt, of Wath-on-Dearne. The musical interludes were, by Miss W. Turner and Mrs. F. Barnes.

There are further performances to-night (Friday) and to-morrow night.

Scene from the Wombwell Thespians production of “The Barretts of Wimpole Street.”