Drama at College

The earlier history of the Society is admirably dealt with in the 1924 Silver Jubilee Number of the Spike and need not be recapitulated. The Club has enjoyed a position of activity and prosperity during the last few years since 1924. After many years of quiet it was reformed in 1927 during the temporary abandonment of the Extravaganza and since then has advanced through many successes to occupy an important position in the College. The rebirth of the Club was due to the efforts of Miss Mary Cooley (Mrs. R. H. C. Mackenzie) and Mr. A. E. Campbell. After successful performances of "To have the Honour" (A. A. Milne) in 1927 and "Cousin Kate" (Travers) in 1928, both produced by the late Mrs. John Hannah, the Club built up a library and began a successful system of readings. These proved very popular and much new talent was developed. In 1929 "The Young Idea" (Noel Coward) and 1930 "The Lucky One" (A. A. Milne) produced by Miss Mary Cooley (now Mrs. R. H. C. Mackenzie) were both successful and by this time the Club was financially and numerically strong. A fine library had been acquired and the Club's readings were popular. In 1931 two productions were staged, both of a very high standard, "The Dark Angel" (Trevelyan) produced by Miss Mary Cooley and "Rope" (Patrick Hamilton) produced by D. G. Edwards. This was the Club's best year and since it has shown a decline in quality and interest. The productions of 1932 were "The Ship" (St. J. Ervine) produced by Mary Cooley and "Hedda Gabler" (Ibsen) produced by Norman Hannah and in 1933 "Musical Chairs" (McKenzie) produced by Ralph Hogg and 1934 "While Parents Sleep" (Kimmins) produced by Miss Edna Purdie.

The decline in the Club's activities over the last two years has been due to financial difficulties. The students have never supported the Club's town productions and the finances have suffered a strain which has prevented the Club adding to its library and Continuing its successful readings. The Club this year has decided in future to produce plays at College in spite of the disadvantages and by this means hopes to keep expenses down and to continue its readings. The Extravaganza in the first term and examinations in the last have a limiting effect on the work and the difficulties in reaching new members are enormous. However, the Club intends to have a production in the first weeks of the next year and looks forward to a successful period.

—D.G.E