Satisfying Revue From Players (Press, 30 November 1971)

The Riccarton Players presented a show titled "A Sort of a Thing," compiled and produced by Taura Henderson and Brian Cooper, from 27 November to 4 December 1971 at the Nelson Street Hall. The performance ran from 8 p.m. to 10.10 p.m. and received a generally positive reception for its good pace and convivial atmosphere, effectively engaging the audience, which was the main goal of the production. While the standard of performance varied, the unpretentious nature of the show allowed any weaknesses to be overlooked. Brian Cooper served as the master of ceremonies, helping maintain continuity throughout with the aid of numerous “quickies”—short sketches designed to elicit quick laughter, although not all of them succeeded. Doug Clarke was noted for his effective comedic style in these brief segments. The show commenced with a Western melodrama that was noted for its mood-setting, despite needing crisper performances. Barry Smith garnered praise for his role as the villain. The first half featured standout performances, particularly from Peter Sadler in sketches including "I say, I say, I say!!!!" and "Mae West," where he showcased his talent in a transvestite singing role. Following the interval, the highlight of the night was “Henry VIII and His Wives,” likely inspired by a recent television series. Max Bollinger was commendable as the king, delivering his performance with energetic singing and emotional depth, supported by strong portrayals from the queenly characters and well-executed costumes, all contributing to a well-coordinated script. The second half retained audience interest with another melodrama that carried a Victorian essence, featuring the talented Sylvia Hutcheson as the heroine. This segment was notable for its sung-through presentation, adding to its period authenticity. The show concluded with a folk singing section that included impressive performances from Janet Jamieson. Overall, "A Sort of a Thing" was tailored to please average tastes, providing relaxed entertainment that resembled popular American television personality shows, enhanced by its topical references, particularly regarding the Commonwealth Games theme, and an intimate presentation style.

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