Certain acting ability.

'IN selecting the musical romance "Carissima" for this year's production, Brighouse Light Opera Society have acted wisely, for this is a show which combines slick modernity with the tuneful melodies of traditional musical comedy.

Through the skilful work of Miss Kittie Prince, the professional producer, the Society are able to exploit the advantages of Hans May's catchy tunes and words by Eric Maschwitz to the utmost; added to that are lavish costuming well-staged settings delightful dances and an adequate chorus.

Small wonder then, that the near-capacity audience at the Albert Cinema last night, where the show opened for a week's run, gave ovation after ovation.

Bessie Davies, as an American business woman, and Ralph Hartley, in the role of a famous Italian singer, make an ideal leading couple, though Mr. Hartley is slightly handicapped by a limited lower register. His partner has a lovely voice, which is heard to good effect particularly in "Small Cafe" and "Far In The Blue".

In the role of Guilietta, the famous singer's childhood friend, Celia Ainsworth makes full use of her clear and charming soprano voice, and also displays a certain amount of acting ability.'

CAPTION(S):

STRIPES: The girls' chorus of the musical comedy Sally by Brighouse Amateur Operatic Society in February, 1954 (Kirklees ref: ke23073, Examiner ref: 54-0894); ACTING WISELY: Carissima, by Brighouse Light Operatic Society in November, 1954. The actors are (from left) Gordon Firth, Patrick A Crowther, Bessie M Davies and Ronald L Roberts (Kirklees ref: ke27038, Examiner ref: 54-5551); YEE HAH: The musical Rio Rita, by Brighouse Amateurs, in November, 1952. Spookily, the cowboy chorus members are dressed identically. The men are not named, but the dancing chorus member are (from left) Pat Robinson, N Cliffe, P Crowther, M Dyson, B Kitson, C Webster, A Walshaw; (front row) A Barber, J Crisp and C Barber. (Kirklees refs: ke08024 and ke08027, Examiner refs: 52-4807 and 52-4810); COURT IN THE ACT: The Vigil by Brighouse Parish Church Drama Group in April, 1954. The players are (from left) Jean Firth (Magdalen), Stanley Firth (counsel for the defence) and Cyril Fieldhouse (judge) (Kirklees ref: ke23559, Examiner ref: 54-1593)