THEATRE ROYAL

Press, Volume LVII, Issue 17317, 1 December 1921, Page 5

THEATRE ROYAL

"WILEEE BARD. The appreciation extended to Mr Wilkw Bard and the members of his company, by the very large audience at the Theatre Royal last night must have been, gratifying to the artists, especially those who are making* thoir first venture in the Dominion. D&•pite the keen anticipation to Bee the famous English comedian, the audience Was reluctant to allow many of the supporting artists to leave the stage. „ Mr Bard's first item' was "On Sentry Go, in which he Bang a verse and chorus, and thon settled down to take the audience onto liis confidence, relating tho trials of a Home Service man on lonely guard duty. His quiet humour completely captivated the audience, and it was a rare and pleasiij. experience io witness the work of a comedian who won his laughs with such apparent ease. Hia next item was "Tho Stage Cleaner," in whioh ho appeared as a theatre scrub-woman, who had her little differences with the stage hands. In this sketch, as in all hie work, Mr Bard : obtained most of his result's with real humour and little "broad" comedy, ehowing an intimate knowledge of the characteristics of the type he portrayed. His third andi last item was '"The Kigfltwatchman," in which he appeared as one oi the old •'characters" whose arduous duty it Is to guard an opened drain in the street at night. Mr ±Sord was assisted by two. other artiste in this sketch, but for the most part he held the interest alone. A comedian who can entertain an audience for so long did in this- sketch, merely with the whimsical humour of his conversation with another person who is merely a foil, or by indulging in amusing Seminiscencea, is truly an artist, and Jeavee a pleasant memory in the minds of his audienoe.

The programmo will be repeated this evening.' There will be a matinee performance on Saturday afternoon.