SEYMOUR HICKS SEASON.

Press, Volume LXI, Issue 18302, 9 February 1925, Page 10

SEYMOUR HICKS SEASON.

"BROADWAY JONES." Mr Seymour Hicks was accorded a reception on Saturday night Tvhich, used as be is to the plaudits of London theatregoers, must have been extremely gratifying to him. At the conclusion of his performance in ''Broadway «7ones the large audience which filled every part of the Theatre Royal for the first presentation of the American comedy," remained seated and insistently demanded the appearance and re-appear-ance of Mr Hicks and Miss Ellaline Terriss, nor would the house allow the curtain to be rung down finally, till both principals had 'made brief speeches. The comedy of "Broadway Jones" is farcical, but not essentially American. It is true that dollars —millions of them —a business deal and an advertising campaign figure in the "book," but Broadway himself is the type of rich, idle, cheerful and not-too-intelli-gent young man one is more used' to seeing on the stage representing the last of a noble name. This American counter part of the useless young idler is certainly brisk where an Englishman would be languid, and if his "pep" and jollity are somewhat exaggerated,-they are not more so than the languor and grace of the English stage type. Mr Hicks had an evening's very, heavy work in playing the role of Broadway Jones, for throughout the whole of the four acts he was seldom absent from the stage, and while he was present he dominated it, for. the part calls for untiring energy, talking and a large fund of comely "business." Mr Hicks never tired and "Broadway Jones was still the talkative, snappy Broadway at the end that he was in the beginning. Those who -have read and enjoyed the book will remember that as a 6mallbov in a small town Jackson Jones was known to all the little community as being crazy to go to-New York. He talked so much a"bout the Great "White. Way that he was nicknamed Broadway. When he attained His majority he came into money and promptly made a beeline for New York, where he started in to burn up his legacy. It is about the time that he realises he is without' funds and in debt, after five hectic years in the city, that the audience makes acquaintance with . Broadway Janes. In order to recover himself financially, he becomes, engaged to a wealthy widow who is still romantic. Soon after he has committed himself to this ill-assorted match, the young man receives news- that he has succeeded to another large fortune, represented by a chewing-gum. plant bequeathed him by his uncle. With the help of his high-principled chum, supported by the charming young lady who manages business side of the gum factory, - Broadway resists the. temptation to sell out to the gum trust, thereby earning the gratitude of'his workmen, and at "the same time making it necessary for himself to. proceed to make money out of the gum business. He loathes gum, has never thought of work in connexion with himself, but needs the .money.: The result is four acts of riotous fun.' The- comedy is boisterous, and Saturday's audience responded with gusts oflaughter. The dialogue : is smart and-' often really witty, but the chief amusement is derived from the personality of• Jackson Jones. Mr Hicks' crams it full of comedy. .He' talks at high speed, refuses to be serious except on afew brief occasions, and has a great" stock of 'business' y which gains him; laughs even while the others are doing, the talking. Exaggeration was neees' sarv< in : the portrayal' of a part, which' could-not be': claimed as a real life: type, but there were a few brief flashes of restrained acting, which demonstrated that Mr Hicks has a great deal more; of hia art to show in roles calling forsubtle treatment. There were, .flashesof this deeper vein in his work in the first act, when Jones's friend takes him seriously to task, and again in-the third act, when' he was almost dramatic ip mailing a declaration to his lady business manager, but ■ withal Mr Hicksnever allowed the action to wander, from its proper . path of uproarious comedy. • Miss Ellaline Terriss had a comparatively small role in a play in which; ofnecessity, the male lead dominated the action, but she mado the part .of . Josie Richards,, the business lady who ■ instilled " ideals into Broadway,, very, charming. Mr Vivian Edwards, next, to Mr Hicks, had most to do, and he did it in a manner which at once proved his capabilities as an actor m a straightout part calling for work in more or less serious vein. He' has a fine'speak-; ing voice, and a commanding personality. Miss Mildred Cottell was good, as the coy and. elderly widow, and provided Mr Hicks with excellent opportunities. Mr Leslie Donaghey, as tho amusing- youth, Sam, had an unusual role of which he took full advantage, while Miss Mione Stewart played the part of the unsophisticated, small town girl very well indeed, even to the accent and the simper. Miss Emma Temple was seen in one of those sweet old lady parts which she knows so well how to handle, and Mr Prank Hatherley made" a likeable character of the' small-town solicitor. The other members of the large company were all suitably cast. "Broadway Jones" will be presented nightly during the current week.

"The Man in Dress Clothes." Although commonly associated with the public mind with comedy, Mr Hicks and Miss Terriss have had many triumphs in drama, and in "The Man in Press Clothes," in which they will commence the last nights of their season on Wednesday next, both artists have a splendid medium for both facets of their art. The piece gives every opportunity for the expression of both grave and' gay motifs. The comedy • theme is dominant, but there are moments when sheer drama and emotional intensity hold the stage. it is said by the critics—"one gets glimpses of the emotional, power of these great actors and finds oneself expectant of some great dynamic climax, which is never allowed to occur. Forth® smiling visage of comedy supplants the sombre lineaments of tragedy in a flash, and the tear is vanished by some dexterous twist of humour thai onlv a finished artist such as he can successfully accomplish." In the unanimous chorus of critical eulogy the following from a Sydney jourba.l gj.ves some idea of the extent of Mr Hicks a Australian triumph:—"His conquest of Svdney was instantaneous .and complete when The Man in Drees Clothes' was presented for the first time. The crowded house immediately recognised the flawless touch of the master hand, and the revelation of how comedy should be played called forth one of the most remarkable demonstrations of delight ever seen m Svdney. This play, although a comedy has the enduring quality of strong emotional appeal below lighthearted fooling of such of the dialogue and action." Nothing more could be said to describe this inspiring comedy, "The Man in Dress Clothes.," and patrons are ndvised to book early so that they will not miss this piquant comedy, which is said by some to be the best in this famous artist's repertoire.