THEATRE ROYAL.

Press, Volume LXIV, Issue 19413, 12 September 1928, Page 21

THEATRE ROYAL.

new English «omedy. . "HOOKER* NOOK." It is only on rare occasions that playgoers of-"'New Zealand are given an opportunity tq enjoy English play§ interpreted by English artists and scenes' that ail take place in English homes. This is to happen during the approaching J, C. Williamson, Ltd., Comedy season,-which is to be inaugurated on . Saturday, September 22nd, in ; the magnificent •new Theatre Royal, when the initial Christchurch production of Ben Travers'S successful and. clever farce-comedy "Rookery Nook" is' to, bo'staged. During the season will also be produced "Thark' T and "Ouckao in the Nest, ' both of Which were wrLttei, by Ben Trayers, ond lboth of Whit®;, have proved record- breakers .In England apd Australia. "THe players," Wrote.,a 'Sydney/critic, "have an unuauallj- attractive background through■but .the pUyj the ''thiefe! Sots all- take #tace in the lounge- hall ,oi an English cOiintry house, bullfr Ana "furniyiied in 'fypicßligßtogllsh style. Oak panelled walls form a background for prints of huniing scenes and; groupings or warlike weapoiss tfid ; trophies while the staircase at the side is" continued actOss the; back of the . stage. <nd along the other side to form a gallery. . All round this are pewter pots and-mugs and candlesticks.' Through the.main do6rwoy can be seen a real motor-car speeding' 1 between -the'. house and the garage." Mr Hastings Lynn is said to, be a brilliant and original comedian, who has his audience to" roars of , lauglitei the whole time ha is: on the stage. His chief ally is- Mr Basil Radford, whose spendid. work in "The -Ohoet Train" will Still be fresh in the minds' of -Ohrlstchuroh playgoers. Equally auusihg, It, is, £aid, is Miss. Minnie Rayner in the role of Mrs Leverett. Mist .Donaida 'Warns, . the dainty • sixteen-year-old Australian star, receiver eiceptiottal opportunities as .the for the display ct her extr'aovdißWy talents, and,' others who scored triumphs in. Australia are Leslie, Victor, Ootofdirt, Beth Maikey. Belene Simon,: Cyril' Vernon. Nellie Mortyne, and Victor Fitzhetbert. The season" must neces-sarily-be limitsdto teh.'ftlghts, during which "Thatk!'; and /.'OucttooMn the Nest" will also: bo staged. The English Comedy Compaiy hate been creating new records ra the ijrtyrth ittlStiai