THEATRE ROYAL.

Press, Volume LXIV, Issue 19459, 5 November 1928, Page 9

THEATRE ROYAL.

!S OPTIMIST" I SATIRE. LBACTERS. Btella Frsnciß Francis Dillon . B. Steuart Weßt Dorothy Stanward Percy Hntchiaon E. Rayson-Cousens . Mary Brackley Ictor Watts Weston • • Joan Rogers Townsend Whitling' • . Leslie Lanrier ?ercy Hutchison. cal oharacter, it is dear that "The presented at the iturday night by «d his English irimarily intended itire on the inter'ealth, social posi- »», and the m. rappoaed to be atttainment of such I waa undoubtedly the roind of Rida she concocted the bashadafortun. visiting English wd this g comb g ina. d among the best, mist" is a singu»of work. The xmceived and the \ furnishedwi?b nt." Itis subtle, and entirely deertain pronounced *oh even so essencannot quite obeoe of comedy is ?ed. There ii no after the prime factors g the farce so ac'ty of diction of •cast. This is in numa referred to, ■a excuse-as the wet entirely with J." The punster. Iwer, « the bete ?,.and there may { in Dr Johnson's ao would make a ***t. Yet, after ear one might be »«hUhat Johnson % frank. P„ns f them flow from «hi«on in a stvle ww and most deletion of the storv ijs a jewel in an w attractive set»a of culture and by an inferiority ome about bv th* 1 wife and daugh • while he degenauthor to ascriband sordid Berials. to secure more •Tours to arrange

a marriage between her daughter and one, John Barron, a United States oil king. Rapidly Dawn loses his grip on his former life, and becomes a failure, mainly through the atmosphere of scheming insincerity that pervades his household. But there is at hand a man of different mould, Jerry Hayward, a dasher with a broad outlook on life Imbued with a large quantity of selfconfidence, brilliant ideas, and happy philosophies, Hayward regards it as his mission in the world to retrieve the Dawn fortunes, and incidentally, take to wife the charming Phyllis Dawn. Upon this, setting hangs the whole tale. Jerry is a disconcertingly brusque optimist, who simply radiates hope and geniality. He thrusts himself, undaunted by keen opposition from the lady of the house, into the good graces of the Dawns, and rouses tide head of the house from the depths of despair. He sets Dawn upon his feet again and routes the enemy—the millionaire admirer. As the "optimist," Mr Hutchison gave an engaging portrayal of a piquant comedy character. He is possessed of remarkable mobility of countenance, and acts with his legs and arms just as much as with his face He seizes the stage and at once imprisons the audience in his humorous fetters. He made Saturday night's audience very much aware of his personality and ability, and presented Jerry Hayward as a very amusing fellow; His was a performance of pure skill, and his comedy flair was exploited in such a manner that one had. an idea throughout that there were even better pieces of wit to come. And there is the true artist. A svelte blonde, of charming personality, Miss Stella Francis showed a nice perception of comedy and dramatic values. # In many scenes in which Miss Francis is associated with Miss Frances Dillon, the two respond most excellently to tne demands of their parts. Both roles were well judged and full of manifest conviction. Miss Mary Brackley, as the girl four years ahead of her time, and who sought to ensnare the oil king for herself, was vivacious and pleasing. The dignity and inherent refinement ot Dawn was given a good exposition by Mr R. Steuart West. Vigorous and blnffing waa Mr Rayson-Cousens. ana Mr Townsend Whitling was the perfect representation of the bored business man. Each of the minor roles was by nn artist in good keeping with trie principals. .. .„ , "The Laughing Optimist" will be re* peated to-night. "THE LUCK OF THE NAVY." On Wednesday evening Mr Hutchison and his.excellent company will he presented to a production of the picturesque and tanning romantic comedy-drama, "The Luck of the Navy," a play which "deals with the , strenuous period-of English .history in 1915. In Sydney recently "The Luck of the Navy stirred its audiences to the topmost pitch 01 enthusiasm. It is a sensational play. w. Itn two acts of comedy and one of thrilling drama. "The action," wrote a critic recently, "is crisp and smart, and naval officers, spies (male and female) are concerned in the »tory, one set making heroic effortß to assM their King and country, and the other sat strattog' 1 old England with bated breath. «' Percy Hutchison is said to be magnificent M

Lieutenant Stanton, V.0., the character giving this artist exceptional opportunities to display his genius as a comedy and dramatic actor. Lieutenant Stanton is the commander of a submarine, and goes through all sorts ot exciting experiences at the hands ot German agents, who are endeavouring to obtain his sailing orders before he wins through and captures the spies and the girl he loves. The cast includes Miss Stella Francis, Miss Frances Dillon, Miss Joan Rogers, Miss Mary Brackley, Miss Dorothy Stanward, Mr Victor Watts-Weston, Mr E. Rayson-Cousens, Mr R. Steuart West, Mr Townsend Whitling, Mr Leslie Laurier, and Mr William Knlston. The naval uniforms and the dresses of the principal ladies are features of the production, and so are the scenic and other effects. "The Luck of the Navy" will be staged*for two nights 'Only, and will be followed by J'Hx What's His Name" and "The Joker." I