"OTHER MEN'S WIVES."

Press, Volume LXIV, Issue 19481, 30 November 1928, Page 14

"OTHER MEN'S WIVES."

AN OUTSTANDING SUCCESS. MARGARET BANNERMAN'S ARTISTRY. Those who were present at the Theatre Royal last evening to witness the first appearance in Christ-church of the celebrated English actress, Miss Margaret Baunerman, had the pleasure of seeing one of the most charmin<* and talented actresses who have ever visited the Dominion. The play, in this instance, is not the thing—it is Miss Bannorman who is the outstanding feature of the show as a whole. Of striking beauty, and expressing in. every way a wonderful personality # she gives a performance which one could not possibly imagine could be bettered. Adissttedly the part suited her admirably (it was written for her), but even when this factor is taken into account her performance still remains a striking tribute to what may be termed her superlative artistry. "Other Men's Wives" is difficult to classify. Starting off with a dramatic introduction, it rapidly passes into bright comedy, which in turn speedily gives place to melodrama. Ringing the changes in a most ingenious manner, the author, Mr Walter Hackett, has no difficulty •in sustaining a keen interest throughout the whole play, which ends on a romantic note, with wedding bells obviously an immediate sequel. The story has as its foundation the thrilling experiences of a young girl who endeavours to shield her sister from vl j gang of blackmailers. It also exemplifies the complications which may result when a man takes his friend's wife for a drive and finds that he is forced te> spend a night with her in a French hotel with only one bedroom available. , In this latter respect it is strongly reminiscent of "The Cuckoo in the Nest." Added to the comedy portion of the story, however, there are murderers, blackmailers, diamond thieves, and another of those super-detectives who solve the most complex problems with amazing ease—and ingenuity. Though the plot is a most complicated one, three short acts, covering a period of one evening, are sufficient to straighten out matters to evervone's though truth to tell some of the situations which are necessary to effect this happy .end are much more thrilling than consistent. Miss Bannerman appears in the role as Patricia, at first a maid-servant and subsequently the alleged _ wife of one Anthony Peel. As the maid, Miss Bannerman was delightfully pert and winsome, and in the role of the alleged wife she exploited her part to the fullest possible advantage. Her characterisation was flawless and showed in no uncertain manner why she has risen to the top of her profession. _ Ellis Irving, who plays opposite her in the role of an unfortunate young Englishman who finds himself involved in a maze of complications, is effective in everything he does. He acts with obvious sincerity and makes an excellent partner for the star. As Angela "Worthing —the other man's wife-—Miss Lily Titheradge is particularly effective. Her role is a difficult one and calls for a very convincing presentation of it if it is to be effective. She is never found, wanting, however, and she contributed inaterially to the success ot the performance as a whole. Louis Goodrich, as the detective, also does excellent work and provides some excellent- comedy in the course of his search for the istolen jewels. The other minor parts find capable exponents in Herbert > Millard, G. Kay Sonper, Geoffrey Millar, and Arthur Cornell. "Other Men's Wives" will be repeated this evening, and also on Saturday and Monday.