THEATRE ROYAL.

Press, Volume LXV, Issue 19611, 6 May 1929, Page 5

THEATRE ROYAL.

SHAKESPEARE SEASON. ALLAN WILKIE IN "MUCH ADO. . ." As it in complete refutation of any undeserved suggestion that Christchurch theatregoers were deficient in a full appreciation of the works of Shakespeare, England's greatest dramatist, Allan Wilkie and his company were greeted at- the Theatre Royal on Saturday night by a practically full house. It was an audience of lovers of the highest ideals of the classical stage, and the sole keynote was enthusiasm for the author and the re-producers of

his plays. What is probably the best of Shakespeare's comedies, "Much Ado About Nothing," was the piece arranged for the opening of the Christchurch season, and the high spirits of the tale were communicated, almost tangibly, to the audience. Records show that "Much Ado" enjoyed great popularity on the stage in Shakespeare's day, and it is curious that the comedy has not been included in the repertoires of many present-day classical companies. The revival is therefore all the more acceptable, for one straightway enters a different world—the worjd of oldtime colour, romance, stateliness, and gallantry. "Much Ado'' is a play of an exceedingly wide range. One suspects that the dramatist had almost an amused contempt for the foibles of humans, for at times it broadens out into burlesque, changes swiftly to light comedy, and as quickly plumbs the depths of tragedy It lampoons the blundering ostentation of officialdom, and sots out like cameos the polished speeches of courtiers. Two of Shakespeare's ico.*t brilliant characters, Bea-

trice and Benedick, traverse their shining path through "Much Ado," and although ths mainspring of the story is the romance of Hero and Claudio, the two first-named present the most arresting characters. Benedick is a man of shrewd wit, and he does wordy battle with the equally incisive Beatrice to such good purpose that "they never meet but there's a skirmish of wit between them." Benedick, {.-layed by Mr Wiikie. is always the soldier, the humorist, and the gentleman. He is the latter even to the extent of engaging in a duel in the behalf of the cousin of the lady he loves. But before becoming a target for Cupid's arrows, he has-been a cynic, and a man who vowed that the woman who could capture him had never vet breathed He professed himself immune from feminine blandishments, and Mr Wiikie made excellent capital from his exchanges with Beatrice. He played his role with skill and vigour, and it is a role which suits him to perfection. As one of Shakepeare's remarkably endowed women, fair, intellectually brilliant, true, and brave, Miss Hun-ter-Watts gave of her best in the role of Beatrice. The character is one that requires an actress of many capabilities, and all were exploited to the full. Particularly did she shine out in her fervent reply: "Kill Claudio," to Benedick's "Come, bid me do anything for thee." And again tragedy was present in the overwhelming desire of Beatrice to have a man's strength to avenge the wrong done to her Kinswoman Miss Hunter-Watts, low and tuneful of voice, made her part one of ever-changing emotion, reflecting the transition of the woman apparently without heart, to the woman loving and loved. The deeply wronged, yet virtuous, tender, and affectionate Hero was gracefully played by Miss Mildred Howard, an English addition to the strength of the company. Accused, to her innocent amazement, of most reprehensible duplicity, in that she is the victim of a vile plot against her honour. Hero is the sweet, charming, and uncomplaining woman the author intended her to be. In the dramatic church scene, when, about to be wedded, Claudio launches his startling accusation, and is supported by the Prince, Miss - Howard shines in a [ superb piece of character acting. Again I when wrongs are about to be righted I and Claudio sees his blunder, she gives an appealing representation. Mr Alexander Marsh, another English product of style and finish, played Don Pedro, the Prince, with attractive- ' ease and a beneficent outlook upon the trials and tribulations of the gallants and their ladies. The character is one that ensnares the good feeling of the audience, and Mr Marsh succeeded in this by his artistry just as much as by the role itself. Claudio, young and sentimental, yet flaming with indignation when he thought himself deceived by Hero, was presented by Mr Dennis Barry in bis usual clever style. Leonato. Governor of Messina, was in the care of Mr John Cairns, who made the plderly character an excellent one, and as the dull-witted constable, Dogberry. Mr William Lockhart presented much bright comedy. Don John, illegitimate brother of the Prince, was enveloped with appropriate villainy by Mr Arthur Keane, and Mr Vincent Scully, as Antonio. Mr Milton Sands as Borachio, Mr Herbert Sheldrick as Friar Francis. Miss Hilda Scurr as Margaret, Miss Marjorie Carr as Ursula, and others in subsidiary parts all gave colourful support. The present company has been thoroughly equipped with new costuming and scenery and the brilliant gowning of the women and dandified dress of the men were most pleasing. The old-time dances and song incorporated in the play were also subjects for applause, and an arrangement of music, directed by Mr Bradshaw Major, added to the general finish of the production. Taking the final curtain. Mr Wiikie told his audience that it was a great pleasure to Miss Hunter-Watts, himself, and his company, to play Shakespeare in a city so essentially English as Christchnrch. He looked forward with confidence to presenting eighteen plays to Cbristchurch lovers of the dramatist.

TO-DAY'S PROGRAMME. Following upon "Xulius Ceesar" at the matinee to-day, "Twelfth Night," perhaps the most joyous of Shakespearean romantic comedies, will be revived, and Malvolio, Viola, tne Lady Olrv'a, che toners Toby and Andrew, Feste with his charming songs, Maria, and the rest will be welcomed once more to the Christchurch stage. Box plans are at The Bristol.