CIVIC.

Press, Volume LXV, Issue 19691, 7 August 1929, Page 6

CIVIC.

OLD DRURY LANE PLAY. COMMENCING FRIDAY. The management of the Civic Theatre announce that, in keeping with the standard they have maintained since the opening of that theatre, another excellent programme is being offered to Christchurch patrons. This programme ie particularly suited to Christchurch and to the protsent time, for with the racing season here it is surely appiopriate to have screened at the Civic a picturisation of the great melodrama, "The Whip." Drury Lane is an historical spot. It was opened in 1663 by order of Charles 11., and has been the centre of the greatest attractions ever produced. Here it was that "The Whip" was staged by Sir Augustus Harris, who imparted to it the atmosphere of the greatest of all meetings, that of Derby Day at Epsom Downs. On Derby Day England's millions meet at Epsom. The coster with his fancy costumes and wonderful repartee, with his donkey cart as gaily decorated as himself, and his women folk one better than himself. There is also Royalty and its train of followers in motorcars, old-fashioned and spectacular coaches and horses—truly a magnificent display. More is it a meeting place rather than b race meeting, for it is doubtful if more than one-third of the people assembled can even see the horses run, so huge is the crowd and so peculiar is the shape of the course. However, Derby Day to an Englishman is Derby Day. and that is all that needs be said. To Englishmen in this country "The Whip" will mean a renewing of all the old ties, while to the New Zealander it will bring vividly before him the life he has to often heard about. "The Whip" is a wonderful picture brought up to date as far as costumes and motor-cars are concerned, but English in every detail. The cast is an exceptionally strong one. In • fact, four individual stars co-operate to make this picture. They are Dorothy Mackail, Halph Forbes, Anna Q. Nilsson. and Lowel The management announce a reduction in admission prices, and intimate I that the box plan is now open -at The Bristol. |