J. C. WILLIAMSON'S COMPANY

Press, Volume LXXI, Issue 21400, 16 February 1935, Page 3

J. C. WILLIAMSON'S COMPANY

*<TEN MINUTE ALIBI" Dramatic productions were suffering rather a poor time of it in London until "Ten Minute Alibi," which is to be staged here by J. C. Williamson's brilliant English company at the Theatre Royal, for a brief period, beginning on Saturday afternon and evening, March 2, became the rage. It was acclaimed by critics to be the greatest and cleverest production the stage has known during the last decade, and it really started a new era for the legitimate stage, not only in England but in almost every other part of the world. "Ten Minute Alibi" attracted record audiences in London for over two years, and it is at present being played in no fewer than 23 countries. The success achieved by "Ten Minute Alibi" in Australia is without a precedent, its run there exceeding 12 months, which is a record run for a dramatic production. As an entertainment "Ten Minute Alibi" is hard to beat, its thrilling dramatic situations being interspersed with original and clever comedy. Those who want a mystery play, that has no mystery, and yet possesses the absorbing interest of one, will have their craving fully satisfied. It has excitement and thrills in plenty, with the romantic I note running through it. Everywhere this play has been heads have been shaken in mystification. Yet actually there is no mystery. The audience witnesses the murder, thus eliminating the usual mystery element. But it is the alibi that enthrals and intrigues. For the Australian and New Zealand production of "Ten Minute Alibi" the J. C. Williamson, Ltd., management was fortunate in procuring artists; all of whom are specially fitted for the roles they interpret. The leading juvenile man is Mr George Thirlwell, one of London's foremost young actors, who has achieved an outstanding success. Miss Jocelyn Howarth, the heroine of the drama, will be remembered for her splendid performance in the screen production of "The Squatter's Daughter." Mr Arundel Nixon will make his first appearance here in the part he played in the English production of "Ten Minute Alibi." The company also includes Frank Bradley, the brilliant character comedian, Mr Harold B. Meade, a noted English artist, R. L. Atholwood. Richard Fair, Tommy Jay, Russell Chapman, Nan Taylor, Gwen -Munfo. Ron Roberts, Janet Johnson, Frederick Hughes, and other noted dramatic and comedy artists. "Ten Minute Alibi" will be presented on the same scale of completeness as when it created a sensation in London. The box plans will be opened at "the D.I.C. on Thursday morning, February 28.