REPERTORY PRODUCTION

Press, Volume LXXXI, Issue 24571, 21 May 1945, Page 2

REPERTORY PRODUCTION

“MB PIM PASSES BY” Fortunately for the peace of mind of ordinary folk, few men, in. passing by, cause as much consternation or so many complications as did Mr Pim, the central figure in A. A. Milne’s play, “Mr Pim Passes By,” presented at the Radiant Hall on Saturday night by the Canterbury Repertory Theatre Society. The audience, which filled the hall, greatly enjoyed the intriguing situations innocently brought about by the lapses of memory of one little man. The play is a pleasant comedy, skirting the edge of the deeper feelings without falling into them, and gay with the light-hearted talk in which Mr Milne excels. It was first played in London 25 years ago with Dion Boucicault and Irene Vanbrugh in the leading roles, and many local theatregoers will recall that the same great artists played it in Christchurch in 1929, .when Mr Boucicault, then 70 years old. made his last stage appearance. On Saturday night Ronald Neale made creditable the part of Mr Pim, a wistful, kindly, and absent-minded old man. Admirably made up. he skilfully conveyed the right impression of the slow mental - processes of old age, though his voice was somewhat robust for his aged appearance and manner. Audrey Cotterill, as Olivia, who, through the babbling of Mr Pim, appeared for a time as a bigamist, though an innocent pne, was at the top of her form. By turns tender, arch, pathetic, and merix she enjoyed herself almost as much as the audience enjoyed her. The part of her second husband, a highprincipled, conventional country gentleman. was played by G. S. Salter, with his usual competence. He was particularly good when, his complacency deflated, he surrendered unconditionally to the wishes of his wife. As his happy, high-spirited niece, Dawn Kincaid gave a lively, promising performance, and John Hendrv was a likeable, optimistic young artist He has imagination and a pleasant voice, which he must be careful to make audible in the farthest corners of the theatre. A fine bit of character acting was that of Agnes Richardson, who appeared as a downright sporting member of “The County” in Buckinghamshire. and Margaret Inwood was a smart parlour maid. The satisfactory production was in the hands of Mrs R. D. Neale, and an innovation was the playing, from the stage, before the rise of the curtain, of Havdn’s trio No, S in E Flat major bv Gladvs Vincent, Francis Bate, and A cries Cullman. . The proceeds of the play, whiph will he repeated to-night and On the three fnPowing nights, will be given to the Patriotic Fund. .

Telegraph Service.—The DirectorGeneral of the Post and Telegraph Department advises that telegraphic service has now been restored with Denmark and Norway for private telegrams of a personal, but not business nature. Any authorised plain languages are allowed. Youth Rally.—More than 1200 persons attended a youth rally held yesterday afternoon in the Theatre Royal, when an address on the problems of youth, entitled “Rooting out the Quisling,” was given by the Rev. Lionel B Fletcher. The lesson was read by the Rev. W. M. Gamer.