THE STAGE "DANDY DICK” A WINNER

Press, Volume LXXXIX, Issue 27059, 6 June 1953, Page 2

THE STAGE "DANDY DICK” A WINNER

ENJOYABLE PINERO COMEDY

NEW ZEALAND PLAYERS’ PRODUCTION New Zealand’s own professional theatre company, the New Zealand Players, made its debut jn Christchurch at the Theatre Royal last evening with a most happily chosen play— Pinero's farcical comedy, "Dandy Dick,” last seen here more than 60 years ago, but showing no signs of age. Put a racehorse and a rural dean into a comedy, and it should appeal to any New Zealand audience. The first night audience enjoyed every moment of it, and gave a warm welcome not only to a brave venture, but to a delightfully amusing production. “Dandy Dick” is a light-hearted and lively play calculated to strike a responsive note in the hearts of all who have placed bets, however modest, on a horse. 'lt is farcical, but the farce is not of the broad, knockabout variety. The comedy gains its effect niore from Pinero’s almost gentle derision of Victorian foibles and affectations than from occasional boisterous scenes. Richard Campion and his players present the three acts with skill and zest; they do not attempt to burlesque any part of them. Pinero’s piay is too well-made for such treatment. It has been treated as a period Piece, and the producer’s choice of Sroupmgs, gestures, and movements, a R“ Raymond Boyce’s charming setting with its screens, couch, and aspidisrS aS w- a J be ? t 0 P res erve the essence of Victorianism, and to enhance the lines ly lronical natu re of many of the

.Jf? ere J s t pl l nty of fun in Pinero’s Mn™ D H b ° U l the Pr ° Sy Dean °f St. Marvells whose concern for the tot£?ir ® leads him into financial difficulties. He attempts io exriaet himself by placing T substantial bet on a horse jointly owned by his sister and an old friend of Oxford days. When the horse apparently contracts a chill and the dean tries his hand at doctoring, ther s is a clerical fall from grace. But his intentions are of the best, he is rescued from the clutches iof the village constable, and all ends happily, even the flirtation of his wayward daughters. Salome and Sheba, with a pair of gallant Army officers. In some hands the charactor of the Very Rev. Augustin Jedd could have been a stock clerical figure of fun. John Gordon makes him a gentle little man with a soft voice and pious manner, who is both lovable and convincing. and whose difficulties excite sympathy as well as amusement. There could be no greater contrast in roles than that of his boisterous, horsey sister, Georgiana Tid-man. She is played with robust humour, and even a certain amount of charm, by Gay Dean. Sir Tristam Mardon, who owns the front half of Dandy Dick, is occasionally too boisterous, but is an effective partner. Roy Patrick plays the part with much gusto. Some of the best acting in the play comes from Edith Campion and Diane Rhodes as the sisters Salome and Sheba. There was true Victorian feeling in their affection for each other, and their flirtation with the two officers was delightful to see and hear. Miss Campion played the elder sister, her more mannered style being in apt contrast to the youthful charm and simplicity of the younger. John Car-son-Parker and Michael Cotterill, as the suitors, Major Tarver and Lieutenant Darbey, were perfect period pieces. They made their comedy just sufficiently broad to be effective. Proof that the New Zealand Players are a well-balanced company is provided by the playing of the minor roles. Bernard Kearns thoroughly enjoys himself, and delights the audience, as the butler, Blore, who does the betting for the servants, and lands the dean in trouble. Barry Linehan is a doltish village constable, and Rilla Stephens is most amusing as his wife, and former cook at the deanery. There are moments when “Dandy Dick" is a trifle slow-moving, "fhe action is aided, however, by a witty musical score, composed by Douglas Lilburn, and in harmony with the mood of the play. Rilla Stephens, wearing a Victorian dream of a hat, plays the piano in the pit, and adds an amusing touch to the early scenes. Last evening the timing was not always exact, and the music tended to overwhelm what the players were saying.

But theatregoers in Christchurch, even those who have not made attendance a habit, can safely place their money on “Dandy Dick." He will return them a rich dividend of laughter and enjoyment.