CHARACTERS FROM DICKENS

Press, Volume XCVII, Issue 28529, 7 March 1958, Page 26

CHARACTERS FROM DICKENS

Emlyn Williams’s Portrayals

In bringing to the stage - the characters of Dickens’ novels, Emlyn Williams, who will open his Christchurch season on March 19, follows in the path of the great author who was very successful in public performances to the English speaking world. So great was Dickens’ success in the United States, that according to old journals, elderly. women swooned, young women begged for locks of his hair and tickets to his performances were hawked by speculators at 10 times their face value. The fame of Dickens as an author overshadows his success ai a director and actor in the London theatre. He once remarked: “I always wished to be a great actor, to have the public at my feet” Emlyn Williams' admits to the same desire. As an actor, Williams has played leading roles in the two very successful plays “The Corn is Green” and “Night Must Fall,” both of which he wrote. He has starred in many productions in the United States as well as in Britain, has appeared with the Old Vic and in many films including “The Frightened Lady* and “Major Barbara.” Work in Mines As a youth, working in the mines, Williams struggled through Dickens at the urging of a schoolmaster and the characters made a lasting impression. As Dickens did before him, he felt the challenge of bringing these persons to* life in the theatre. His. first .physical impersonation of Dickens was the outcome of tentative developments by which his bedtime readings to his two small sons became a successful theatrical enterprise. He took a year to select his material and adapt it to his unique talents. There was a share of scepticism. When a producer visualising drops, props and scenery asked him what he was going to play this against, Williams replied: “The advice ot my friends.” His impersonations, however, opened up a new career for him and it has taken him from London to Europe, Broadway and South Africa.

As well as his Dickens programme, Emlyn Williams will present in Christchurch on March 21 “A Boy Growing Up,” an entertainment from stories by Dylan Thomas.