Theatre: Williams Thriller

Press, Volume CVI, Issue 31349, 20 April 1967, Page 7

Theatre: Williams Thriller

The Crescent Theatre will open its 1967 season with a production of Emlyn Williams’s play, “Night Must Fall,” produced by Colin Alexander. The play was first produced by Miles Malleson at the Duchesse Theatre, London, in 1935, with the author, then on the threshold of a successful career, in the leading role.

The play has been filmed twice, the first time in the 1940 s with Robert Montgomery, and more recently with Albert Finney. It is built around the character of the murderer, Dan, a hotel bell-boy, and Mrs Bramson, a self-pitying, illtempered old woman whom he flatters. It is set in the Essex countryside, a popular location for thrillers of the era.

The Crescent production has Phillip Johnson as Dan, and Mary Lawden as Mrs Bramson. They are supported by Robin Bell, Les White, Daphne Johnson, Jim Mitchell, Mavis Corbett and Gwyneth Pearce. Colin Alexander will make a “special appearance” as the Lord Chief Justice. Mr Alexander recently returned to New Zealand from England where as a bursary holder he studied for two years at the Guildhall School of Music and Dramatic Art This is his first association with Christchurch theatre since his return.

Tru Bliss designed and painted the set

“Night Must Fall” will open on April 29 for a fournight season at the City of Christchurch Highland Pipe Band ball, Buchan street, Sydenham. B.D.L. FESTIVAL The Christchurch and North Canterbury area festival of the British Drama League will be spread through the area this year. The booking of the Repertory Theatre in Christchurch is limited to the first three nights of the festival, July 16-18, and arrangements have been made to continue at Rangiora on July 19, and at Ashburton on July 20-21. If there are not as many entries as expected the Rangiora night will be cancelled. Entries close on June 16- , From the area finals teams will be chosen for the

divisional finals at Timaru on August 18-19. From these teams and divisional finalists at New Plymouth, Wellington and Balclutha, Professor K. W. Thomson of Massey University will select six teams to play in the national finals at Hawera on September 8-9. The national judge is Dr. J. C. Reid of Auckland University. PLAYS AHEAD “Clownin’ Around,” students’ revue, April 28-May 6. "Night Must Fall” (Emlyn Williams), Crescent Theatre, April 29-May 3. “Norman” (Frank Harvey), Ricearton Players, May 2-5. “Love’s a Luxury” (Paxton and Hoile), Little Theatre, May 9-11. “Antigone” (Anouilh), “Les Femmes Savantes” (Moliere), Le Treteau de Paris, May 1315.