"GRUMPY"

Dominion, Volume 11, Issue 55, 28 November 1917, Page 7

"GRUMPY"

MR. CYRIL MAUDE'S TRIUMPH

. "Grumpy," a play in four acts by Horace Hodges and T. AV. Percyval. Cast:— Andrew! Bullivant .' Mr ; Cyril- Maude Ernest' Heron Mr. Herbert Rauson Ruddock Mr. Edward Lester Jarvis Mr Prank Elliott Isaac Wolf Mr. Robert Ayrton Dr. Maclaren Mr. Stephen Scanlan Kcble Mi-. V. Uatenby Bell Merridew Mr. Harry Sweeney Dawson Mr. H. H. Wallace Virginia. Bullivant...Miss Dorothy dimming Mrs. Maclaren ...: Mise Stella Paytor Susan Miss Setts Murray "Grumpy," the much-heralded, arrived at the Grand Opera House last ovening, and both the very charming play and the distinguished English actor, Mr. Cyril Maude, absolutely conquered all who were fortunate enough to be present. It may be that some thought they were unfortunate, for 'owing to the late hour at which tho scenery was landed the curtain did not rise until 8.40 p.m., but that was only before the play. After the first act of Messrs. Hodges and Percyval's delightful comedy the audience realised that they were seeing an exceptionally fine character actor in a good play—a happy combination. Of Mr. Maude's assumption of the role of "Grumpy," 1..10 is' Andrew Bullivant, formerly a, great'criminal lawyer now in semidotage, it can be faithfully recorded that it is one of those great character creations such as one only sees once in a generation. The actor completely sinks his identity in that of the irascible old ootogenarian who still has his master wits about him, and is deliciously impatient of the slightest lack of understanding in othors. His lapses from sharp, incisive, witty dialogue into semi-senility, and his manly voice changing to childish treble, were evidences of finished art erected on a foundation of intuitive knowledge and understanding. ' Very beautiful, too, .are the touches of sentiment expressed in his love of young Ernest Heron and his daughter Virginia. It is the wavering attachment of these two, and tho recovery of a famous diamond stolen from the former on the night of his arrival b,ack from South Africa under "Grumpy's" roof, which gives a strong thread of dramatic interest to the play. A Mr. ' Jarvis is the culprit. He worms his way into the Bullivant household, fascinates tho budding Virginia, and that' night attacks Herou in the dark and steals the diamond. The next morning the old criminal lawyer takes up the case, seizes upon the only clue—a hair-entwined camellia from one of his own pots—and finally restores the diamond and hands over Jarvis to the police. The play is Nightly written and admirably constructed. Naturally all tho characters are subservient to that of "Grumpy''—but not obtrusively so— and that part, which must be an extremely lengthy one, as Air. Maude is never off .the stage for more than a few minutes, is drawn with a master hand. Otherwise the performance is quito sound: Miss Dorothy Cuuimuig, who has been seen hore before, returns to Wellington a much improved actress. As Virginia sho simulates the girlish uncertainty of her emotions and her abounding love for her aged father in a manner entirely charming. Mr. Herbert Ranson was bright and boyish as Ernest Heron, and his acting after the affray was admirably convincing. Mr. Frank Elliott gave a polished performance as the smooth-tongued ruffian, Jarvis and Mr. llobert Aryton was greasily unctuous as Isaac Wolf, the ! Jewish trafficker in stolen goods. Another good sketch was that of Dr. Maclaren by that ablo actor, Mr. Stephen Scanlon, and Mr. Harry Sweenoy and Mr. E. Lester presented comniendablo characcor studies as Merridew and Ruddock respectively. Miss Betty Murray was pretty and pleasing as Susan, and Miss Stella Pay ton was Mrs. Maclaren. •■•■■■ 'The comedy is capitally presented down to the smallest' details, and the final Mil of ,the curtain was the sign for an ovation. Among the large audience present wore the Governor-General and the Countess of Liverpool and party, and the Mayor and Mrs. Luke. The comedy will be played until Saturday evening. On Monday the company will be seen in Geo. A. Birmingham's racy Irish comedy, "General John Began," preceded by a scene from "The School for Scandal," with Mr. Maude as Sir Peter Teazle, in which part he is said to have no compeer on the English stage. ■