“THE SENTIMENTAL BLOKE”

Dominion, Volume 16, Issue 148, 10 March 1923, Page 8

“THE SENTIMENTAL BLOKE”

Ono reason why “Tho Sentimental Bloke” has been a long while reaching the spoken stage, C. J. Dennis deI dares, is that ho has never before I been able to gather together a completely satisfying cast. Once or twice I tine nght people were almost all availi able, Out there was always at least one important part for which tho necessary actor was not there. And so “The Sentimental Bloke,” in three acts of laughs and tears and a quaint and vigorous prologue, has been delayed until, in October, with the assistance of E. J. and Dan. Carroll, Mr. Dennist was able to get a company of principal* which he felt would truly realise the characters of the famous verses. Th* “Bioko” will havo a nine nights’ run in Wellington, beginning on Tuesday, March 20, at tho Grand Opera House. “Tho Sentimental Bloke” has proved the most distinctive Australian comedydrama yet written, retaining the strona human touch and hint of pathos that made the “Bloke” of the versos and the film 'beloved of the world. Mr, Dennis prefers to say no more about his plav than tills: “I have tried to make ‘tne ‘Bloke* and his friends hve $ x Mr. Carroll gave mo carte blanche m the casting of the play, and I sm satisfied that each man and woman who steps on to the stage is the feet realisation of my own idea of th* characters