“THE PIGEON”

Dominion, Volume 22, Issue 51, 23 November 1928, Page 6

“THE PIGEON”

PHILOSOPHIC COMEDY BY JOHN GALSWORTHY

"The Pigeon,” a play in three acts by John Galsworthy. Cast: —Ann, .Miss Thyra Baldwin; Christopher Wellwyn, Mr. E. S. Baldwin; Edward Bartley, Mr. R. E. Pope; Mrs. Guinevere Megan, Miss Mary Cooley; Eerrand, Mr. W. S. Wauchop; Timson, Mr. O. N. Gillespie; Alfred Calway, Mr. Allan Hebb; .Sir Thomas Hoxton, Mr. J. T. MeCaw; Megan, Mr. M. Rogers; A police constable, Mr. H. N. Burns; First bumble man, Mr. Hartson Cook; Second humble man, Mr. Jasper Baldwin; Third humble man, Mr. Maurice James. How often has John Galsworthy placed his finger on those ragged holes of our social fabric that all may see how inevitable they are, and to indicate with his gentle force how tolerant the strong should be with the shortcomings of the weak. It crops out in his “Justice,” his “Escape,” and is very cleverly and entertainingly illustrated in his play “The Pigeon” which was capitally presented by the Repertory Theatre Society in the W,Y,C,A, Hall last night. Galsworthy is too big a miin to attempt to offer any solution to the queries he raises as to the irrcclaimability of the real vagabond, the hopeless task of attempting to bring to book the chronic rotter. He argues, or rather, states the case in “The Pigeon,” that in the backwash of humanity there are those who are what they are because they cannot be otherwise —there is something in their psychological make-up that prevents them being otherwise thau garbage on the scrap-head of life. And with exquisite irony he places alongside three of these hopeless degenerates, three would-be reformers of social standing, who are almost as ridiculous as those they would reform, and between them there is Welwyn the dear old artist, and irresponsible philanthropist, with the understanding heart and the ever-open pocket—surely a very interesting gallery of portraits from life.

“The Pigeon” will stand out as one of the soundest performances given by the society. There was ample evidence of careful selection in casting the piece, and each performer was imbued with a intelligent conception of his or her responsibiliities, so that as a performance it was quite a success. Wellwyn is introduced to the audience in his studio on a snowy Christmas Eve, being sermonised for his loose habit of helping lame dogs over stiles, by Ann, his charming, clear-sighted daughter. Enter, at intervals. Mrs. Megan, a flower seller, at the end of her resources, Ferrand, a plausible vagabond, who is all things to all men: and Timson, a drunken ex-cabby. Wellwyn, in his walks, had given each a card, and they all turn up to claim his hospitality—to sponge on him. Revived by the good man’s meat and drink, Mrs. Megan and Ferrand find attraction in one another, and Timson raids his cellar without a qualm. All are utterly hopeless. Ann seeks assistance in the advice of Professor Calway. Sir Thos. Hoxton, Canon Bartley, and the three discuss the “awful examples,” and generate heat amongst themselves in the process. Then Ann acts. She elects to change camp, and engages rooms on a seventh-floor elsewhere, and the removal is taking place when the trio drift in, more hopeless than ever, and once more are succoured by Mr. Great Heart, and given cards inscribed with the new address. And there, Galsworthy leaves his audience in just as great a stage of despair as his dear Ann. Mr. E. S. Baldwin gave a very loveable portrait of Wellwyn—staid, quiet, infinitely sympathetic, and understanding, lighting the gloom ot every situation with a gentle humour and serene philosophy. There was more ca.l Ar restraint than for anything histrionwat ly strenuous, and Mr. Baldwin realised this to a nicety. Another excellent bit of acting was the Ferrand of Mr. VV. S. Wauchop, who assumed the Gallic temperament, the volubility and volatile habit of speech and action as to the manner born, making his claim for justice for vagabondage almost convincing. Mr. O N Gillespie was most amusing as the alcoholic Timson and never once overstepped the line of probability inthe depths of his cups. Miss Thyra Baldwin made a sweet wholesome Ann, and Miss Mary Cooley sensed the spirit of the degenerate Mrs. Megan with touches of gaietv and pathos that were an artistic delight. Mr. R. E. Pope was properly pompous, preachy and assertive, as Cnnon Bartley—a real type; Mr. Allan Hebb was vital in his little bit ns the argumentative Professor Calway, and as his bete noir Sir Thomas Hoxton Mr. T T McCaw exerted the irritating superiority complex that is the prerogative of every experienced J.P. Messrs. Hanson Cook, J. Baldwin and M. James appeared as the three humble men. A good deal of credit is due to Mr. Hanson Cook for the excellence of his work as producer.