“MR. PIM PASSES BY”

Dominion, Volume 22, Issue 139, 8 March 1929, Page 6

“MR. PIM PASSES BY”

DELIGHTFUL COMEDY REVIVED “Mr. Pirn Passes By,” a comedy in three acts, by A. A. Milne. Cast: — George Marden, J.P J. B. Rowe Olivia (his wife) (her original part) Irene Vanbrugh Dinah (his niece) .... Rowena Ronald Lady Marden (his aunt) .. Annie Saker Brian Strange Ronald Ward Carraway Pirn (his original part) Dion Boucicault Anne Eileen Morris It was a matter for great satisfaction to playgoers at the Grand Opera House last evening that Mr. Dion Boucicault had recovered from his indisposition and was able to appear in the role created for him by the brilliant author of the famous comedy, “Mr. Pirn Passes By.” Tlie story invented by Mr. Milne for this delightful comedy tells of an eccentric old gentleman, Mr. Pirn, who appears on the scene one fine hot summer's day with a letter of introduction to Mr. George Marden, a mutual friend in Australia, and asking for a similar letter to another. Mrs. Marden, formerly a Mrs. Tellworthy, has made a very happy second marriage after rather an unfortunate first venture in marrying a ne’er-do-well who went to Australia—and the dogs—and by all accounts died there. Her second husband is one of these very precise and correct individuals with a great pride in the order and honour- of his house. There is an Aunt Julia, too. a somewhat masculine lady with a habit of domineering the family." Mr. Pirn during his call electrifies the Martlens by mentioning casually that he came Home on the same bont with a man named Tellworthy. and shortly after takes his departure with no idea of the domestic devastation ho has created by his chance remark. The correct Mr. Marden is horrified by the situation into which his orderly life and affairs have been precipitated, and matters are de.cidedly uncomfortable for all concerned when Mr. Pirn returns, and in reply to agitated nuestions says that the mnn Tellworthy died on the boat from swallowing a fishbone. Then he goes awny again. But this does not relieve Mr. Marden’s mind, for the idea that his beautiful wife was n bigamist raises visions of fresh scandals and legal nroceedings. Returns /once more Mr. Pim,

to explain that the man’s name was not Tellworthy but Polwhittle, ami all ends well, but not before good use has been made by the various characters in the nlay of ilie ilramaiic sn.iau. ns nn excellent opportunities for alternate nnmedy and pathos created by Mr. Pirn's bombshell. The revival of the comedy attracted a large audience, which thoroughly enjoyed the performance. Mr. Boucicault’s fine characterisation of Mr. Pim was an artistic treat in itself. The doddering, absentminded, and memory-gone old gentleman was depicted to the life. Miss Irene Vanbrugh's loving, elever, and indulgent wife of a stolid English country gentleman, was also an excellent piece of acting. Dlr. J. B. Rowe, playing opposite her as the husband, was as stolid, dogmatic, yet as gruffly indulgent, as is the-manner of his kind in real life. Miss Rowena Ronald and Mr. Ronald Ward made an attractive pair of young lovers. Miss Annie Saker’s Aunt Julia (]Lady Marden), a somewhat horsey type of Englishwoman, who lives the country life with appropriate country swank, was a faithful piece of work, while Miss Eileen Morris, as the maid, announced callers in the approved fashion. Altogether an excellent production. The comedy will be repeated this evening.