INTRIGUING DRAMA

Dominion, Volume 29, Issue 194, 14 May 1936, Page 14

INTRIGUING DRAMA

AFTER amusing Wellington playgoers with its polished version of Ivor Novcllo’s comedy of manners, "Fresh Fields,” the Williamson company, headed by Ethel Morrison and Elahie Hamill, the two New Zealand actresses, will next send pleasant shudders down the spines of audiences with its realistic performance of Emlyn Williams’s crime play, "Night Must Fall.” This is stark drama, leavened by comedy. and bristling with sensation. Lloyd Lamble, from Melbourne (who starred in Gerald Savory’s roles in Australia), enacts Dan, an .astounding character, who has, during the play’s progress, a double murder on his soul. Mr. Lamble proves himself an adept in the art of dissembling, for his D_an is a sinister yet utterly charming fellow. There is all the atmosphere of the court-room in this remarkable play, and those who like tense moments will find “Night Must Fall” crammed full of drama. Miss Morrison’s role of Mrs. Branson gives her opportunities for the display of infectious hysteria. Her screams are those of a woman in mortal fear as Dan prepares to make her his next' victim. Elaine Hamill plays Olivia, her niece. Harvey Adams is Inspector Belsize, and other parts are played by members of the “Fresh Fields” cast with the addition of Campbell Copelin.