FAY COMPTON

Dominion, Volume 31, Issue 128, 24 February 1938, Page 15

FAY COMPTON

Coming In “Victoria Regina” Miss Fay Compton, who is to appear at Wellington with her London company under the direction of J. C. Williamson, Ltd., in “Victoria Regina,” on Saturday, March 5, received a wonderful reception when she made her debut before a New Zealand audience in Auckland recently. ■When she first appeared in the role of Victoria there was loud applause from all parts of the theatre. The curtain had to be raised repeatedly after each of the ten scenes, and at the final close of a wonderful performance the audience rose, en masse and cheered the famous English actress again and again. Miss Compton comes with the reputation of being England’s foremost actress, a reputation she has won in a series of numerous successful London productions. Miss Compton would probably prove a great attraction for playgoers in any production, but it is said that she is presented at her very best in Housman’s brilliant comedy-drama “Victoria Regina.” “This play is written,” wrote a critic recently, “with understanding and humour. Its ten scenes, extending over a period of sixty years, are icidents aptly chosen to show the character of England’s revered Queen.” Miss Compton is surrounded by a brilliant company of specially selected London artists, including Bruno Barnabe, who is said to present a magnificent portrayal of Prince Albert, Michael Wilding, Stafford Hilliard, Jack McNaughton, Ann Codrington, Mary Charles, and George Blackwood. , ■ \