GRAND OPERA HOUSE.

Evening Post, Volume CVII, Issue 53, 6 March 1929, Page 5

GRAND OPERA HOUSE.

Tho A. A. Milne comedy "Belinda" again delighted a large audience at the Grand Opera House last nigh t. It was a performance triumph for the artistry of Miss Irene Vanburgh, who had to respond to a special curtain at the conclusion of the performance. Mr. Dion Boucivanlt was. again Indisposed, but his rolo was ably taken by Mr. Leslie Victor. The remainder of the east was, excellent. To Mr. Dion Boucicault and Miss Irene Vanbrugli, nine years ago in London, fell the distinction of giving tho first performance of A. A. Mtlno's great English comely, "Mr. Pirn Passes By." Since then theso two great English artists hate made tUo principal characters- of the play, Mr; Pirn and Olivia respectively, peculiarly their own. Mr. Pirn Passes By" will be tho last play to bo staged by tho-Irene Vanbrugh-Dion Boucicault Company at the Grand Opera House, under J. C. Williamson, "Ltd., management. Its short season will commence to-morrow night and coucludo on Saturday right. As this is-tho last occasion on which theso .distinguished English artists will ever be seen. in Wellington (they aro at present on their farewell tour ot tho Dominion), theatregoers should on no account miss this opportunity of forming their last and lasting impression of them. As Mr. Pirn, Dion Boucicault lives his part, -so. that tho audience are not conscious of the actor, but are tilled with the character. Miss-Irene Vanbrugh as Olivia shows tpr the full that she is not less great as an actress in her part than Dion Bouoicault is a gerat actor in his. When one makes allowances for the pathetic old figure of Mr. Plm passing by It.is imuos'stblo not to fall into roars of laughter at the disturbance« ho unwittingly makes. It would bo difficult to name a finer comedy, clean and wholesome, and certainly it would bo impossible to find an actor better suited than Dion Boucicault to do justice to ono of tho most whimsical and most original characters at present on the stage. Others in the cast aro Miss Ttcnvena Ronald and Mr. Itonald Ward. Box plan is open at The Bristol.