MR CYRIL MAUDE AS 'GRUMPY'

Evening Star, Issue 16625, 7 January 1918, Page 2

MR CYRIL MAUDE AS 'GRUMPY'

TO-NIGHT. At His Majesty's Theatre this evening the eminent English actor, Mr Cyril Maude, will be seen in his famous delineation of "Grumpy." Though the enterprise of the firm of J. C. Williamson, xas accounted for much in providing the Dominion with the world's greatest plays and players, it has been left to the present occasion to record the most noteworthy theatrical offering New Zealand has known. The fame and reputation of Cyril Maude in England and America far exceeds that of any other actor we have had, for to-day tho world knows no greater character actor. Of all his many famous characterisations "Grumpy" is universally acknowledged to be his greatest. Tho London 'Times' said:—"His characterisation of the title .role-si type that Charles Dickens himself might have created—is worthy to rank among tho greatest achievements of tho English stage. It will bo a lasting monument to the genius of Cyril Maude." 'Grumpy' may "be referred to as Mr Maude's nlost successful achievement, for certain it is that he has played the part longer than any other, having done so in. England and America no fewer thau 1,025 times. So phenomenal was his success in Melbourne and Sydney tjiat the presentation ran throughout the* entire season in both theso cities. The curtain will rise to-night at 8 o'clock. Only five performances of ' Grumpy' can be given, consequently the comedy will be played till Friday next (inclusive). On Saturday Mr Cyril Maude will be seen in another great character impersonation, that of "Eccles" in 'Caste,' a delineation which should be worth going a long way to see. In view ot the coming of so distinguished an artist as Mr Cyril Maude, a big house is anticipated to-night.