AUSTRALIAN COMEDY.

Evening Star, Issue 18239, 2 April 1923, Page 8

AUSTRALIAN COMEDY.

STAGE VERSION OF ‘THE SENTIMENTAL BLOKE.’ ‘ Tim Sentimental Bloke,’ with which hundreds ol New Zealanders arc familiar as a book ol poems by Mi' C. J. Dennis, was presented to a Dunedin audience tor the first limo on Saturday night- in its dramatised form, and from beginning to end it scored a distinct, success. It was the truly human nature of the characters of the written work which made such an irresistible appeal to thousands of readers all over the world, And in the change from print to stage ifie piece lias lust none of its original charm —in fact, those who had read the poems must have found increased delight in seeing before them the characters so skilfully drawn by MV Dennis. If there were any who had donhis in respect to Iho .successful adaptation of the piece to the stage, they must have been thoroughly convinced that the characters are admirably adapted for such a purpose. There was not a dull moment, and. though the piece had an abundance of broad humor on the surface, underneath it all there was a deep human sentiment which compelled attention. Humor and pathos were judiciously combined, and the unfolding of the plot was followed with unabated, interest. Even while it raised a hunihed-and-ono hearty laughs, the story went right to the heart of things. This is really the secret of the success of ‘The Sentimental Bloke’ —its genuine human interest, whieh has a universal appeal. The author is to be congratulated on the manner in which he lias transformed Ids poems into prose without sacrificing the spiiit of the character types he sketched so well—types which have already heroine noted in llm annals of Australian literal lire. Not everything depends upon the playwright, however, and he is fortunate in baling it presented in such a capable way as is done by the E. J. and Dan Carrol! New Australian Comedy Company, every member of which gave a delightful piece of character acting. The dialogue, like the book, is mostly Australian slang, and was given with an easy naturalness and spontaneity thatproved highly amusing and entertaining. The staging and setting ofJ.be play (which was produced hy Bert -Bailey' were well carried out, and incidental music was supplied by a capable orchestra under the i charge of 1,. Weiehard. A splendid presentation was given by Mr Walter Cornock of “ Bill, the Kid,” around whoso love affairs the whole story revolves. His portrayal of the title role was cleverly carried out—-quiet, strong, and yet forceful when required. How he “did liis block” on sweet Doreen, and “gets the hump ” The feeling to ho something better) gives (ho human touch which makes the story so interesting. His awkward methods of love-making, his “ intro.” to Doreen's “mar.” and his breaking of his vow to Doreen to “chuck the slouch ” I mi crooks who would swindle her uncle | provided situations in which Mr Cnrnock's acting was most effective. Then there was i something all-absorbing in ids anxiety i before Bill junior arrives and his worshipful pride of the boy. “(linger Mirk.” the Kid's cobber, was played hy Ta! Ordell, who gave n fine exposition of character acting —perhaps the best of the evening. Ho seemed to thoroughly seize the writer's intention, and got behind the part in a. way Unit won him great favor. As “Doreen” Miss Eileen Alexander -a New Zealand girl) was well cast. She made a charming and lovable girl, and gave a clever, yet restrained, characterisa i ion of i the role. Miss Stella Pay tec showed some . skill as Doreen’s “mar,” and was most amusing in the scenes where she attempted to make love to the retired farmer. " ITicle' Jim.” The latter part was ably plaved hy Mr Etlwaid l.andor, and some clever character acting was also shown hy Leslie Gordon as “’Erb,” a sirnpl-e-minded farm hand. Ollier parts were capably filled by Miss Tza Crossley (“Effie”), Herbert C. Wallen (“Artie Apps." her husband), Freddy Brown (Hie “si ror "at root”). Vivian Edwards (“Steve Gunn.” a snider and confidence man), Spike Wegg (Ids apprentice). Alice Walton <Mcs Entwistle:. and Alfreda T’evan (a nurse). “Artie Apps” and “lathe” dds fiasco) also contributed a good deal of, comedy. ‘The Sentimental Bloke 1 will he staged, again to-night. !