ENTERTAINMENTS

Manawatu Standard, Volume LIII, Issue 52, 28 January 1933, Page 3

ENTERTAINMENTS

SYBIL THORNDIKE. ENGLAND’S GREATEST DRAMATIC “STAR” COMING. Next Thursday is likely to bn a redlcttcr day for Palmerston North patrons of the drama, marking as it does the first and only appearance of the celebrated English actress, Sybil Thorndike, who will elfect her introduction to local patrons at the Opera House in Bernard Shaw’s worldfamed masterpiece, “St. Joan,” for one night only. The box plan opens at the Central Booking Office on Monday. Dame Sybil Thorndike is a name to conjure with wherever the English tongue is spoken. She is emphatically one of the “company of conquerors.” Governing and directing a technique never equalled since t-hc pristine days of Ellen Terry (whose direct successor she is) is a radiant and vigorous personality that has made her the idol of three continents, and subjugated all audiences to her sway. Her voice is of amazing quality, making even the commonplace significant, and bringing emotion always near. What is very appealing about the production is the artistry displayed in the appointments. The colouring, the devices, tho lights, the beautiful stained glass windows, the brightly divergent costuming, are part of a perfect piece of tapestry, all in tho manner, all contributing to tho atmosphere. Each scone ends with a tableau, which comes naturally from the action of the play, and not from any set movement. To Mr Lewis Casson this harmony of historic and poetic idea is duo. Strict attention, too, is paid to tempo, always a vital factor in production. Now Zealand is fortunate in having attracted such a company of artists, says a southern critic.” As Joan Dame Sybil Thorndike, one of tho foremost of England’s intellectual players, gives a performance that for sheer naturalness and charm could scarcely be surpassed. Without for one instant attempting to bo theatrically winsome, Joan stands revealed as the simple, healthy, strong-minded, ready,witted Maid of Domremy, without any nonsense about her, and seeing naught in life or her “mission” that is subtle or amazing. She only sees her duty straight and clear to mansions in the skies, and is not to bo put off with any humbug from the stupid-headed great around her. Only once does Joan visibly weaken, when at the thought of all she has done for France and its Ruling King, sho is to bo burnt alive as a witch. Hero a high dramatic note is struck. After signing a confession of heresy, she is informed by the smooth-tongued Inquisitor that imprisonment for life is to bo her portion, when sho snatches the document, tears it into ribbons, with fine declamatory and pictorial effect.

PICTURE THEATRES. At the Regent Theatre, “Love Me Tonight”; at the Kosy Theatre, “Daring Danger”; “Down to Earth,” at tho Palace Theatre.