Sybil Thorndike

Manawatu Times, Volume LVI, Issue 7064, 25 January 1933, Page 7

Sybil Thorndike

ENGLAND’S GREATEST DRAMATIC “STAR” COMING IN ‘SAINT JOAN' Thursday, February 2, is likely to be a red-letter day for Palmerston North and district patrons of tho drama, marking as it does tho first and only appearanco of tho celebrated English actress, Sybil Thorndike, who will effect her introduction at the Opera House in Bernard Shaw’s brilliant play, “Saint Jean.” Dame Sybil Thorndike is c, name to conjuro with wherever the English tongue is spoken. She is cmphaticaly one of tho “company of conquerors.” Governing and directing a technique never equalled since the 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. Singularly expressive features, on which the photographer’s art has conferred renown tho world over, complete the sum of her attributes, and she has the support of a London company of a merit rarely seen in thc3o parts. The (Wellington Evening Post critic- wrote: “For the first time in its theatrical history New Zealand had the pleasure and privilege of hearing Mr. Shaw express ins opinions and state his opinions through tho medium of Joan of Arc, that character being assumed by Dame Sybil Thorndike, supported by her talented husband (Mr. Lewis Casson). The play was produced at the Grand Opera House. From tho beginning of the play, with its brief but appropriate musical introduction, the audienco sat in almost total silence. But when tho curtain fell it gave full rein to its feelings and cheered again and again and applauded with hands and feet and stood up from its seats to give greater force to its expression of approval of the play and (presumably 1 ) its endorsement of its sentiments.” Tho box plan will be opened at tho Central Booking Office on Monday, next..