Fay Compton in “Victoria Regina”

Manawatu Times, Volume 63, Issue 43, 21 February 1938, Page 3

Fay Compton in “Victoria Regina”

Miss Fay Compton, wlio is to appear here with her London Company under the direction of J. C. Williamson Ltd., in “Victoria Bogina” on Monday and Tuesday nights of next week at the Opera House received a wonderful reception when she made her debut before a New Zealand audience in Auckland recently. When she first appeared in the role of Victoria there was loud applause from all parts of the theatre and this enthusiastic reception lasted for fully three minutes. The curtain had to be raised repeatedly after each of the ten scenes and at the final close of a wonderful performance the audience rose en masse and cheered the famous English actress again and again. The management state that it was by far the most memorable theatrical occasion in the history of the J. C. Williamson Ltd. theatre there. Miss Compton comes to us with the reputation of being England's foremost actress, a reputation she has won in a series of numerous successful London productions. In comedy, drama and every other phase of the stage, Miss Compton has achieved success, and she is noted for her creation of the title role of Marie Rose and Barrie's famous play; the title role of Peter Pan; as the wife in “Tea for Three,” and in Shakespearian characters. In 1930 she set the seal on her versatility by appearing as “principal boy” in pantomime. Miss Compton would probably prove a great attraction for playgoers in any production, but it is said that she is presented at her very best in Houseman ’s brilliant comedy-drama “Victoria Regina.” This jriay is written,” wrote a critic, recently, “with understanding land humour. Its ten scenes, extending over a period of sixty years, are incidents aptly chosen to show the character of England's revered Queen. The versatility of the accomplished Fay Compton has the greatest scope and only an actress of real intelligence and experience could adapt herself to the changes of the years and preserve the relationships of each part to create a real and living whole. Miss Compton, however, with her beautiful and wellmodulated voice, restraint in tone and gesture, aided by realistic make-up, was a living and human Queen.” Miss Compton is surrounded by a brilliant company of specially selected London artists, including Bruno Barnabe, who is said to present a magnificent portrayal of Prince Albert, Stafford Hilliard, •Jack McNaughton, Michael Wilding, Ann Codrington, Mary Charles, George Blackwood, Miss Hay ley Bell, Yvette Anning. The company also includes Guy Hastings, Field Fisher, Dorothy Barclay, Vera Fisher, Norton. Hammond, lan Harvey, Walter Plinge, and others. For the perfect representation

of "Victoria Kegina” no less than 100 tons of effects have to be carried, and to handle these effects no less than Jo mechanists and electricians travel with the company. The box plans will be opened at Collinson and Cunninghauie’s on Friday morning next at nine o’clock. A queue will be formed from S a.m.