Fay Compton in “ Victoria Regina ”

Manawatu Times, Volume 63, Issue 45, 23 February 1938, Page 3

Fay Compton in “ Victoria Regina ”

GREAT RECEPTION IN AUCKLAND The following was written by an Auckland critic regarding the second performance in Aucklad of “Victoria Regina," which is to be presented here by the famous English actress, Pay Compton, and J. C. Williamson’s incomparable London company at the Opera House on Monday and Tuesday nights next:—

Tho whole-hearted enthusiasm of another large audience at His Majesty’s Theatre last night for the second performance of “Victoria Regina," by Miss Pay Compton and her company gave further assurance, if any were needed, that this remarkable chronicleplay will have the warmest possible welcome throughout its New Zealand tour, “ Victoria Regina* * makes an

immediate appeal to all thoughtful people of the British stock from which New Zealanders are proud to have sprung. Its attraction is not limited to those older folk who remember tho later years of Victoria’s long reign; school history lessons are an incentive to witness it because for a few brief hours the art of Laurence Housman and a talented company combine to make history live again upon the stage. Added to that, the play is an acute and charming study of human character, a series of sparkling episodes, each in its own dramatic vein, and a pageant of 19th. century costume in ail the dignity and sumptuousness which, except on rare occasions, the modern world so sadly lacks. To playgoers who rejoice in line acting Miss Compton’s study of the Great Queen from youth through maturity to old age is a treat that comes but rarely, and when it cornes should on no account be missed. In every scene she is most ably supported by every member of the company, and even those players who make but brief appearances leave something to remember. In the difficult role of prince Albert, Mr. Bruno Barnabe shares honours with Miss Compton by making the prince as human and wellrounded a character as the Queen herself. His interpretation should remove from many minds the impression that Albert was the stiff' and over-con-scientious person of popular legend. The presentation throughout fulfils every expectation of those who have reau Housman/s “Plays of Queen Victoria," and adds much that the average reader is bound to overlook. Among the many incidental features of “Victoria Regina’’ is the meticulous attention to period dressing and furnishing which, in conjunction with the able characterisation in minor roles, contribute to picturesque and brilliant, spectacular scenes bespeaking an exceptional standard in production. The full-rigged grace of the women characters gives to younger members of the audience an added meaning to the word i

deportment, and a new viewpoint on the crinoline ns a notable phase of the frocks.

The box plans will be opened at Messrs. Collinson and Cunninghame’s on Fraiday morning. $