"BIRD IN HAND"

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXII, Issue 22086, 16 April 1935, Page 12

"BIRD IN HAND"

"Bird in Hand," the brilliant and entertaining comedy, which is to be staged by the "Ten Minute Alibi" Company at His Majesty's Theatre on Saturday night, is regarded as the finest play yet to come from the pen of John Drinkwater, one of England's most prominent dramatists. Not only was the play an outstanding success in London, where it ran for two years, but it also attracted large audiences during its lengthy seasons in New York, on the Continent and in Australia. It is a splendidly constructed play and intensely amusing from the opening scenes until the final curtain. George Thirlwell will play the leading juvenile part, and "Bird in Hand" will introduce to New Zealand playgoers the talented actress, Miss Janet Johnson, who will make her first appearance in the role of Joan Greenleaf. Mr. Frank Bradley was in the original production of "Bird in Hand." his characterisation of Thomas Greenleaf being generally recognised ns this fine actor's best part. "Bird in Hand" is the story of a peppery, headstrong, old man, who will take the dual role of innkeeper and church-warden in rural England. How the mixed company comes together in the bar parlour of the old-established "Bird in Hand" and becomes involved in a conflict between youth and age, between things that are and things that were, is unfolded in the play. "Bird in Hand" is staged under the direction of Frank Bradley. During its brief season the company will revive "Ten Minute Alibi" and "The Wind and the Rain." Booking arrangements are advertised.