“THE FARMER’S WIFE”

New Zealand Times, Volume LIII, Issue 12391, 10 March 1926, Page 9

“THE FARMER’S WIFE”

OPERA HOUSE NEXT MONDAY. Old friends and now will be welcomed at the Grand Opera House on Monday ovening for a short season of six nights by members />i tho English Comedy Company specially organised by J. C. Williamson, Ltd., for the Australasian production of Eden Philnott’s new play, “Tli© farmer’s Wife.” Artists who have been previously seen here share with the newcomers the principal 'honours of an excellent cast for this entertaining comedy of rustic manners. The new play depends for its success upon comedy and dramatic situations, also upon the art of characterisation exhibited by Eden Philpotts in these quaint types of Devonshire farm life, particularly in his portrayal of the sturdy old cynic, Charles Ash, outdoor man at Applegartli Farm, whose views about women are aptly summarised in this line: “They change their clothes, but not their claws.” The role is played by Edwin Brett, well remembered here for his artistic Mr Hook in “Miss Hook of Holland.” Miss Doris Johnstone, as the farmer’s wife, ffc a tall and typically English actress who brings qualities of winsome beautv and refined charm with her part. iNtiss Susan Richmond appears as Thirza Tapper, an old maid of mid-Victorian aspects, a pernicketty, prattlesom© body who creates heaps of laughi-sjr* Townsend Wliitling, who pl%pß the part of the farmer, is also producer of the play. He last appeared here with Ethel Irving in “The Witness for the Defence.” Other important parte are played by Violet Ley, Emmeline Orford, Douglas Vigors, Frances Cave, Reginald Newson, Graham Stuart, Yette Landau, Eardley Turner, Arthur Greenaway, Daphno Bairn, Millie Engler, P. J. Julian, and Doris Lqscelles. One critic says: “The Farmer’s Wife” is a highly amusing comedy, edged just a wee bit with farce. It relates the story of three courtships—father and two daughters—and tells it with much, entertaining detail. The play contains half a dozon or so proposal scenes, but they have been skilfully varied and are all amusing. It is witty, sparkling, and true to life. The company commenced their Dominion tour at His Majesty’s Theatre, Auckland, cm Saturday last, and the Press of- that city, describe the play as “one of the most successful farcecomedies yet presented by the J. C. Williamson firm.” The box plans for the season open to-morrow (Thursday) at the Bristol.