VANBRUGH—BOUCICAULT SEASON.

NZ Truth, Issue 978, 23 August 1924, Page 2

VANBRUGH— BOUCICAULT SEASON.

"His House In Order."

Of "His House In Order," the exceptionally brilliant play by Sir Arthur Pinero, to be presented here to-night at 8 at the Grand Opera house by Miss Irene Vanbrugh and Dion Boucicault, supported by their London company, under the J. C. Williamson direction, the critic of the Melbourne "Age" writes: The hope is that the performance of Pinero's comedy "His House In Order" marks definitely the restoration of good plays to the Australian tljeatre. The nature of the reception accorded tp Miss Irene Vanbrugh and Mr. Dion Boucicault m this comedy at the King's Theatre on Saturday evening promises well for support ofUhe company during its Melbourne season. In recent years no Melbourne firstnight audience has been more appreciative of fine acting or fine comedy. The part of "Nina" was created for Miss Vanbrugh. It gives- her superior opportunities—opportunities she meets and fulfils with a very beautiful art; Miss Vanbrugh is a wonderful comedienne; her. peer, has yet to be seen by a Melbourne audience. As a character actor of first calibre Mr, Dion Boucicault stand's m his own .class. His interpretation of the difficult part of "Hilary Jesson" is a real masterpiece —and like Vanbrugh he rises to heights of very fine playing. The members. of the Jesson household, the "Ridgeleys," the friend and guest, "Major Maurewarde," are one and all significant, and are one and all well played. The narrowness and obtuseness of "Pilmer Jesson" are realised and interpreted by Mr. C, H. Hallard, the meanness , of "Pryce Ridgeley" by Mr. Martin. Walker, the dull, stupid pomposity of old "Sir Daniel" by Mr. Henry Latimer, the insolence of "Lady Ridgeley" by Miss Lena Halliday, and the cold hate and jealousy of "Geraldine". by Miss Joan Crossley.