“THE SENTIMENTAL BLOKE.”

Otago Daily Times, Issue 18820, 24 March 1923, Page 2

“THE SENTIMENTAL BLOKE.”

E. J. and Dan Carrol! announce with pleasure the coming production of a new Australian coinody-cirunm in three acts, being C. J. Dennis’s own stage version of his lamous verses which, in print and in picture, have won a world-wide reputation. "The Sentimental Bloke” has proved the most distinctive Australian comedy-drama yet written, retaining the strong human touch and hint of pathos that made the "Bloke” of the verses and the films beloved of the world. Mr Dennis prefers to say no more about his play than this. "I have tried to make the ‘Bloke’ and Ins friends live. Mr Carroll has given mo carte blanche in the casting of the -'lay, and I am satisfied that each man and woman who steps on to the stage is the perfect realisation of my own idea of the character.” The adaptation of C. J. Dennis’s famous poem to the stage has been cleverly executed. It is a domestic comedy, very human, full of heart interest, and with some tine big laughs, and there is little doubt that Mew Zealand audiences will appreciate it as thoioughly as did .Sydney ami Melbourne. Walter Cornock, who plays the name part, is the ideal Dennis’s "Bloke —tender and whimsical, but who finds it impossible to “out the stoush” when ho considers ins honour is at stake. Doiecn is played by Miss Aileeti Alexander, who has achieved an enviable success in the role. Owing to the enthusiasm of Melbourne and Sydney audiences, the season had to be extended. “The Sentimental Bloke,” i? at present packing the Grand Opera House. Wellington, nightly, and will come direct to Dunedin after the Wellington season. The box plan for (he first four nights will open at the Bristol next Wednesday.