“IF WINTER COMES.”

Otago Daily Times, Issue 19010, 5 November 1923, Page 10

“IF WINTER COMES.”

Of the remarkable play, "If Winter Comes,’’ a successful adaptation of an equally remarkable book, to be presented by J. C. Williamson (Ltd.) on Tuesday, November 13, at His Majesty’s Theatre, tor three nights only, the critic of the Melbourne' Argus writes; "When the public demonstrates that something is very greatly to its liking it immediately becomes an aim of enterprising individuals to endeavour tc. supply the favoured article in unlimited quantities. And when a novelist achieves such a success as A. S. M. Hutchinson did with ‘lf Gomes" it is not lona- before the novel is adapted ■ for the stage. Already the book has been parodied, burlesqued, and adapted for the screen. The stage version, which was produced at the Theatre Royal on Saturday night, is tne work of Air B. Al‘Donald Hastings, who has managed very faithfully to re-create the dramatic atmosphere of tho novel, and completed his task while tho book continues to be widely read and discussed. Possessing mat indefinite quality which constitutes a "best seller.’ ‘lf Winter Comes' has nrobabty been road by thousands of people merely out, of curiosity, and in that spirit many will see the play. It is safe to say that'none of them will be disappointed. To Mr Garry Marsh (Mark Sabre) and Miss Rebel Wilford (Effie), both of whom made their first appearance in _Melbourne, went the laurels of the evening. The acting in the court scene when Mr Bright (Mr ,1. B. Athol wood) denounces Sabre as his dead daughter’s betrayer, was the best in the piece. As Mabel Sabre, Miss .lane Seville, another newcomer, was also successful Of the others, Aliss Ailsa Grahame (Early Jyhar). Mr Sidney Stirling (Alajor Millet). Mr George Blunt (the Rev, Sehaslion Fortune), and Air Leslie Victor (Twining) were wall isist. and Mr Reginald Wyckham was excellent in the minor role of' tho solicitor. Miss Georgia Ilarvev ("High Jinks") and Miss Lorna Helms ("Low Jinks”) were amusing as .the servants. Tho box plans for the season, which is for three nights only, will lie opened on Friday at the Bristol.