AN UNCOMMON PLAY.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 19014, 9 November 1923, Page 7

AN UNCOMMON PLAY.

“IE WINTER COMES,” Of (ho thoroughly uncommon play, “If VVinter Comes,” to ho presented bv J. C. Williamson (Ltd.) at His Majesty’s Theatre for three nights only, commencing Oil Tuesday evening next, interpreted by a Pew English company, headed by Mr Garry Marsh, a prominent Australian critic writes: "Iho plot of ‘lf Winter dunes’ proves In the theatre surprisingly interestng, and the dramtist follows the story closely—opening at the point at which Mark Sabre is accepted for military service; following With the introduction of the gitl Effio Bright to Sabre’s house; proceeding tlleli to her disaster, Sabre’s compassion for her, and his wife’s interpretation of his cohduet as revealing his relations with the girl; te Effie’s suicide, and the ' savage injustice dieted oiit to Sabre at the inqliost The play closes with the ‘Cynicism incredible in its malignity’—Sabre’s discovery of Effie’s letter and confession that her lover wav Harold Twyning, and- Sabre’s purpose of revenge frustrated by a young Twyning’s death in France. “On (he stage the story had all the fineness of Hutchinson's writing, and is entirely convincing. The delicacy with which (he love of Lady Tybar and Sabre is treated by the novelist is the finest artistry in Mio piete; especially so is the incident of the letter nt which Sabre has expressed his love for Noi;o, so that it may be handed to her if hn is killed in France. In this Scene Mr Garry March, as Sabre, and Miss Ails’a Grahams as Lady Tybar. splendidly realise the characters of the novel. Mr Marsh undertakes a task of exceptional difficulty in interpreting the character of Sabre. Sabre engages the sympathies of the audience throughout—is delightfully whimsical, ij consistent according to his code of ethics, is a rare spirit enmeshed in the net of convention. “Mr Marsh plays easily and naturally in the scones with Mabel Sabre. In the distressing part of this tadtle.ss, conventional woman. ■ Alisa Jane Savillo acts with much insight and acuteness. Miss Grahame's task as Lady Tybar is only slightly less difficult. The dramlist has improved Upon the novelist's creation. Miss Isobcl Wilford is splendidly cast in the part of Effio ih (he tragical scenes, in which she finds her chief opportunity. Air George ,Blunt’s acting as the detestable Rev. Sebastian Fortune ftnd Air 11. H. Wallace’s sketch of the chemist are praiseworthy.” » Others in the cast include Sydney Stirling. J. B. Alholwood. Reg. Wykeham, I.orna Helms, Lilyan mighlingale, George Harvey, and Robert Gcddcs. The box plans for the season of three nights opbn this (Friday) morning at the Bristol.