“IF WINTER COMES.”

Otago Daily Times, Issue 19015, 10 November 1923, Page 2

“IF WINTER COMES.”

• The dramatic version of A. S. 31. Hutchinson’s, fanious novel, “If Winter Comes,” is to have its premiere at His Majesty’s Theatre on Tuesday next, end will be presented Tor three nights only. In view of the widely-read book, a deal more than ordinary interest is being shown in the production of the play. The adaptation is tho work of Basil MacDonald Hastings, in collaboration with Mr Hutchinson. Ihe play has had a wonderful vogue* in England. where it is still running, and it has proved an outstanding success more recently in Sydney and Melbourne. For the i\ew Zealand production, (he directors of J. C. Williamson (Ltd.) have engaged_ a number of well-known Tnglish artists, including Garry Marsh, who was leading juvenile in London for gome years with Cyril Maude and Sir John Martin Harvey. Mr Marsh will be seen as Mark Sabre. Miss Isobel Wilford will be seen ae “Effie.'’ Also prominently cast are Misses Ailsa Graham (Lady Nona jybar) and Jane Saville (Mabel Sabre). Other notable artists appearing are Messrs Sidney Stirling, George Blunt, Leslie Victor. J. B. At hoi wood. Arthur Cornell, Reginald Wykoham. and H. 11. Wallace and 31isses Georgia riarvey, Jxrrna Heims and Lilyan Nightingale. ihe stage management is in the hands of 31r H. C. Nightingale. The rieralcl. Auckland, speaking of the opening performance, in that city, says: "It is a play of passionate sincerity, which holds the audience in its grip from the rise to the fall ot the curtain. The sensational coroner's scene and the many other Intensely interesting dramatic situations, so splendidly described by A. S. M. Hutchinson in his fanious novH, give the artists unusual opportunities for the display of meir histrionic powers, ami that they thoroughly realised the author’s intentions they manifested last evening by their representslions of the characters so well known to tile many thousands who enjoyed tho book. The great enthusiasm displayed by lost night” audience at Ihe termination of.each act and at the final fall of the curtain was a groat tribute to both the play and the company, which was acclaimed the best J C. Williamson organisation which has appeared here for years.” Tho box -plans tor the season are now open at the Bristol.