HIS MAJESTY’S THEATRE

Otago Daily Times, Issue 21365, 19 June 1931, Page 11

HIS MAJESTY’S THEATRE

“ HAPPY-GO-LUCKY. O’FLYNN ” The final performance of Barry Conners’s breezy Irish comedy “ Happy-Go-Lucky O’Flynn ” was given" before an appreciative audience in His Majesty’s Theatre last evening by the Ronald Riley Company. Mr Riley was again very satisfying in the part of the lighthearted Larry O’Flynn, whose troubles sit very lightly on him, and who has a cheery word for , everyone. Miss Doreen Scott gave a charming portrayal of the part of Rdsie Doyle, the girl who gives her heart to the cheery Larry jin „ preference to the more practical and complacent young business man, played by Bernard Beeby.’ Joseph Lanphier, in the role of Daniel Doyle, Rosie’s father, threw himself heart and soul into the comedy part, whilst .he was given excellent support by Miss Marie D’Alton, as Mrs Doyle, J. Vincent White, Miss Miriam Osborne, and Stanley Brogden also played a large part in the success of the programme, whilst Miss Zara Stagpoole provided several pleasant vocal interludes. “CHARLEY’S. AUNT.” Brandon Thomas’s great farce comedy, “Charley’s Aunt,” will be revived for the last two nights of the season by the Ronald Riley Company, commencing tonight. It is a remarkable play, inasmuch as it has held the stage for over 40 years, and is still “ current cash” as a theatrical attraction. Ronald Riley played throughout the English provinces with the late Charles Howitt, sometime co-star with W. S. Penby, the original of the play, and from him learned much of the “ original ” business of the role. In his interpretation of Bab?, he has embodied the “ silly ass ” touch of which Penby was such a master, ans in con- , trast, one or two scenes at the end of the play stand in high relief. Doreen Scott will be Ella Delahay, Joseph Lanphier the amorous lawyer Spettigue, and Marie D*Alton, Donna Lucia, the genuine aunt. As it is some years since the hardy annual was last seen here (with Norman Aitken in the title role) it should meet with a hearty reception from young and old.

To-morrow afternoon a 1 ■ bargain matinee will be given, at which reduced prices will rule. The box plans are at the Bristol, and day sales at Half’s fruit shop.