TEN-MINUTE ALIBI

Otago Daily Times, Issue 22504, 23 February 1935, Page 9

TEN-MINUTE ALIBI

That playgoers of New Zealand still have an affection for the legitimate drama has been proved by the success which has been achieved in the North Island by the J. C. Williamson, Ltd., New London Dramatic Company in the thrilling, dramatic production “ Tenminute Alibi,” which is to be .presented at His Majesty’s Theatre on March 13 and 14. The Auckland season of Tenminute Alibi” was limited to eight nights, and during that period the theatre there was taxed to its capacity at every performance. Its run in Wellington had to be extended, and in the provincial centres many records were broken. “Ten-minute Aliba” recently had its 850th performance in London, and it is still the reigning attraction there. It attracted large audiences in Australia for over 12 months, and it is at present being enjoyed in no less than 23 countries. “Ten-minute Alibi has been acclaimed by critics the world over as the cleverest, best constructed and most absorbing drama the stage has known during the past 20 years. Interest begins immediately the curtain rises, and it is maintained until two minutes before the close of the performance. The leading role is taken by Mr George Thirlwell, one of London’s leading young actors, his brilliant acting winning for him' in' Australia the right to be classed with the best dramatic artists who have visited Sydney or Melbourne. Miss Jocelyn Howarth is well known for her artistry as the heroine in the scteen version of “ The Squatter s Daughter.” Mr Arundel Nixon, a noted young London artist, will make his first appearance here in the role he created in England. Mr Frank Bradley is recognised as being one of the best, character comedians at present in Australia and New Zealand, and Mr Harold B. Meade is a well-known London actor. The company also includes R. L. Atholwood, son of the famous J. B. Atholwood, Tommy Jay, Richard Fair, Ron. Roberts, Gwen Munro, Nan Taylor, Janet Johnson, Frederick Hughes and other notable artists. On' March 15 and 16 “ The Wind and the Rain,” which was written by the New Zealand playwright, Dr Merton Hodge, will be produced. Both plays will be presented on the same scale of completeness as when they achieved outstanding, successes in Sydney. The box plans will be opened for both productions at the D.I.G. on March 11.