“WHITE HORSE INN”

Otago Daily Times, Issue 22835, 20 March 1936, Page 5

“WHITE HORSE INN”

SPECTACULAR MUSICAL COMEDY Spectacularly staged, and presented by a notable cast, the sparkling musical production •“ Whitye Horse Inn ” again attracted a crowded house to His Majesty’s Theatre .last evening, when the enthusiasm of thei audience demonstrated in no uncertain j manner that as a medium of entertainment the legitimate stage can still more than hold its own. From every point of view, this magnificent production is? a veritable masterpiece of stagecraft, and it is. doubtful if for variety of scene, colour and action anything to equal it! has ever previously been seen in Dunediii. The outstanding feature is, of course, the revolving stage, which presents swiftly and smoothly an ever-changing medley of bright comedy, tuneful melody am} intriguing ballets, and with such a background the huge cast tells a story whjch, although - slender in plot, as must of necessity be the case in all musical comedies, forms a definite connecting link between the scenes which follow in such > quick succession. It is obvious that more than a little attention has been given to the choosing of the artists, and flint this care has been warranted is (evidenced by the manner. in which tip parts are portrayed. There is Romola Hansen as the proprietress of the White Horse Inn—a delightful , characterisation marked by an artistry and charm that carry the audience with them, not the least attractive fcaturoi of this role being Miss Hansen’s rendering of the vocal numbers with which s|hc has been entrusted. Mr Herbert ‘Browne and Mr Don Nicol, both favourites with Dunedin audiences, delight, their hearers no less by their polished acting than by their singing, and Misjs Miriam Lester is another whose popularity seems to grow with every appearance she makes. The bulk of the comedy work lies on the capable shoulders of-.Mr Alfred Frith and Mr Alban Mack, both of whop are given ample opportunity to exploit the inimitable brand of whimsical _ foolery they have made peculiarly their own. Other featured players are Mr Colin Crane. Miss Marie Conan, Mr Charles Albert and Master Grieves, all of whom acquit themselves with (lie utmost credit. The ballets arc, probably, as fine as anything that has ever been seen here, and every number is executed with a snap and precision that are a treat to witness.