“DIPLOMACY”

Sun (Auckland), Volume II, Issue 485, 15 October 1928, Page 15

“DIPLOMACY”

AT HIS MAJESTY’S TO-NIGHT The cheerful Continental sophistication of “Sexes and Sevens” delighted another large audience at His Majesty's Theatre on Saturday evening. The final appearance of the Margaret Bannerman Company in the third play of its season was a highly successful one, and the dainty star received a well deserved ovation. This evening at His Majesty’s Theatre and to-morrow night, Miss Margaret Bannerman and Mr. Anthony Prinseo’s London Company will be presented by the J. C. Williamson, Ltd. management in the world-famous comedy-drama, “Diplomacy,” which was adapted from Victorien Sardou’s “Dora,” and which has proved itself one of the most successful plays the world has ever known. “Dora” was first produced in French In 1877, and it has been staged many times in the last half-century in English versions as “Diplomacy.” The Bancrofts have proved its power, and many of the leading players of England and America have taken part in it. In Australia and New Zealand, “Diplomacy” had some fine casts in the days -of the Brough-Boucciault Company, and Julius Knight revived it with success. A few years ago the old play was refurnished and more or less modernised for production in London by Gerald Du Maurier, and it held the boards on its last revival for over two years. It is this version that is to bo given by Miss Bannerman this evening, and to judge by the excellent booking it will prove as successful as in Melbourne, where it attracted record audiences. In the plays already staged Miss Bannerman has had little scope to show what she could do in the way of emotional acting. The role of Dora, the young wife who is wrongly suspected of treachery to her husband and her country, enables the actress to show remarkable versatility. “In the first act,” wrote a Melbourne critic, “she is the charming, unsuspecting daughter of an unscrupulous mother. Later, when she is married to Julian Beauclerc, military attache of the British Embassy in Paris, she has to face the crisis of her life. In this scene the genius of Miss Bannerman is presented at its very best, and she proved herself one of the best emotional actresses we have ever enjoyed in this city.” That talented young actor, Mr. Ellis Irving, will take the very important role of Julian Beauclerc, which should present him at his best. The full strength of the company is included in the cast of “Diplomacy.” One of the most amusing British comedies yet seen is “Wait and See.” Walter Forde plays the leading role, supported by Mary Brough and Pauline Johnson. It has been said for some time, that British producers are not particularly brilliant with comedies, but certainly they have done extremely good work in “This Marriage Business,” and “Wait and See.” Walter Forde is an indefatigable artist, always good-humoured and full of fun. Pauline Johnson proves that she has quite a good fund of humour.