ESSENCE OF SHAKESPEARE

Taranaki Daily News, 1 August 1931, Page 3 (Supplement)

ESSENCE OF SHAKESPEARE

MR. ALLAX WILKIE’S VISIT. . At the Grand Theatre, Hawera, on Tuesday, August 4, the Town Hall, Elthani, on Wednesday, August 5, the Town Hall, Stratford, Thursday, August 8, the Town Hall, Inglewood, on Friday, August 7, and the Empire Theatre, New Plymouth, on Monday, August 10, and Tuesday, August 11, Mr. Allan Wilkie and Miss Hunter-Watta, whose reputation as exponents of Shai’ espeare has never been equalled in the Southern Hemisphere, will present a novel and delightful entertainment. They will be seen in a number of their greatestroles in the most .-famous scenes of Shakespeare and old English comedy. Thus in one performance it becomes possible to see two great artists in the concentrated essence of what even with a nightly chance of programme would necessitate a fortnight’s arduous playgoing, in order to witness the same range of variety of plays. Only artists of exceptional versatility and great technical skill could almost instantly doff the sombre atmosphere of “Macbeth” and assume the gay badinage of the “School for Scandal,’’ that wittiest of English comedies. That. Mr. Allan Wilkie and Miss Hunter-Watts are fully able to do so successfully is testified by a leading Australian critic, who wrote of them, “A magnificent entertainment worthy of their great reputation.” Tangible recognition of their unique performance has also been shown them in the crowded houses which have gj-eeted them both in Australia and since the opening performance in Wellington of their present New Zealand tour. Lovers of the drama, splendid acting and fine elocution are a&sured of an intellectual treat and at the same time a most enjoyable entertainment. In the advertisement columns will be found full'•particulars of the programme, together with details of the prices of admission and box plan arrangements.