THEATER ROYAL

Timaru Herald, Volume CVI, Issue 16230, 28 March 1917, Page 4

THEATER ROYAL

'Musical faixe'Wa?,:the"order at the Theatre JJioyal.jlast: night,7; when ; Mr George -Willoughby v aiid were seen in "What Happened ta Jones," George Broadhurst's farcical comedy. There was a moderate attendance. The piece when it was first - produced was recognised as one of the best mirthraisers that had ever beeii written, but last night's production differed from the original. -It'was interspersed with some excellent-, musical' and ; -dancing itmes,' and all through was exceedingly pleasing and'.'.hilarious.- There was never a dull moment, and the fine performance was quite in keeping with the "Willoughby reputation. A feature of the production was the' startling- celerity of the changes.in the situations, and this-added-in- no .smallidegree to its success.. The acting all througn was of a high standard, Mr "George Willoughby as "Jones," who travels for a hymn book, house and sells playing cards':as a side.Une, was a host in himself., He had plenty of, scope, and. he certainly made -the' best; use of the opportunities 'afforded him. At all times- he was ..very... funny a,-> well as exceedingly interesting. Mr Arthui: Albert . as the prpressor : of anatomy I took his part well, /and -Mr Frank I Brookes was also good. Quite a fea-ture-of the performance was his singing, his baritone voice being 'especial ly pleasing. Mr Harry; Halley as the real doctor was responsible for good work. : Miss. June A-ddell -was v<»y I>opular with : the; audience for her bright and breezy acting, singing and dancing. Miss Edna Seaton was very fascinating, and her' sweet singing was much enjoyed. Miss Muriel Dale as Mrs Goodly, Miss Florence Fanning, and Miss Florence Leigh as'the servant filled their well. The remaining; members of the company performed their work with credit. The audience showed their -appreciation by arralause and encores for many of"the items.

WHY SMITH-LEFT 'HOME.

To-night the company will he seen, in another of ; Broadmirst's farcicalcomedies, -."Why.. Smith Left Home." Special vocal nd dancing numbers will Ja« introduced. A iteature of this, farce is the number of excellent comedy parts. The story hinges on the troubles matrimonial of John Smith, a benedict of a few months standing (Mr /"Willoughby's original part), whose domestic peace is troubled by continual visits of his own and his wife's relatives, of whom there are possiblv ?.• score. The construction of the comedy generally is said .\±o be equal, if not superior to that of "Jones," and tire humour much more natural. The box plan is at the Bristol, and day sales may be obtained at the Candy store ! next to Theatre.