“THE MASQUERADER.”

Timaru Herald, Volume CXXIII, 18 March 1926, Page 7

“THE MASQUERADER.”

A DRAMATIC TRIUMPH. Following a series of lighter productions. the presentation in Timaru of “The Masquerader’’ by Mr Guy Bates Post and his company had been awaited by theatregoers with considerable interest, and there was' a packed house at the Theatre Royal when the curtain rose last evening. In constructing a story round an impersonation theme it is perhaps difficult to achieve nowarful effects and dramatic scenes without avoiding a little exaggeration in the plot. That iwo men could possibly bear such a close resemblance that one could successfully impersonate the other, even to the. extent of deceiving the other man’s wife, appears a trifle thin. Viewing the result, however, the tense situations, dramatic climaxes, and the abundant opportunities provided foi* such masterful impersonations, . the playwright is l readily excused the license.

. Founded on Katherine _ Cecil Thurston’s novel, “John Chilcoto, M.P.,” the story of “The Masquerader” tells of the downfall of a great man through indulgence in morphia, and of his double, - an unknown, and struggling writer, who steps into the shoes of his dope-cruzed cousin, and carries his work through to a successful conclusion. The curtain rises on a darkened room, which Brock, the, faithful servant of Chilcote, enters to find his master lying • in a drugged sleep on the floor. Just then, Mrs Chilcote, who has returned from a trip to Italy, enters into the picture, but Brock, with the assistance of Bless-'ngton. the secretary, succeeds in shielding Chi'cote front her view. It transpires that in Parliament oil the previous’ fljiy Chilcote had let’ his party down on an important speech lie was to have made, and although with the characterisiie cunning of the drug addict he has concealed his failing from all but his servant and secretary, his party have determined to have no more •to do with him, as being an unreliable man." 'With the intention of announcing this fact to Chilcote, Herbert Fraide, the leader of tho party, and Lakely, the editor of the party organ, arrive at the house, but Eve Chilcote begs successfully for another ehanco for her husband.- A small dose of morphia administered by Brock enables Chilcote to pull himself together, ttud although obviously Worn.and nervewracked, V bluffs his way through-the interview. War has just been declared between France and Germany, and in Chilcote’s hands is entrusted a parliamentary speech calc’lnted to rouse the nation to arms. Fraido and Lalse'y are no sooner gone than Chilcote appears in his true colours, und repels nis wife, from whom he has been estrcipnd. and who seeks reconciliation, with bitter sarcasm. Disappointed and humilated, she leaves the room. Lady Lillian Astrupp, a society vamp, who has introduced the drug to Chilcote, makes her appearance, and from her Chi'cote receives a tube of the muchdesired morphia. Brock, the everfaithful retainer, endeavours to get his master to commence Work upon the speech, but Chilcote takes a doso of drug which renders him incapable. Effort is bevond him ; all lie desires is nmrphia and the ob'ivion of the drug. A magnificently enacted scene in Loder’s rooms concludes with a final effort on the part of Brock, but the drug has already done its work. “Get cousin,” Chilcote laughs. ’ “Get Loder ... go Parliament . . .make speech,” end he falls asleep. Loder t the unknown cousin is persuaded to change places with Chilcote, in order to save the honour of the house, but in consenting he reckoned without, the complication of Eve Chilcote. The likeness between the two men is so remarkable that she a so is deceived, bnt she very muf>i appreciated the difference in character, which she puts down to reformed living on her husband’s part. The fact, tj’at husband and yife hnve practically been strangers to each other makes things easier than might have been the ease, bnt when he discovers that he has fallen in love with her, and that she is endeavouring fo break down the barrier that always existed between heiself and her husband, Loder begins to wish that he had not undertaken an imposition, which he, foresees will involve him in a frightful, tangle. No other course remains open to him than to repel her advances this occurring in a highly emotional scene at the beginning of the second act. As Chi'--cote, Loder lias gone from one success to another, quickly rising to prominence as the man of the hour in wartime England. In his domestic affairs, however, ho is sorely perplexed, and m his dilemma knows not which wav to turn The death of the real Chiloote in his (Loder’s) rooms eventually offers a way out, and with the complete agreement of Mrs Chilcoto, a secret marriage unravels the tangle to wverybody s satisfaction. rl.Wn.n I '' ro,e - C n,,in P r or two very Xv\. ! M' PC ? onatlom ’ Mr Post was Ka R biilliunt. Although physical repheas of one another, the ch-ug-iidden Chilcoto and John Loder are cntuey the reverse in temperament and character. Requiring two distinct characterisations, the situation is handled by Mr Post with consummate artistry. His Chilcote is a masterly conception, especially in the scene in Loder’s rooms, where tho moods and illusions of tho morphia-crazed man offer so much scope for dramatic ability. Alternately whimpering and raging for a further supply of the much-desired drug, and with "haunting shadows mocking and jeering” at him, his was a character study that will not easily be forgotten. As [lye, Chilcote. Miss Eileen Sparks was delightfjiil, her part with true deJient’y and understanding, and acting with. much charm. ' In the scene where, having discovered that her supposed husband, John Loder, is in love with her, she seeks to break down tell barrier that for years lias existed between them, only to bo necessarily rebuffed, she rose to splendid dramatic - heights.

In the role of Brock, the family retainer, Mr Wilmington Barnes was responsible for an excellent characterisation. His impersonation of the loyal old servant carried conviction. M's.s .1 '-an Atholl made a very suitable ad.v Lilian Astrupp, the lady, who having once got Chileote into her power, iook every opportunity of keeping him there, and her ability was worthy of a more important role. Little Miss Love Green, in the part of Peggy Forsyth, also presented a very pleasing and natural study. As the Cockney maid who looks after Lodor’s rooms, * Miss Cecil Haines, the Wellington aetress, was responsible for a clever interpretation, fully bringing nut the humour and the pathos of the part. Mr Richard Webster (as Chilcote’s secretary) arid Messrs Eric

Maxon, Ashton Jarry, Fred Francis, and Leslie Victor (as Chilcote’s associates) also provided capital impersonations. In the first act Mr E. Maxon (as Herbert Fraide)-also discharged an important role with distinction.

Elaborately mounted . and, expensively dressed, the success! Af'the ■’piece largely depended upon the very efficient manner in which it Was produced. In the hands of Mr Post (who also filled the role of producer), and Mr Cyril AVondcr (stage manager) nothing was left undone which might possibly have resulted in added effect. The employment of a revolving stage permitted the almost instantaneous change of scenes; ’ and the action Of the play, with the exception of very short intervals between the : acts-, proceeded almost unbrokeny this proving a, very, welcome innovation 1 to Timaru audiences. The musical programme, under the direction of. Mf- John, Waugh, added not a. little, to the success of what will always be. regarded as a memorable production. In acknowledging the sustained calls ai, the fall of the curtain, Mr Post, on behalf of the company, thanked, the audience for the splendid reception which they had ncoqrded them. “Art to succeed,” said Mr Post, “must be appreciated, and the artist to succeed, especially the ‘dramatic artist, must also be anprecinted.” He and his company had received a wonderful reception from the audience, concluded Mr Post, and if he spoke all night lie could not adequately thank them. They were leaving the next day for-- Australia, and would always remember with great pleasure their -final performance in Jiew Zealand. (Applause.)