“THARK” OPENS ITS SEASON TO-NIGHT.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 18577, 27 September 1928, Page 7

“THARK” OPENS ITS SEASON TO-NIGHT.

“ Rookery Nook.” which has been enjoying a successful season at the Theatre Royal, was presented for the last time last night. “ Thark,” the new play by Ben Travers, which the J. C. Williamson’s English Comedy Company will produce to-night, is an unusual type of comedy. It contains thrills and surprises, as well as humorous situations. In London, where it ran for over a year ,at the Aldwych Theatre, it was described as a “ mystery coroedy ” Part of the action takes place in a house which is supposed to be haunted, and where a “ ghost ” walks. The characters in the play get themselves involved in all kinds of queer complications, and the action of the story, which has a delightful love interest, is punctuated by screams of laughter. Sir George Tallis, who saw the play in London, said that at times there was so much laughter that he could not hear the dialogue. Early in the first act matters begin to get complicated, the trouble (and the fun) commencing when Sir Hector Benbow, in a moment of weakness, and during the absence of his very good wife, decides to take out a dainty young shop girl. Unfortunately for the erring knight his wife unexpectedly returns. Sir Hector, to avoid being cornered, persuades his nephew, Ronald Gamble, to pretend that the girl is his guest, but this at once brings trouble upon poor Ronald, whose fiancee, by the irony of fate, puts in an unexpected appearance at this juncture. Mr Hastings Lynn has the part of Ronald Gamble, Mr Cyril Vernon fills the role of Sir Hector, while Miss Minnie Ray nor is Mr? Frush- All three have an exceptional amount of work, but are seen at their best. “Thark” is a mystery comedy of the most humorous order, and is sure to please Christchurch play lovers. It will be staged for three nights only. Next Monday “ A Cuckoo in the Nest ” will be presented.