ALLAN WILKIE ENDS SUCCESSFUL SEASON AT THEATRE ROYAL.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 18769, 27 May 1929, Page 7

ALLAN WILKIE ENDS SUCCESSFUL SEASON AT THEATRE ROYAL.

The Allan Wilkie Shakespearean season at the Theatre Royal ended on Saturday night, the company making a fitting and impressive exit with a presentation of that magnificent historical plav, “ Henry the Eighth.” The productions during the three weeks’ season have provided a wide range, embracing comedy, history and tragedy. For a farewell performance, “ Henry the Eighth ” was a happy choice. Indeed, anywhere in a season it will always be welcome, for it is one of the most interesting studies that Shakespeare ever penned. There are admitted faults in the construction of the plot, which is woven about the intricate matrimonial affairs of the king and other notable events of the time, but as a pageant of historical interest the play is unrivalled. Henry is wonderfully delineated, but even that marvellously drawn character takes second place to that of Cardinal Wolsey. Katharine is another character which Shakespeare has shown with his uncanny skill, portraying her emotions with impassioned words which will never fall from literature’s topmost height. The presentation on Saturday night was excellent. In every way the company achieved success. The acting of the principals was beyond reproach, the costuming convincing and the staging perfect in whole as in detail. Mr Wilkie, as Wolsey, plays one of his very best parts. He is blessed with a commanding presence, which, combined with the capability that comes from years of study added to natural talent, makes him ideal for the role. His performance on Saturday night evoked a storm of applause when the curtain was rung down finally. As Katharine, Miss Hunter-Watts reached very great heights, showing in a light that is better, perhaps, than any of her other parts. The scene in the tribunal, where she pleads her- innocence and denounces the Cardinal, finds her at her very best. The title role was exceptionally well played by Mr John Cairns, while in the tragic part of Buckingham Mr Alexander Marsh had a fine chance to display his great talent, and took advantage of !t, AU the minor parts were well played, and the production must be chronicled as one of the most successful of the seaS °lienewed applause at the end of the plav brought Mr Wilkie to the footlights. and in a graceful farewell speech he thanked the Christchuich audiences for the support given him on this, his fifth visit to the city. Christchurch was a city he always enjoyed visiting, as it represented very pleasant associations.