SPARKLING FARCE.

Star (Christchurch), Volume LXVI, Issue 20625, 28 May 1935, Page 15

SPARKLING FARCE.

“He Walked in Her Sleep” at St James. Those who like laughter, laughter of the spontanepus variety that sweeps through inference and leaves no doubt as to the degree of enjoyment, should not miss a visit to the St James Theatre, where “He Walked in Her Sleep,” the brilliant American farce, is now being staged. Initial difficulties have been overcome, and Christchurch theatregoers should be more than grateful to Harold G. Hobday’, the actor-pro-ducer, for his enterprise in bringing this uproarious entertainment to the Dominion. There are degrees of amusement in theatrical entertainment. Somev. shows appeal subtly to the nimble witted, some rely’ on unrelieved buffoonery’. This play’, happily’, is the ideal blend: farcical situations are leavened with a very real wit, the dialogue is funny without being in the slightest obvious, and .the plot, while the ending is always in sight, has the audience wondering how on earth it may’ be brought about, and waiting in breathless s - pense for the next denouement. Harold G. Hobday’, as Andrew Tank ers, has an exceptionally “fat” part and plays it excellently. He is the eternal “adult juvenile,” the grown-up bov whose womenfolk, affectionate though they are. worry’ him. He likes golf and hates bridge. His wife Henrietta, hates golf and likes bridge. That is the seat of trouble which, magnified through the glass of domesticity, leads to such a glorious series of complications. Mr Hobday is more than an experienced actor. He.“senses” his role and carries the audience with him all the way’, holding it without labouring a point or over-emphasising a syllable. As Henrietta, Molly’ Fowler, who has been outstanding in Christchurch amateur circles, makes a notable professional debut. She has every attribute, and acted this pleasant part with naturalness and ease. Nancie Harrie, as June, has a most important role and plays it well. She has to portray the sophisticated young thing, who brings a deep plot safely to its destined end, even though its ramifications surprised her. Carl Morris play’ed Geoffrey Deacon, and last: night his performance was a much improved one. He gives the audience no chance to miss the point ! lof the humour entrusted to him. Regi- j nald Smith played the part of Bod [ Donovan satisfactorily, while Aileen Robson made an attractive Marie. Taken all round the show is one I that can well be recommended.