J. C. WILLIAMSON COMPANY.

Wairarapa Age, 6 July 1936, Page 2

J. C. WILLIAMSON COMPANY.

“FRESH FIELDS.” Ivor Novello’s delightful comedy “Fresh Fields,” which is to be staged at the Regent Theatre on Thursday evening next, has had a triumphant run in Wellington and other centres. The interest normally taken in a J. C. Williamson production is intensified by the inclusion in the cast of two gifted New Zealanders, Miss Ethel Morrison and Miss Elaine Hamill. Miss Morrison has been an accomplished actress for many years, and Miss Elaine Hamill has climbed the ladder of success with remarkable rapidity. Gifted with a splendid stage appearance, Miss Hamill is possessed also of artistic powers which cause her to be regarded in Australia as one of the finest of the younger generation of actresses. “Burns’ well-known words,” wrote a critic recently, 'to see ourselves as others see us,’ must have lingered in Ivor Novello’s mind when he wrote his delightful comedy, 'Fresh Fields,’ for in it he has stripped both Australians and Englishmen of their veneer and presented them as they appear through the eyes of others.” “Fresh Fields” has been revealed as one of the wittiest, most hilarious and cleverest plays of the modern stage, and caused more stir and controversy than any production since Noel Coward’s “Fallen Angels.” It ran for over two years at the Criterion Theatre, London, and for no less than fifteen weeks at the Criterion Theatre, Sydney. In Wellington recently it created something like a sensation. Its audacious, sometimes daring dialogue, varied and life-like characters, and its extremely amusing story make it an entertainment of the most refreshing character. The artists associated with Miss Morrison and Miss Hamill were all specially selected for “Fresh Fields,” and it is the fact that it is perfectly performed that has helped it to be the most successful legitimate play that has been staged in Australia or New Zealand for many years. Mr. Harvey Adams is an outstanding comedy and dramatic artist, who has appeared in New Zealand on previous occasions with J. C. Williamson Ltd. companies, and others in the cast are Kate Towers, Arthur Lane, Norman Shepherd, Phyllis Baker, Enid Hollins and Connie Martyn. The box plans will be opened at Perry’s to-morrow (Tuesday) morning at nine o’clock. A queue will be formed from 8 a.m.