“CAMILLE”

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume LXXXIII, Issue 19867, 15 June 1927, Page 10

“CAMILLE”

A WONDERFUL PLAY NELLIE BRAMLEY’S VERSATILITY “Camille,” a play in five acts, a new version of the emotional drama of Alexandre Dumas fils, “La Dame Aux Camelias. ’ ’ Cast Count de Varville .. . Bernard beeby. NanincMabel Gower. NichetteNellie Carlton. Camille Nellie Bramley. OlimpeEve Dawnay. Gaston RieuxJohn Galway. Prudence Duvernoy . . . Marie Dalton. Armand Duval . . . . William Raymonck M. Duvalßobert Purdie. Gustaveßrett Randall. Last evening Nellie Bramley was seen in the part of Camille—a part which has been played- by most of the : great emotional actresses of the world, a notable exception being Ellen Terry. Bernhardt, Duse, Olga Nethersole, and Matilda Heron all were famous Camilles, and it was in the part of Armand, opposite the last-named, that Southern first made his name. In New Zealand the part has been played by Nellie Stewart. Tittell Brune, Madge Mclntosh, and now by Nellie Bramley.

An old- playgoer said softer last night’s performance that Miss Bramley was one of the best Camilles he had ever seen. She could be surpassed in some of the dramatic moments, perhaps, but not in her emotional acting. The part is a. very exacting one and last evening Miss Bramley’s aid-mirers in no uncertain manner welcomed her back to serious drama. The story of the poor, consumptive, “kept” woman is well-known, and its appeal is universal.

Miss Bramley’s performance was the outstanding feature of the play, but she was very ably supported by the other members of the cast. The work of William Raymond- was clear-cut and sincere, and Robert Purdie played the part of Armand’s father in the admirable manner in which he hajiidtles all his work. The performances of the other members of the company were uniformly good, and made differentiation an invidious task.

The production was well staged-, and the scenes and incidental music ad daft much to its effectiveness.

“A Little Bit of Fluff” will be pre sented to-night.