“SCANDAL.”

Waikato Times, Volume 97, Issue 15272, 23 June 1923, Page 6

“SCANDAL.”

SMART PLAY, WELL ACTED. “ Scandal,” presented at the Town Hall last night, may be unconventional in theme, but it is decidedly interesting and entertaining, the author having skated over thin ice very adroitly, with the result that the play holds the close attention of the audience throughout. There are clever, piquant situations, smart and witty humour developing at times into btoad comedy, many dramatic incidents, and a touch of delightful sentiment. And about it all is the modern polish which Cosmo Hamilton knows so well how to impart. Such a play demands capable interpretation, and last night’s large audience was gratified to find that the principals of Mr Harry I. Cohen’s company were quite equal to the demands made upon them. It was a smart play, well acted, and therefore very enjoyable. The play hinges' upon the revolt of Beatrix Vanderdyke from the restrictions placed upon her freedom because she is one of. “the" Vanderdykes of society. Longing to taste of the joys of Bohemia, and not dreaming that she is playing with fire, she visits the studio of Sutherland Yorkd, an artist, at night. She is there saved from the consequences of her foolish act by the timely arrival of her aunt and uncle. Wishing to clear herself in the eyes of her angry relatives Beatrix announces that she has every right to be in the apartments —that married to Pelham Franklin, a desirable parti, who lives across the halt. Pelham, though amazed and angry, is too much of a man to deny the statement, and this leads to the big scene in the play, where Pelham, exasperated at the girl’s selfishness, decides to teach her a lesson, and threatens to claim the rights of the position in which she has placed him. Finally, after cowing her, he spurns her. The rest of the play is taken up by the couple in finding out that they love each other, and everything ends happily with the promise of a real marriage, though one feels that Beatrix has got out of the entanglement better than she deserves. The play rested largely upon the shoulders of the tw 0 principals, Miss Doris Duane and Mr Eric Harrison. Miss Duane was a charming Beatrix, conveying convincingly the many moods of the wilful and tantalising girl, who awakened at last to the realities of lire. It was a complex role, making heavy demands upon the actress, but Miss Duane was at at! times natural and convincing, and had, too, thfe charm of youth. It was a very line performance. Mr Harrison was equally successful. He has a splendid stage presence and a very likeable personality, and his work showed at all times polish and finish. He lose capably to the big dramatic scene In the second act, and in the lighter scenes displayed a delightful light-comedy touch, while in the broader comedy of the third act lie was just as successful, his posing and facial contortions as the “ happy ” bridegroom being deliciously funny. Seeing it, one count understand Mr Harrison’s success in “ pictures ” in England and America. Mr Arthur Orbell created much merriment by Ills excellent study as the fUssy Major Thatcher, and Mr John Galway struck a note of sincerity as the friend, Malcolm Fraser. Other roles were capably filled by Misses Graliame Newton, Lucy Carter, and Mary MacGregor, Messrs Ilaroid Moran and George Broad. The settings were not elaborate, and hardly suggested the bedroom of the daughter of one of the “first families” or the breaß-fast-roofn of a millionaire. However, this was a minor defect in an otherwise splendid production. The company appears under the management of Mr Harry I. Cohen. “ Scandal ” will be repeated to-night for the last time. There should be a very large audience.