DAME SYBIL THORNDIKE

Waikato Times, Volume 113, Issue 18873, 17 February 1933, Page 7

DAME SYBIL THORNDIKE

"MADAME PLAYS NAP.” LARGE DEMAND FOR SEATS. There was a very large demand for seats a*t the Bristol Plano Company this morning when the box plans were opened for the only appearance at the Theatre Royal -on Monday night next of Dame Sybil Thorndike and her London company, including Lewis Casson in ‘'Madame Plays Nap," the romantio Napoleonic oomedy drama, which is at present attracting record audiences in Auckland. “Madame Plays Nap" is a brilliant comedy, the gay, witty lines of which, slashed with keen satire as spoken by gifted players, the delightfully ridiculous situations and episodes prove not only sparkling entertainment, hut a mental tonio.

Dame Sybil is recognised throughout the English ibheatre-golng world as an extremely versatile artist—the sombre queen of tragedy, but also a scintillating star of comedy, and a past-mistress of the farcical situation. "Madame Plays Nap" demands of the playgoer nothing more than laughter. Those who love laughter and a lovestory should not miss this happy play. “Madame Plays Nap” is a costume comedy In three acts, by- Brenda Glrvan and Monica Cozens. Lewis Casson will play the part of Napoleon, and Dame Sybil Thorndike will be the "Little Corporal’s" benefactress, afterwards seen at the Emperor’s Court. The court Intrigues are alined at the destruction of the woman who once befriended Napoleon and whom he lias quite forgotten. But in the end his memory comes to her aid, and the play comes to a happy conclusion. “Madame Plays Nap" will recall Sardou’s "'Madame Sans Gene,” produced by Henry Irving and Ellen Terry. Dame Sybil will be supported by a new company of English dramatio artists, Including Lewis Casson, Bruce Winston, Atholl Flemming, Norman Shelley, Michael Martln-Harvey, Zillah Carter, Hilda Davies, Donald Eccles, Albert 'Chevalier, 'Christopher Casson, and Phyllis Best. The production scenes, properties, lighting effects, etc., will be precisely similar to those used in t'he city presentations. The box plan at the Bristol indicates the usual crowded house to greet Dame Sybil and her distinguished associates.