HIS MAJESTY’S.

New Zealand Illustrated Sporting & Dramatic Review, Volume XX, Issue 1115, 24 August 1911, Page 16

HIS MAJESTY’S.

MESSRS. CLARKE AND MEYNELL'S ENGLISH COMIC OPERA SEASON. “ THE ARCADIANS.” “ The Arcadians” have been exploiting the simple life cult at His Majesty’s Theatre for nine nights, and judging by the crowded and enthusiastic audiences, they have made many conversions to their creed, which preaches truth and perennial youth. We all have our dreams of Arcady, and materialised by Clarke and Meynell’s Company of English artistes, it becomes a charming reality. For “The Arcadians” combines the old world with the new, and is a story of romance versus practicability, the simplicity of those in Arcadia contrasting quaintly with the savoir faire of the moderns. The setting is as delightful as the characters that sustain the piece, and is a tribute to the up-to-dateness of the Clarke and Meynell management. Miss Alice Moffat in her dainty conception of the part of Sombra, one of the Arcadians, has made a most gratifying impression, while Miss Gertrude Gilliam as Eileen Cavanagh, the “girl with the brogue” is equally fascinating, and the audience dispense their favours accordingly. Miss Florence Quinn, who has many friends and admirers in Auckland, makes an attractive Arcadian, and leaves nothing to be desired in the small part she undertakes. Miss Marguerite Le Roy acts effectively as Chrysea, and associated with Mr. Dutton Nicholls gives a clever pas deux, savouring refinedly of the Apache dance. The latter does good work also as a typical “dude,” while Mr. Harold Thorley carries the audience entirely with him in his love affairs, no less than by his spirited singing. An outstanding feature is the comedian element, which is so ably nrovided by Mr. Tom Walls as Peter Doody, the despondent jockey, and Mr. Fred Winn as Simplicitas, “Arcadian” and “monster,” who arouse the house to hysteria by their respective whimsicalities. Mr. Walls' song “I’ve Gotter Motter” is a study in lugubriousness, which has a distinctly opposite effect on his audience, who recall him again and again. The sylvan glade scene, the race scene at Askwood, the Arcadian-Eng-lish restaurant and all the incidental are a feast for the eyes, and real regret will be felt when “The. Arcadians” go off the hoards on Saturday. However, we are not to lose by that, for its successor “The Belle of Brittany” is said to be equally captivating. “THE BELLE OF BRITTANY.” TO BE PRESENTED ON MONDAY. The Company will make their first appearance in another notable musical play, viz., “The Belle of Brittany” on Monday night next. “The Belle of Brittany” is said to be no less entertaining than “The Arcadians,” and it will be produced by the full strength of the company on

the same lavish scale- “The Belle of Brittany” has been described as a musical frivo itv in two acts. It is said to be irresistibly funny and contains a host of dainty melodies that are bright and catchy. There are quite a number of effective situations, composed of pretty faces and handsome cos’umes, while attractive scenes and artistic grouping add their quota to the pleasing spectac'e. Mr. Tom Walls, who appears as the Marquis is said to even surpass his performance of Peter Doody. He created quite a sensation in We'ling'on recently where the performance was absolutely held up for quite some time whilst he received an ovation for his singing of the favourite number “Sing To Me Dear One.” Miss Alice Moffat is <o appear as Babette, Miss Gilliam as Toinette, and Miss Quinn (an Auckland favourite) as Denise. The principal male parts will include Mr. Harold Thorley as Raymond, Fred Winn as Poquelin, P. Cory as the Comte Victoire. Mr. Dutton NichoTs and Miss Marguerite

Le Roy will be seen in some of the latest terpsichorean novelties from England, America and the Continent. The box plan is at Wildman and Arey’s, where an extensive box office business is taking place.