FAMOUS FARCE

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 1, Issue 92, 24 November 1939, Page 4

FAMOUS FARCE

"CHARLEY'S AUNT"

With just a gentle and artistic touch of modern make-up in concession to the passage of time since she shocked and charmed the Victorians with her pristine madcap frolics, "Charley's Aunt," has demonstrated convincingly in her Dominion tour that "there's life in the old gal yet." Many notable comedians have been associated with the x; title role in this pioneer of mas- . querade comedies, but Don Nicol, t who leads the present Australian and New Zealand combination, in. no way suffers by comparison with past favourites, states an paper. He has, of course, following of admirers from local performances, but the masquerade character acting required T of him as "Babs" and "Charley's Aunt" in this farce is far beyond the funny business demands of his former appearances. That old musical comedy favourite Phil Smith was Nicol's able collaborator throughout the piece. M quartet of talented young players in leading roles of straight acting required to emphasise the farce were John Fleeting, Lane Patterson, Shir-* ley Ann Richards and Mary Duncan, while in parts of .special intricacy the experienced Charles Albert, Norman Barrington and Leal Doug- - las gave unostentatious strength to ' the performance. All these members of the cast, as well as Maisie Wallace, are favourites whose talent yt has been recognised in other roles. "Charley's Aunt'.' will be" staged * at the Grand Theatre <on Thursday evening, Noyeipt>ej:',.3.otfe .!> - V