"TEN MINUTE ALIBI"

Press, Volume LXXI, Issue 21409, 27 February 1935, Page 8

"TEN MINUTE ALIBI"

—— # J. c. WILLIAMSON'S DRAMATIC COMPANY The box plans will be opened tomorrow morning at nine o'clock, for the first production here of the brilliantly clever and thrilling dramatic production, "Ten Minute Alibi," which is to be staged at the Theatre Royal on Saturday afternoon and evening next, and two following evenings. The reason for its short run is that several members of the company have engagements to fulfil in London and the present tour definitely terminates in about three weeks' time. It is some considerable time since playgoers were last privileged to enjoy a stage drama and it is not surprising that more than usual interest is being taken over Anthony Armstrong's thrilling dramatic sensation. The author of "Ten Minute Alibi" cleverly wins the sympathy of the audience for the murderer by making the murdered man an unscrupulous rogue who deserves the bullet which ends his life. When the representative for J. C. Williamsons, Ltd., saw "Ten Minute Alibi' in London he immediately purchased the Australian and New Zealand rights of it. At the same time he was fortunate in procuring Mr George Thirlwell, a notable young English actor, for the leading part. "Ten Minute Alibi" is said to be compact, logical, and brilliantly constructed. The contrast of the comedy is introduced where necessary, but no word of the play is superfluous. In the second act, Mr Thirlwell's timing, on behalf of his Alibi, is said to be scientifically precise in its accuracy, and an effective piece of by-play with a dropped handkerchief after the murder has been committed has the audience on tenterhooks. In the final act, too, under the examination of the detectives, his work has deftness and outstanding intelligence. The direction and staging of the drama are, it is said, in keeping with the best J. C. Williamson tradition. There is only one set, but it is most effectively arranged with furnishings in the modern manner, a couple of tapestries in the chrome-coloured walls, and the all-important clock, the mute witness of the play. A fine subdued lighting is perfectly managed for the dream scene. Miss Jocelyn Howarth has scored an outstanding triumph in the role of Betty Findon, and Mr Arundel Nixon, in his original English creation of Phillip Servilla, proves himself an actor of the highest order. "Mr Frank Bradley as the detective-inspector," wrote a Sydney critic, "has never given a finer characterisation. The detective is a living, warm, human being." Harold B. Meade, as Sir Miles Standing, Mr Tommy Jay as the detective-sergeant, Mr R. L. Atholwood as Servilla's valet, and Mr Richard Farr, as the restau-rant-keeper, were all specially selected for the parts they portray. On Wednesday afternoon and evening next, and three following nights, "The Wind and the Rain" is to be produced.