ASCHE-BRAYTON CO.

Dominion, Volume 6, Issue 1577, 22 October 1912, Page 6

ASCHE-BRAYTON CO.

"THE MERRY WIVES OF WINDSOR,"

"The Merry Wives of Windsor," a comedy by William Shakespeare. Cast: Sir John FaJstan' Oscar Atclie. j? u tP n • • Frederic Worluck. Shallow Arthur Trantom. lender ][. u. JUgnclt. font '. Herbert Grttmvooil. t?Kc K. lau i'eniiy. bJi- Hugh liv-ana Alfred Uristowc. Dr. Catus Caleb Porter. Host of the Garter Inn ... D. 11. nevcuall. Biirdolph K. Mac-ala&wr. Pistol Kevillo Jlrook. }>y,m Norman Uarlc JtoUin 11. Ortou Di-inn. fcimpte H. F. Allison. Jtuby ; Gordon Barker. Jlintress Ford Lily Brayton. Mistress l'ago ....' Frances Wothcrull. Anne I'.ij*c Eltrida Oleuient. Mistress Quickly lieseio Major.

As far as one can recollect, and with the- assistance, of the memory of others interested in old-time theatrical happenings, it is behoved that Shakespeare's riotously jocund comedy "The Merry WivA of Windsor" was never played in WehTugtou prior to its performance at the Opera House last evening. To tho faithful this must stamp tho occasion as something like an epoch, as to all, savethe few who find in the Bard's works a wealth of food for quiet contemplation, the comedy will nppcal as something fresher, heartier, and infinitely moro human and exhilarating than a sheaf of modern successes in the sphere of comedy. "•The Merry Wives of Windsor" was written at ono of the happiest periods in, tho lifa of Shakespeare (1598)— not too long ;ifter that turning point in his career as a playwright when his worth was being recognised. It is recorded that "in 1596 (two years before tho "Wives" was written) on the death of his son Hamnct (twin to Judith), he probably visited Stratford, a.nd afforded material assistance to his old father, for henc«forth John Shakespeare's monetary troubles were at an end, and ho (William of that ilk) even applied to the College of Heralds for a coat-of-arms.- Tho application was not successful until 1599." Such a merry conceit, written with that freedom and flavour which smack of Elizabethan days, would probably have done a good deal to enhance bis valuo in London. Agnes Strickland, in her "Life of Queen Elizabeth," writing of tho visit to Elizabeth of the Flemish envoy Verekin, said: "Sir Walter Raleigh attended him, to show him .Westminster Abbey, with the tombs and 'other singularities' of the place, and, a few days later, tho Lord Chamberlain's players acted before him, 'Sir John Oldcastfe, or tho Merry Wives of Windsor,' to his great contentment. The comedy is said to have been written by Shakespeare at tho desire of Queen Elizabeth, who was so delighted with tho character of Falstaff, under his original name of Sir John Oldcastlo in Henry IV, that she wished to' seo him represented as a lover."- As a matter of fact her Majesty never got her wish—Sir John only makes a pretence at love to cajole purses—but tho world wa3 enriched with as roguish a piece of work as one could wish. It is one in which the Asche-Brayton Co. shows to more advantage than in cither of its two Shakespearean predecessors. Indeed, the most exacting critic would be hard pressed to pick out weaknesses in the really excellent performance given last evening. With what dainty relish did Mistresses Ford and Pago contrive to lead that disreputable old sack-swiller, Sir John Falstait, into ridiculous extravagances which so nearly bring) his portly bulk into serious argninent| with jealousy's keen blade, and amidst what peals of merry laughter do they spirit tho fat knight out of harm's way under the very nose of , a raging husband. It was good to see the knight lowering , the tankards of ale and picking a fowl's leg before the glow of tho fire at the Garter—it cheated ono almost into believing that this was this very Fatstaff whom wo had so often chuckled over, for Mr. Oscar Asche presents a most faithful portrait of the old roystcring ruffian, and dropping mannerisms of voice and gesture, got fairly iuto the part. In the ponderous, yet shapely form, the oily good humour and comical vanity, tho vulgar tongue and bibulous braggadacio of tho most amusing and disreputable character, Mr. Ascho lost, himself completely, and gave by far the finest evidence of his j skill as an exponent of Shakespearean character. There was a fine uuetiousnoss in his humour, much dignity about his drinking, nnd withal a raTC naturalness about the rude coarse old fellow that reached well across tho footlights. Mr. Asche was particularly good in the scenes with tho clever Mistress Quickly, and Mr. I Ford, and his sighs, groans, and nnitterings of tho actor's fruity lower register compelled a wealth of laughter in the basket scene. It is a performance to see —and remember. Miss Lily Brayton is at the top of her form as Mistress Ford. Looking distractingly pretty, she assumed a gay vivaciousness that- was wholly delightful. Her laughter in tho .basket scene is tonal sunshine—it illumined the sceno and affected the whole hoiiso with its spirit of merry mischief. Her love sceno with Sir John, prior to his trip to tho Thames'in the buck-bnskct was acted in a most delightful comedy spirit by Miss Brayton, who eludes tho embraces of the doughty knight with' verve and grace, That is ono particular charm about Miss * Brayton—her poise la always correct, her art has' no rough* corners. Certainly her Mistress Ford is a very animated and lovable character. Then there was Miss Bessie Major as Mistress Quickly, a- part which fitted its exponent liko a glove. Miss Major's geniality, and that peculiar theatrical sense with which she is so generously endowed, made her- Mistress Quickly ever so satisfactory.. Her scenes with Sir John were remarkably ably acted, and the "business" of asking for a tip and Sir. John's manner of refusing them were full of raro humour. Mr. Herbert .Grimwoqd was apt to become dreadfully dramatic as Ford in his fits of icalons rage, but there was no mistaking his biting earnestness. Mr. K. Lan Penny vas satisfactory as Mr. Page. Mr. H. K. Hignett has never been, seen to better advantage than as Master Slender; Mr. Alfred lkistawo gave an excellent character sketch as Sir Hugh Evans, and Mr. Caleb Porter was highly amusing as Dr. Caiue, (lie eccentric Frenchman. Mr. Frederic Worlock had little to do as Master tonton, but all tho minor male ;>arts were well cast. Miss Elfrida C'lemout made a bright and vivacious "Sweet Anno Page," and Miss Frances Wethorall was a gowl and sufficient Mistress Page. The scenes are set in winter time, as a departure from the usual rule, nnd in tho exterior scenes the characters tramp about on a ton or so of spread salt, which mates highly realistic snow. Mr. Joseph Marker's scenery is onco more a feature in this very complete show. 'Die musio of Kioholai's oporu, "Tho Merry Wives of Windsor" is largely used as incidental music. Iho "fairy" scene- and dance at the «nd made an extremely happy curtain. "Tho Men , }; Wives of Windsor" will bo played again this evening, i.iid to- morrow evening "Othello" will bo produced, with Jlr. Asc!io as Othello, Miss Lily Brayton as Dcßdcmona, and Mr. Grimwaod as lago, which bill will run throughout Iho week.