VANBRUGH-BOUCICAULT SEASON

Evening Star, Issue 20133, 25 March 1929, Page 7

VANBRUGH-BOUCICAULT SEASON

Described as a comedy of moonshine, madness, and make-believe, ‘ Mis’ Nell o’ New Orleans ’ lived up to its reputation when presented in His Majesty’s Theatre on Saturday night by the Irene Vanbrugh-Dion Boucicault company: Miss Vanbrugh was quite at home in the part of Mis’ Nell, and proved herself to be an actress of consummate skill. She was given every support by Mr Dion Boucicault, who gave a most polished display of acting in the role of the old priest. All the other members of the company showed skill in enacting their parts. Altogether the presentation of the whole play could be summed up in the one word, “excellent.”

‘BELINDA’ TO-NIGHT

‘Belinda’ will be played for the only occasion 10-night by the Irene Vanbrugh-Diou Boucicault Company, and then for the final two performances of the season, on Tuesday and Wednesday, ‘Mr Pirn.’ It is the desire of the principals to leave New Zealanders on this, their farewell tour, -an impression of them at their best. For that reason, therefore,’ they have selected those ploys that may be said to most suit their particular styles of acting. In light comedy they arc incomparable, and it would be impossible to find two such players in combination the world over. In A. A. Milne’s highly-amusing comedy, ‘Belinda,’ Miss Vanbrugh is seen at her very best. The author might have had in view such a delightful artist as Miss Vanbrugh when he created the part. In this play Miss Vanbrugh wears some beautiful gowns. Mr Boucicault is also cast in a most congenial role—that of tile amusing Harold Baxter, a self-con-fident little man who poses as a valiant individual, but is really a sedate statistician who, against his xy i 11, is induced by Belinda to discover “ Mr Robinson,” under which name her missing husband is masquerading. As an actor Mr Boucicault is undoubtedly in the first flight, and Harold Baxter is one of his best characterisations. Rowena Ronald plays the part of Delia, the daughter with romantic leanings; and Mr J. B. Rowe is cast as tho missing husband, John Tremaync, who lurks in the background as a mysterious Mr Robinson. Miss Annie Saker as Betty, completes the cast. ‘ Belinda ’ will be staged for one night only, ‘Mr Pirn Passes By’ being tho final production.