‘MR PIM PASSES BY’

Evening Star, Issue 20135, 27 March 1929, Page 7

‘MR PIM PASSES BY ’

MILNE'S BRILLIANT COMEDY BOUGiCA ! JLT“VAN3HUGH SEASON ENDS TO-NIGHT For their last offering to Dunedin audiences, who have been charmed and beguiled by their incomparable presentations ol clever comedies, Mr Dion Boncicault and Ali>s Irene Vanbrugh chose ‘Mr Piin Passes By,’ the brilliant comedy of three act's by Mr A. A. Milne, whoso exquisite lightness and pretty wit provided those notable, artists with an excellent opportunity tor u finished display of their talent. The audience at 11 is'Majesty's Theatre last night was not slow to appreciate the striking eharactc, work of Mr Boneicnult, the delightful comedy of Miss Vanbrugh, ana the good all-round display by the whole company in a comedy m which the playwright gives lull play to Ills rich tuud of whimsical humour, combined with his mordant irony at the experts of time-honoured British institutions. It was brilliant comedy, acted in masterly stylo by a first-class company. THE CAST. George Marden, J.P I. 15. Rowe Olivia (bis wife) ... Irene Vanbrugh Dinah (his niece) ... Ruwena Ronald .Cady Maiden (his aunt) Annie Saker .Brian Strang Ronald Ward Camiway Rim Dion .Boncicault Anne Eileen Morris The amiable old Carraway Rim, telling with most delightfully casual inconsequence his story of a fellow passenger named Tolworlhy, who accompanied him as far as Marseilles on a recent trip from Australia, brings alarm and consternation to the peaceful Buckinghamshire home of the Hardens, for Telworthy was the name ■ of Mrs Marden’s first husband, supposed to have died in Antralia, Such is the central motive of ‘Mr Rim Passes By,’ so engagingly revived last night to a delighted and appreciative audience. In Air Rim' the one scene serves for the three acts and the whole action takes pbee in one day—a set#d circumstances which .should cause sticklers for the observance of dramatic unities to delight in this 31 line play. Mr Alii no is undoubtedly a superlatively clever craftsman, and bis Mr Pirn is almost deserving of rubbing shoulders with the classical figures of fun. Mr Boueicalilt's presentation of Mr Rim, with snow-white locks, crabbed face, and spectacles, stumbling in on this cpdet English scene with his ab-scut-niindednes, bis genial garrulity, Ids bewilderment about odd trivialities, and his muddling of surnames to cause all the trouble, was a gem of characterisation. It was a brilliant piece of work, quite unexaggerated, and ope could not help loving poor old Pirn as presented by Mr Boncicault. Miss Irene Vanbrugh's admirable qualities as a comedienne found full •scope in her bright and attractive delineation of the light-hearted Olivia. She depicted with polished art Olivia’s assumption of gay indifference Io the martial complications a, rising if the story about Telworthy .should prove to he true, an attitude of mind which served only to increase her husband’s anger, already stirred by fear of the Unwelcome publicity which would follow a scandal. Miss Vanbrugh’s dominant personality, her gracionsne.ss and vivacity, and her incisive delivery have made her an outstanding figure in contemporary theatrical history, aril it is sufficient' to say that last night she gave of her best. As George Marden, J.P., Mr •) L. Rowe lent admirable support, giving due point to ilu changes ol mood required in the part Miss Kowena Ronald gave an exhilarating study of the vivacious Dinah who was full of life, inviting confidence 1 of others and whiling away time by giving them hers. Mr Ronald Ward was w'ftll placed as Brian Strange the suitor of Dinah, and Miss Annie Saker sketched effectively the role of the severe Aunt Julia. A smaller part, as the maid, was well treated by Miss Eileen Morris. To-night Miss Vanbrugh and Mr Boncicault who are paying their final visit to New Zealand will be seen in their farewell presentation of ‘Mr Pim ..Passes By.’ To witness it will give 'the onlooker a treasured memory for all time, eg;