‘THE DOVER ROAD'

Evening Star, Issue 21753, 22 June 1934, Page 14

‘THE DOVER ROAD '

UNIVERSITY DRAMATIC SOCIETY’S SUCCESS GOOD ACTING IH A. MILNE PLAY ‘ Splendid acting in a good play marked tho opening performance at His Majesty’s Theatre last night by the Otago University Dramatic Society of ‘ The Dover Road/ a comedy by A. A. Milne, the presentation of which eclipsed even the best of the society’s previous efforts. In selecting an A. A. Milne piece the society made a happy choice, the play, which was written by the playwright when at the height of bis success as a dramatic writer, proving to be a highly enjoyable one. and oho admirably adapted for the talent which the society has at its disposal. At a very early stage tin? author’s intentions become fairly obvious, and the comedy moves along at an even tempo to an appropriately inevitable denouement. A good deal ol modern comedy depends for its effect on tho ludicrous situation, on the fatuous, the unexpected, the faux pas, and, particularly, upon quickness of action and dialogue, but Mr Milne rejects these factors. His comedy is a gentle satire on society and manners, free trom malice, amusing for its wit and characterisation, yet at times striking a chord of deep human sympathy. Its simplicity and occasional adroitness are fascinating. The plot of ‘ The Dover Road ’ is simple. There are three acts in the play, all of which take place in a room of the. home of a wealthy English gentleman, whose hobby is to set a trap for runaway couples taking the Dover road, en route to France. In his house they are detained and “entertained ” by the kindly but sardonic old man till they see the error of their ways and wonder bow they could, to sav the least, have been so indiscreet, 'file dramatist has invested the story with much colour, and interest is maintained at a high pitch till the happy ending is reached. It is a thoroughly workmanlike and amusing play, and provides an excellent evening s entei - tamment. 'lt furnishes a striking example of the facility with which Mr Milne sustains interest in a story really sketchy in incident, and, in doing so, cleverly contrives to bring various important problems within the spectator’s survey. ~ , , . , The acting reached a high standard. There were only twelve members in the cast, some of whom had no lines whatever, and each showed an excellent understanding of what was required. In previous productions by the society Mr Lester Moller has shown his liudouhted flair for characterisation, and in this play he reveals the diversity of his histrionic powers by his splendid portrayal of Latimer, tlie altruistic host of the Dover road. He plays his part with ease' and skill, never once falling into the common error of overemphasis. He earns gratitude, too. lor his perfectly clear enunciation. This undoubtedly talented young man shows sound judgment and restraint in the management of his part, especially when the character feels impelled at times to exercise authority over his unwilling—at first—guests. In the part of Anne, the young lady who had taken the Dover road with a married man, Miss Jsobel Newlands gives a pleasing performance, bringing imagination and resource to bear in her delineation. A very meritorious performance is also given by Mr Russell Napier as the eloping peer (Leonard), who is overtaken by a severe cold and won back by the potent appeal of his distress to the side of his wife, who lias herself run off with one Nicholas. Mr Napier has one of the most difficult parts in the play, but displays a thorough understanding of what. is required. Miss Margot Garrett is happily cast as Eustasia, the gushing wife of Leonard, and is responsible for soine amusing- work. Mr Wvvern de Clive Lowe fills the part of * Nicholas, the male partner of one of the runaway couples, well, and very effective work is contributed by Mr Bruco M'Kenzie as Dominic, Latimer’s butler, an inscrutable servant who is obviously in his master’s confidence in the carrying out of his schemes. Minor parts arc filled by Misses Joy Reid and Joy Rae as maids, Messrs Alan Heath and Gifford Williams as footmen, and Miss Tephany Ross and Mr Geoffrey Benson as travellers. The play, which was admirably staged, ran smoothly from curtain to curtain, and all through one could discern the capable guiding hand of Miss Bessie Thomson, the producer, the cast showing unmistakable signs of the thorough training received. Much credit is due to the stage manager (Mr T. C. Wynne). The D.I.C. Orchestra, under Mr Charles Martin, contributed enjoyable selections during the intervals, and was deservedly applauded. ‘ The Dovei Road ’ will be staged again to-night and Saturday night.