COMEDY SEASON

Gisborne Times, Volume LXV, Issue 10320, 1 February 1927, Page 6

COMEDY SEASON

“ELIZA COMES TO STAY.”

ANOTHER SUCCESS BY BRILLANT COMPANY.

The second performance of the Joseph Cunningham English Comedy Co. was staged at the Opera House last evening, and the combination, u possible, enhanced tlie reputation it Had won on its initial production, “Eliza Comes to Stay,” makes glad the heart with its zestful and comical situations which the company enhanced by their skilful performances. The story concerns a legacy which the Hon. Sandy Verral, a young London author has been left to “cherish in the form of a young girl, whom he at first assumes is a baby, imagine his astonishment when the “legacy” arrives in the form of a young girl typically cockney in her dress and appearance. Engaged to be married, to an actress. Miss \ era Lawrence, the Hon. Sandy does not relish the transformation of his “legacy,” who in Ins enforced liight from her presence accomplishes her own transformation all to please Sandy. Meantime an interfering aunt arranges a match between the legacy” and Montague Jordon, the Him. Sandy’s best friend, but Dorothy frightens him off by returning to her old” clothes and eventually she and Sandy are happily united. The opening scene depicts the breakfast room of the Hon. Sandy Verrat’s flat in London, where the owner is awaiting the arrival of• his legacy in the form of “Eliza. tn this role Miss Zillah Bateman bus full scope for her capabilities as a comedienne, and she uses them to the fullest advantage. Her appearance, dressed as a gawky girl whose dress, behaviour and speech were greeted with shrieks of joy, and her enthusiastic and embarrassed gesticulations and high pitched voice caused unrestrained laughter. Then comes her transformation into a modern Miss, dressed in pretty clothes, and still she delighted and captivated the audience with her charm and numerous expressions. Perhaps Miss Bateman made her greatest hit v hen she sang ‘'Annie Lawrie/ the house insisteritly demanding a repetition ol her number, which was given even more chaining,ly, if possible- As the Hon. Sandy Verral, Campbell Copefin played the part of a young man about town, amazed at the appearance of his “legacy,’ with conspicuous ability. His enthusiasm at the coming of the “baby,” h'.a surprise at her arrival and subsequent behaviour were depicted with marked ability, and finally, as the awe stricken and love sick young mun at the transformation of his “legacy,” he created uproarious laughter. The performance ol - Frank Bradley as Montague Jordon, Sandy’s host friend who falls in love with Dorothv, was also of a high order, particularly his funny and very embarrassed attempt in proposing to the girl, and also when she resumes her old dress to lunch with him at the Carlton. His facial expressions, gesticulations, and the expressions he put into his spoken lines all conveyed a wealth of merriment. ,Tn the role of Lady Pennvbroke, an interfering aufit of Sandy’s, Henrietta Cavendish excelled herself. Her performance was equalled in merit by that of her “husband,” Alexander Stoop Verral, which part was played with conspicuous ability by Norman Carter. The performance of Sylvia Clifton as ALss Vera Lawrence, an actress with one eye on Sandy Verral and the other on his uncle’s money hags was also of high standard. Minor parts were ably played by Moncrieff McCa.lliim. Jack Phillips and Beryl Barraclough. To-night ‘The Sport of Kings” will be staged. The box plan is at Tattersall and Bayly's.