“TWELFTH NIGHT”

Hawke's Bay Tribune, Volume XVII, 16 November 1927, Page 7

“TWELFTH NIGHT”

ALLAN WILKIE PRODUCTION. Mr Allan Wilkie and his company, who has been responsible for bringing the people of Australia and New Zealand into elose touch with the immortal works of the greatest of British dramatists presented at the Hastings Municipal Theatre, last night.'' .Shakespeare’s comedy, “Twelfth Night,” with its maze of mirthful complications, and its story of human weaknesses loyalties, trivialities and loves, establishing the fact that human nature has undergone little change since the play was first produced thre e and a quarter centuries ago. Both the setting and dressing were adequate and in accord with the times, whilst the acting throughout was competent, conscientious and ar-, tistic. presenting the characters in their varying qualities with sufficiency and strength.

The music and measure of Shakespeare's stately diction, uttered with comprehension in th e lighter as well as in the graver dialogues, completely held the house. At the conclusion the company were called to acknowledge the warm applause of an ap proving audience.

Miss Hunter-Watts as “Viola ” who, disguised as a page falls in love with “Orsino.” gave a beautiful-and restrained portrayal of the heroine's silent patient love, modest and refined in her passion. It is a character that requires delicate treatment, and Miss Hunter-Watts gave it excellent expression. The part of “Olivia,” who falls in love with “Viola” in her male attire, was entrusted to Miss Lorna Forbes, who presented the dignity of the countess' deportment. as well as her' passion, when her love gets the better of her pride, with artistry and discernment, and Miss Dulcie Cherry’s study of “Maria,” the frolicsome waitingwoman of "Olivia” produced a satisfying picture which caused no little merriment.

Mr Allan Wilkie presented an admirable “Malvolio, ” the coxcomb steward of “Olivia.” The cast requires no little circumspection, as it is one that can easily bo overrun but, in Mr Wilkie'hands the character was submitted in all its amusing strut and vanity, fluently, humorously and without strain. Mr John Cameron gave a good rendering of “The Duke,” and Mr John Cairns and Mr Arthur Keane, as “Sir Toby Belch” and “Sir Andrew Agueeheek” respectively, contributed in a very considerable degree to the gaiety of the evening.

Shakespeare’s humour largely centres on the play on words commonly known as punning, a type of humour that, happily has gone out of fashion long ago. but Mr Denis Barry, as “The Jester” made the most o’f his opportunities, acquitting himself creditably. His singing was a feature of the evening. The parts of “{Sebastian,” “Antonio” and “Fabian” were ably sustained, as were also the characters entrusted to the other members of the large east. “Twelfth Night” is a genuine comedy, combining grace refinement beautiful sentiment, broad humour tmd the spirit of Elizabeth bj age.