"THE PRINCE CHAP."

Rangitikei Advocate and Manawatu Argus, Volume XXXIV, Issue 9174, 18 June 1908, Page 5

"THE PRINCE CHAP."

A NOVEL. COMPETITION. . ■•••- 1’. -* As ife.had he'ror'/ happened’ before that a new London play, whs introduced direct; from London, to New; ■Zealand, the management..of-. H. R.-’ Roberts’ Company decided, ih’connection with the initial representation in Chnstchufcli of Chap’’ to offer a prize of £2‘ for the best criticism of the play};'-not exceeding twenty words. The competition aroused the keenest, interest among Christchurch play-goefs, and a crowded house witnessed the ’first night’sperformatnce/ Hundreds- of papers were handed in at -the doors as the audience left the theatre,;-, and witfa ,;the assistance ,of a leading journalist, thb mangement decided to award /the.prize to Mr J. E, Stevens, Director of the School for Deaf Mutes, Sumner,-for the following : —“A delightfully original play} deeply pathetic,, yet' sparklingly brilliant, bubbling over wi th ment, refreg 35hg unconventional, but natural throughout.” The following are a few' v -of ’the ' criticisms'; which were commended by the judges :—Miss Winifred ’King, 294 Papanui road,- Christchurch—“lt touches the heart by ’it*gj/tender '-Veinof simple natural ’ comedy is the .sunshine •' Wbi<fiulc£ies tears.” Mr E. road, Ohrintchurch.—“Simply •enthralling, . holding one' with it» naturalness •; apd t.pncbiiagv our highest of keynote of life.” .-.“Cnees;”-; 44 Cashel street, Christchurch. Delicate as a spring dawn; gracious as summer’s breath ; '.strong with autumn’s maturity; passionate as winter’s storms. For all seasons.” • Mr R. Stanton, 8 William street; Christchurch. —‘i‘ A vivid picture wordwrought; the creation of a master; the interpretation of an artist. ” M.L.,, 110 Wordsworh. street. Sydenham.—.“That it is the King of Plays., It is. excellent and far beyond...the pale, of. criticism.” Mr Max Sirrion;:, Box 5.04, Christchurch’: —“A lapy'feliat growjs upon you as it grows Up and breathes the breath of life with superb reallism. ” ,