SHOWERS OF EPIGRAMS

Sun (Auckland), Volume 1, Issue 114, 4 August 1927, Page 17

SHOWERS OF EPIGRAMS

DELIGHTFUL MRS. CHEYNEY LONSDALE AT HIS BEST “The Last of Mrs. Cheyney,” a comedy in three acts and four scenes, by Frederick Lonsdale. Produced at His Majesty’s Theatre last evening by J. C. Williamson, Ltd. CAST Charles Hylton Allen Jim Reginald Wykeham William Pirie Bush George Reginald Long Lord Elton Leslie Victor Lord Arthur Billing . . . . Ellis Irving Willie Wynton Ronald Ward Roberts Jackson Wilcox The Hon. Mrs. Wynton Peggy Willoughby Lady Joan Houghton . . .. Phyllis Best Lady Mary Sidley . . Gwen Burroughs Mrs. Ebley Emma Temple Lady Maria Frinton . . Margaret Darner Mrs. Cheyney Renee Kelly The Fates were kind to Frederick Lonsdale. They gave him a flashing wit, mordant humour and great powers of observation. All these gifts he has used in “The Last of Mrs. Cheyney,” a delightful comedy which is sometimes daring but never dull. Not that Mr. Lonsdale could ever ,be considered a naughty playwright. He seems to have created a world of his own on the stage—a world of sparkling epigrams in which smart people find themselves in risque situations and recover their balance by adroitly pulling the strings. “Mrs. Cheyney” is an intriguing crook comedy from an entirely new angle. Even if the epigrams are scattered too liberally they are never out of place because Mr. Lonsdale’s crooks are very fashionable people, moving in a very fashionable set. This provides excellent opportunities for smart frockings and beautiful stage sets. No one could be dull with such a background. Mr. Lonsdale is an adroit craftsman. Any situation which might grow tiresome is saved by a shower of witty lines. His comedy, which grows more amusing with each act and ends with Mrs. Cheyney master of a situation, is as clever as it is entertaining. We are introduced to the mysterious Mrs. Cheyney in her smart London home, surrounded by fashionable society folk. Men fall in love with -her; her clothes are the envy of women; her butler has an Oxford accent. She accepts an invitation to stay with Mrs. Ebley in the country in order to carry out the final coup—the theft of Mrs. Ebley’s pearls. But the plan miscarries. Mrs. Cheyney is trapped in a bedroom by one of her titled suitors. His price is not provided for by marriage vows. She refuses and is revealed to the other members of the house party as a crook. Next morning Mrs. Ebley and her guests discuss what is to be done with Mrs. Cheyney. Unfortunately a lordly suitor had proposed .to her by letter, in which he had also given his opinion regarding the people with whom Mrs. Cheyney had been mixing. She remains master of an amusing and unexpected situation. “The Last of Mrs. Cheyney” is delightful theatrical fare admirably played by an able company. Miss Kelly gave us an excellent performance. Her work is sincere. She made Mrs. Cheyney a delightful creature, full of life and colour. Mr. Allen has a natural dig-

nity which fitted his part perfectly and a splendid speaking voice. His work is devoid of mannerisms and carries conviction. Mr. Irving is another excellent actor whose work is stamped with sincerity. He has a good stage presence and handles his situations with

careful attention to detail. Mr. Victor’s performance could not have been better. Miss Temple is a sterling actress whose characters are always a treat to watch. Mr. Ward was excellently cast. His laugh was \forth a small fortune. Miss Burroughs, Miss Willoughby and Miss Best behaved as modern young women are wont to do in society comedies of to-day. The rest of a big cast gave all the support that was necessary. Auckland will have until next Monda}’ evening to see “The Last of Mrs. Cheyney.” Next production “Brown Sugar.”