HIS MAJESTY’S

Sun (Auckland), Volume 1, Issue 116, 6 August 1927, Page 15

HIS MAJESTY’S

CROOKS IN SOCIETY A COMEDY OF SURPRISES N*ot since the delight of “Aren’t We All,” as played by Dion Boucicault and Miss Irene Vanbrugh, has Auckland folk enjoyed theatrical fare better than “The Last of Mrs. Cheney”—a comedy of surprises which regaled an eager audience last evening at His Majesty’s Theatre. Triumph was to be expected; the play is by the same author, Frederick Lonsdale, who has fathered so many brilliant social comedies. And t>.en a first-class company provided for it a vehicle which ran as smoothly as a perfect automobile on a paved road. The Williamson firm had its wits alert when it selected the players and gave them Miss Renee Kelly as their lead, and charming inspiration. The comedy, without assailing the creed of hypersensitive moralists, demonstrates that deception on occasions can be more delightful than the truth. As Mr. Lonsdale has discovered with profit to himself and pleasure to others, a house party in the country is always a rich field for comedy. The first act provides a perfect surprise. The second act contains the denouement (in the inevitable bedroom). If the third act drags a little and becomes artificial we can afford to be tolerant in gratitude for the feast that preceded it. The brightest originality in the play is at its opening, when Charles, a divine butler and master crook, gives a Who’s Who of the society persons in it. In this part Mr. Hylton Allen left nothing to be desired, and his farewell was really more enviable than that of most honest men. And Miss Renee Kelly, as Mrs. Cheney? All that need be said that he was a lucky lord who taught her the error of her ways. It is not necessary to risk vexation of spirit by comparing the merits of the supporting company. All were excellent. But we must give bouquets of praise to thoSe “inspired idiots” of the British aristocracy, Willie Wynton (Mr. Ronald Ward) and my Lord Elton (Mr. Leslie Victor).

“The Last of Mrs. Cheney” will be presented again this evening. Those who want pleasant memories for the week-end should not miss the charming cbmedy.