SHAKESPEAREAN SEASON

Sun (Auckland), Volume I, Issue 158, 24 September 1927, Page 15

SHAKESPEAREAN SEASON

ALLAN WILKIE CO. Next Saturday Mr. Allan Wilkie and his Shakespearean company will produce for the first time in* Auckland the spectacular production, “Henry VIII,” at His Majesty’s. Mr. Wilkie was fortunate enough to secure the original costumes specially designed and made for Sir Herbert Tree’s London production. The public of Australia has much for which to thank Mr. Allan Wilkie and his company. There have been times ■when it has been impossible to see on the stage the immortal plays of Shakespeare. And yet these plays, the work of probably the greatest writer of his kind in the world, form an integral part of our lives. This is particularly so as regards the student of high school, college or university. Year after year they spend in studying some part of the great writer’s work, and yet how seldom are they given the opportunity of seeing what they have studied actually played? But Mr. Wilkie has, during the past few years, made this privilege possible, and on that score alone his public service in this respect deserves commendation. Not only is the presenting of the plays of Shakespeare of benefit to the student; the general public realises the beneficial influence and enjoyment obtained from them. Christchurch, Dunedin and Wellington have confirmed the enormous success of this production. The box plan will be at Lewis R. Eady and Sons, Ltd., opening on Wednesday.