A PASTORAL COMEDY

Sun (Auckland), Volume I, Issue 181, 21 October 1927, Page 15

A PASTORAL COMEDY

“AS YOU LIKE IT” ALLAN WILKIE SEASON ‘'As You Like !t,” a comedy by Shakespeare, was presented in His Majesty's Theatre last evening. The Cast: Jacques Mr. Allan Wilkie • Duke .. .. .. .. Mr. William Lockhart Frederick Mr. John Cairns Le Beau .. .. Mr. Herbert Sheldrick Charles .. .. .. Mr. Milton Sands Oliver Mr. Frank Clewlow Jacques Mr. Alan Rankin Orlando Mr. Dennis Barry Adam Mr. Vincent Scully Touchstone Mr. Arthur Keane Sir Oliver Mar text . . Mr. H. Rossmore Corin Mr. Glen Liston Silvius Mr. Joint Cameron William Mr. Milton Sands Celia Miss Dulcie Cherry . Pliebe Miss Marjorie Carr Audrey Miss Mona Duval Rosalind Miss Hun ter-Watts After Shakespeare had completed a cycle of heavy historical plays, he sought ease in a Forest of Arden which was very real to himself. In “As You -Like It” he sent his imagination into the woods to find repose. Instead of courts and camps, and martial clamour, he went to the pleasant easing woodland scene. There is this fine, openair feeling throughout the play, and its tone is that of a bright and tender pastoral, redolent of sunlight and murmuring breezes. Although there are these pleasant qualities in the play, it merits study for other reasons. The sentimental lovers are sweet, but slightly ridiculous all the same, and Shakespeare is, apparently, no foreigner to cynicism. This impression is deepened by the jovial, jibing philosophy of the excellent Touchstone. Last of all, comes the brooding, melancholy Jacques, who says the things that Shakespeare could not leave unsaid even in a pastoral comedy. Last> night’s performance of the play was an excellent one, bringing with it a .-delicious, cooling woodland breath. Miss Hunter-Watts gave a delightful study of Rosalind, alias Ganymede. She was arch and convincing all the time. Miss Dulcie Cherry made a fragrant Celia, and her clear sweet voice spoke verse as it should be spoken. - Mr. Wilkie made a heavy brooding Jacques, and bis one big speech, immortal “seven ages,” was superbly done. Mr. Dennis Barry was an engaging Orlando, and Mr. Keane was a riotous and convincing Touchstone. A good piece of character work was done by Mr. Scully. * The clowning parts of Audrey and William were done delightfully. “The Merchant of Venice” will be revived to-night.