“ROOKERY NOOK”

Sun (Auckland), Volume II, Issue 409, 18 July 1928, Page 15

“ROOKERY NOOK”

HIS MAJESTY’S NEXT WEEK

Those who have read Ben Travers’s brilliant story, “Rookery Nooky” and even those who have not, cannot fail to enjoy thoroughly the play when it is staged here by the J. C. Williamson, Ltd., New English Comedy Company on Wednesday evening next. As a Sydney critic wrote: “It is in every way more amusing than any comedy staged in Australia during recent years.”

The predicament in which the recently wedded Gerald Popkiss finds himself when a young girl, clad only in pyjamas, rushes into his house late at night, and implores his protection, explaining that she has been turned out by her brutal stepfather, provides some screamingly humorous situations. Gerald and his cousin, Clive, try to get Rhoda Marley away before Gerald's wife returns, but the interference of Mrs. Harold Twine nearly causes a matrimonial disaster.

The management was doubly fortunate in acquiring the services of Miss Donalda Warne, who, although only 16 years old, takes one of the leading parts, and has established herself as one of the best actresses the Australian stage has produced. Mr. Hastings Lynn, one of England’s best known and most popular comedy stars, will appear as Gerald Popkiss. a part he created in Sydney. Mr. Basil Radford, who appeared here recently in “The Ghost Train,” scored an emphatic success in Australia in the role of Clive Popkiss, the “silly ass” cousin, and Mr. Leslie Victor is at his best in the very whimsical role of Harold ’Twine. Minnie Rayney. Jane Comfort, Helene Simon, and Cyril Vernon are English artists who will make their first appearance here on Wednesday night, and the cast of “Rookery Nook” also includes Miss Nellie Mortyne, Victor Fitzherbert, and Miss Mabel Mackey.

As the season is to be a brief one, only a few performances can be staged of “Rookery Nook,” and during the 12 nights “Thark” and “A Cuckoo in the Nest” will also be presented.