“ROOKERY NOOK”

Sun (Auckland), Volume II, Issue 411, 20 July 1928, Page 15

“ROOKERY NOOK”

BOX PLANS ON MONDAY Special interest attaches to the initial New Zealand production of “Rookery Nook” on Wednesday next as, besides being one of the best and most successful comedies staged during recent years, it will serve to present to Aucklanders for the* first time the new J. C. Williamson, Ltd., English comedy company, which has just terminated highly successful seasons in Sydney and Melbourne.

Mr. Hastings Lynn, who plan's the leading comedy role, was specially selected for the part by Mr. Ben Travers, under whose direction Mr. Lynn rehearsed the part. Miss Minnie Rayner, who will appear as Mrs. Leverett, has been on the stage: for over 30 years. She celebrated her 59th birthday in Melbourne recently, so she started her stage career at the age of about seven. Miss Beth Mackey, who has scored a success in the character of Clara Popkiss, is th.e daughter of Lady Mackey, wife of the late Speaker of the House of Assembly in Victoria. Miss Donalda Warne, the talented young Australian artist, who made her name famous in a night in Melbourne, is said to be a dainty, sprightly girl of sixteen. “She faced the ordeal of the opening night,” wrote a critic, “with confidence that was surprising, and carried through the role of the “pyjama girl.” round whom all the humour of “Rookery Nook” is built, with a grace and charm that could not have been improved upon by an imported artist of greater experience.” Playgoers will be glad to welcome back Mr. Basil Radford, as his brilliant portrayal of the secret agent in “The Ghost Train” made him immensely popular here with playgoers. Others who assisted in making the Ben Travers comedies record successes in Sydney and Melbourne are Miss Jane Comfort. Leslie Victor, Cyril Vernon, Helene Simon, Nellie Mortyne and Victor Fitzherbert. Only a few representations can bo staged of “Rookery Nook.” and during the season, which is limited to twelve nights, will also be staged “A Cuckoo in the Nest” and “Thark.” The box plans will be opened on Monday morning next at nine o’clock.