“THE LAUGHING OPTIMIST”

Sun (Auckland), Volume II, Issue 451, 5 September 1928, Page 15

“THE LAUGHING OPTIMIST”

HIS MAJESTY’S TO-NIGHT To-night at eight o’clock, the curtain will rise on the initial New Zealand representation of “The Laughing Optimist,” said to be one of the most interesting and most humorous comedies staged during recent years. The occasion will also introduce to playgoers the brilliant and very popular London actor-manager, Mr. Percy Hutchison, and his excellent company of English comedy stars, all of wliom won their laurels at the London West End theatres. Mr. Hutchison and the members of his company arrived by the Ulimaroa yesterday, and last evening a full lighting and scenic rehearsal passed off without a hitch. The season will be directed by J. C. Williamson, Ltd. To those who are acquainted with theatrical matters in England, the name of Mr. Percy Hutchison will bring back recollections of the original production of “Brewster’s Millions,” the principal character of which he created, and other plays, including “Stop Thief,” “Officer 666” (played here by Fred Nible), ‘The Luck of the Navy,” and “A Kiss for Cinderella,” all of which were presented to London audiences by Mr. Hutchison. In “The Laughing Optimist” ne receives the necessary opportunities to display the talents which have wen for him a name second to none in the world of comedy in London. In the play the “Laughing Optimist” infects all his friends with his cheery confidence until the igrl he wants to marry decides she will marry another man, and then he becomes a pessimist of the deepest dye. Australian critics were unanimous in declaring Mr. Hutchison’s company the best combination of drama and comedy which had ever appeared in the Commonwealth. Miss Frances Billon made herself immensely popular in Sydney and Melbourne in “The Laughing Optimist,” and so did Miss Stella Franis, Mary Brackley, Joan Rogers, Violet Ley, Aileen Mclnerney, Townsend Whitling (who last appeared here with ‘The Farmer’s Wife” company). R. Stewart West, E. Rayson-Cousens, Victor Watts Weston and Leslie Laurier. Only five presentations can be made of “The Laughing Optimist,” and on Tuesday next and the four following nights “Mr. What’s His Name” will be staged, and on the last two nights of the brief season “The Luck of the Navy” will be produced. The comedies will be staged m a most elaborate fashion, the scenery, the furnishings and the dressing being features.