THISTLEDOWN COMEDY

Sun (Auckland), Volume II, Issue 483, 12 October 1928, Page 15

THISTLEDOWN COMEDY

“SEXES AND SEVENS” MARGARET BANNERMAN AT HER BEST “Sexes and Sevens/' a comedy in three acts adapted from the French of Alfred Savoir by Arthur Wimperis, presented at His Majesty's Theatre last evening by J. c. Williamson. CAST A lady Kerry Kelly A gentleman Cyril Wender Charles Arthur Cornell Albert Ellis Irving Matard Herbert Millard Mado .. Margaret Bannerman Maurel Pirie Bush Edith Cicely Jonas Jacques Frederick Hughes Cross Geoffrey Millar Valentine Dorothy Dunckley Julie Lily Titheradge Latil .. G. Kay Souper One must go to the French to learn how to glide over thin ice without unnecessarily disturbing the glistening surface. Their suggestion is as subtle as the perfume of a spring morning—and just as refreshing and harmless. Those who might be tempted to hold up their hands in sanctimonious horror at the thought of a comedy with the title “Sexes and Sevens” need have no fear. It is the kind of theatrical fare one laughs with—not at. It is the kind of entertainment one remembers long afterwards with a contented chuckle, envying the characters • their innocent amusement about which so much could be made by keyhole whispering. In three acts Messrs. Savoir plus Wimperis tell us the old, old story of the love of a man for a maid, but it is done with the fragile charm and occasional harmless daring one has come to expect from a French comedy. It is Parisian after-dinner entertainment—light, bright and subtle. The pity of it was that many in last evening’s audience failed to grasp the situation, and sat back waiting for butterflies to be slaughtered with sledge hammers. The story itself, light as gossamer, is deftly constructed and played at a speed which is necessary to give it its full flavour. A beautiful young heiress, head of a banking firm, decides that woman is, the superior being and at the same time falls to the fascination of a handsome young shop walker. Known to him as a mysterious “Madame X,” she brings him to her hotel to live in the luxury he had known before he became penniless. The admiration of a former mistress of the young man causes “Madame X” to disclose her identity in an amusing boudoir scene, and from then on until the final curtain we have French comedy at its best. Xeedless to say, the young man comes into a fortune and attempts to take his revenge on the heiress, who desired him to become her paramour in name only. All this is done with a touch of thistledown. If it were possible Miss Bannerman looks more adorable than ever and acts with the refreshing effervescence of champagne. 1 “Sexes and Sevens” becomes her perfectly in many moods, but best of all in comedy. Her work is so effortless that one is snared by the illusion of reality—her charm is the Bannerman charm, which leaps out with every turn of her head an<J every ripple of her infectious laugh. Mr. Irving played a difficult part with delightful ease. He has acquired a charming manner and a good stage presence, which are excellent omens of his future. Miss Kelly and Mr. Wender created the atmosphere of the play in one of those deft little interludes which left one pleasantly expectant. Mr. Millard gave us an excellent character study, playing a small part with the keenest interest. Miss Jonas gave her best performance

of the season. Mr. Sou per hid his identity in the trappings of a French lawyer. Good support was given by Miss Titheradge, Mr. Millar, Mr. Busn and Mr. Cornell. On Monday evening, Diplomacy.'*