VANBRUGH—BOUCICAULT

Sun (Auckland), Volume II, Issue 559, 11 January 1929, Page 14

VANBRUGH—BOUCICAULT

HIS MAJESTY'S ON MONDAY There was a very large demand for seats at Lewis Eady, Ltd.’s, this morning when ♦he box plans were opened for “All thR. King’s Horses,” “On Approval” and “The High Road,” tne three opening comedies of the Irene Vanbrugh -D( >n Boucicault season, which begins on Monday night next, when “All the King’s Horses” will be staged for the first time in New Zealand. Admirable balance between comedy and tragedy is, it is said, well preserved in C. E. Openshaw’s brilliant play. The title and plan of the play was suggested to the author by <he old rhyme about Humpty Dumpty’s fall. The audience is introduced to the interesting family of the Everetts at their home in Kensington. It comprises Wilfred, the pompous master of the house (Dion Boucicault): Alice, his wife (Irene Vanbrugh) : Jack, his son (I-tonald Ward); and Jill, his daughter (Rowena Ronald). It is said that Miss Vanbrugh presents the wife-in-revolt with fire and much sly humour. “She is radiant,” wrote a Melbourne critic, “witty, wise and sentimental in turn. In fact we have never enjoyed the brilliant actress more than we did in All the King’s Horses.’ ” Mr. Dion Boucicault is said to give one of his most finished portraits, and scores every possible point in the clever dialogue. The important character of Mrs. Maunders is in the hands of the talented London actress. Miss Annie Saker, and Miss Rowena Ronald and Ronald Ward as Jill and Jack respectively have also scored outstanding successes in their parts. On Thursday next and two following evenings “On Approval” will be stage here for the first time and on Monday January 21, and two following mgr,is “The High Road” will be presented. During the season there will aH» j staged “Caroline.” “Belinda.’ New Orleans.” “Mr. Pim Passes b and “Aren’t We All.”