THE CHUCKLESOME BARD

Sun (Auckland), Volume II, Issue 609, 11 March 1929, Page 15

THE CHUCKLESOME BARD

“MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM” Shakespeare as the outhor of a play which provides even an element of pantomime can be as diverting as the sturdy moralist who has compressed a cross-section of human frailties into some of his more powerful dramas. Although a “Midsummer Night’s Dream” lacks the profound analyses of other plays, it retains its popularity with audiences of all ages. One of the charms of the picturesque and imaginative comedy is that it affords opportunity for a good company of players to take the stage. Nearly all are firstrate, with Mr. Dennis Barry’s Puck an impish fellow who will have a permanent place in the memory. Certain definite characteristics are demanded for the part, among them being a slight physique. The lack of this disqualifies even the talented Mr. Wilkie, for instance, from playing the a.rtful sprite. As Bottom, however, Mr. Wilkie amply demonstrates his artistic soundness. There is not a false note in his interpretation of the uncouth but companionable weaver,, and his manipulation of the ass’s head was a delight. Titania and Oberon were extremely well played by Miss HunterWatts and Mr. Herbert Sheldrick, respectively. Among mere mortals, Helena (Miss Marjorie Carr), Hermia (Miss Lorna Forbes), and Lysander (Mr. Alexander Marsh) commanded respect. The comedy of the bunch of artisan-actors was well handled. Another splendid feature was the work of the fairy-children—local talent trained by Madame Valeska. The story retains all its old flavour of merriment. A hardened sinner whoso memory of Bottom goes back to a picture in a school Shakespeare, showing the transformed weaver with a garland of daisies over his donkeynose, . could forbear to chuckle at the same spectacle on Saturday. As for the love-potions and their entertaining effects, one could only wish that a dash of the potent brew could be spread over a crowd in Queen Street. What a delightful entertainment the sequel would provide. Mr. Wilkie’s able company, which is demonstrating remarkable feats of memory, apart altogether from its fine character work, will present the grim story of ‘‘Macbeth” to-night.