ST. JAMES THEATRE

Sun (Auckland), Volume II, Issue 612, 14 March 1929, Page 15

ST. JAMES THEATRE

WHEN KNIGHTS WERE BOLD Resembling in no mild form, Mark Twain’s humorous and popular story, “A Yankee at the Court of King Arthur,” the clever three-act comedy, “When Knights Were Bold,” now being played at the St. James Theatre by George Wallace and his company, is proving one of the biggest hits of the season. Throughout this week the turn, which is a new departure from the usual revue, with jazz, song and sketch, has featured packed houses. George Wallace, in the role of Sir Guy de Vere, has gained even higher favour with Auckland theatregoers. With starchy ancestors Sir Guy is one of the elite “400,” but with his relations and friends for ever harping to him of the “good old days,” he loses his slight respect for his forbears, and is no longer reserved, but full of fun. Such an attitude, which lacks reverence for his ancestors, worries and annoys his relations. In a dream Sir Guy is brought in contact with his forbears of the 12th century. Here the most clever wit and humour is introduced. His slang and modern expressions, met with the “thou’s” and “thee’s” of the old days, bring screams of laughter from the audience. Most amusing is Sir Guy’s duel with a mediaeval nobleman. Sir Brian. The third act of the play opens with Sir Guy struggling with a suit of armour which he has in his room—then he awakes. The third act is for the most part spent in exposing the bogus Irish knight. Sir Brian, who is a rival to Sir Guy in his love affair with Lady Rowene Mountford, his cousin. As Lady Rowene, Marie Nyman was a central figure in the play, and acquitted herself well in a serious part. Marshal Crosby, whose speech was richly smattered with a brogue, made a typical Irish knight. Other prominent parts were very satisfactorily filled by a company so used to the usual revue and song.