EGYPT’S QUEEN

Sun (Auckland), Volume II, Issue 617, 20 March 1929, Page 4

EGYPT’S QUEEN

ANTONY AND CLEOPATRA SHAKESPEARIAN SEASON “Antony and Cleopatra,” an historical tragedy by William Shakespeare. Presented at His Majesty’s Theatre last evening by Allan Wilkie. CAST Antony Allan W'ilkie Pompey John Cameron Enobarbus John Cairns Eros Keith Hall Octavius Alexander Marsh Thyreus Arthur Keane Canidius Alan Harkness Soothsayer Vincent Scully Clown Milton Sands Charmian Lorna Forbes Iras Marjorie Carr Cleopatra Miss Hunter Watts Mr. Wilkie’s Antony is more soldier than lover. He forgets the weakness which fell upon the warrior at the court of Egypt’s queen. Even in his more tender moments Mr. Wilkie’s martial manner triumphed over any suggestion of passion. It was a fine study of a soldier’s fall from grace. Miss Hunter Watts gave us a splendid Cleopatra, swept by every emotion. Never once, however, did she forget that she was Egypt’s queen, whether in despair or sorrow 7, anger or passion. It was a performance full of light and colour and in the death scene particularly Miss Hunter Watts conveyed the full illusion of reality by her excellent acting. Miss Forbes, Mr. Marsh, Mr. Cairns and Mr. Cameron gave sound and satisfactory performances and the other members of the cast played with sympathy and understanding. “Antony and Cleopatra” contains only two great parts; for the rest there is comparatively little. It and “Coriolanus” were the last great tragic themes of Shakespeare, both based, like “Julius Caesar,” on Roman history. Mr. Wilkie’s season will end this week, but there is still time to pay tribute to his resource and bravery. This evening “The Taming of the Shrew” will be revived.

DAHLIA SHOW The Auckland Horticultural Society’s annual dahlia show will be held in the Municipal Hall, Xewmarket. on Thursday and Friday of this week. DANCING AT DIXIELAND Dancing will be enjoyed again this evening at the popular Dixieland Cabaret at Point Chevalier. The Dixieland Dance Band will feature several new numbers direct from America, and dancing will be continued from 5.30 p.m. to midnight.