“MILESTONES”

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 915, 7 March 1930, Page 14

“MILESTONES”

THE VICTORIAN PERIOD PORTRAYED “Milestones,” a period play in three j acts, by Arnold Bennett and Edward ; KLnoblock. Presented at the Unity Hall last evening- by Andrew Beresford. The Cast: Mrs. Rhead Gertrude Fox Ros.’ Sibley . . , . Constance Martin Gertrude Rhead . . .. Silvia Martinengo Thompson Ronald Bowie Ned Pym N. R. Clifton Sam Sibley A. G. Quartely John Rhead Andrew Beresford Mrs. John Rhead . . .. Constance Martin Lord Monkhouse N. R. Clifton Emily Rhead .. .. Mary R. Mackenzie Arthur Preece Godfrey Kissling Nancy Sibley Jean McCormick Webster Captain Redmond Lord Monkhurst Ronald Bowie Lady Monkhurst . . . . Mary R. Mackenzie The Hon. Murial Pym . . . . Margery Ryan Richard Sibley N. R. Clifters The clash of the old and the new, the evolution of ideas, and the final emancipation of youth, is the theme which forms the basis of Arnold Bennett’s and Edward KLnoblock’s charming period play. It represents three periods—early and later Victorian and modern —and reveals the subtle change from the old order to the new. The march of time leaves its actors milestones on the road of life. These are shown by the process the disillusionment of our fathers, and their change from conservatism to modern tolerance. The frigid, austere atmosphere of the Victorian drawing-room has been captured with facility in Mr. Beresford’s production. The first act opens in 1860, and is marked by a fervent declaration of love by John Rhead for his partner’s sister, Rose Sibley. Their proposed marriage is condemned by the brother, Samuel, who strongly objects to John’s seemingly extraordinary ideas in shipbuilding. Twenty-five years pass. Rose is happily married to John, and is the mother of a lovely daughter, Emily. Contrary to her parents’ expectations, Emily conceives a passion for her father’s engineer. However, parental persuasion overcomes the dictates of the heart, and she marries Lord Monkhouse. The part, difficult in many ways, is finely portrayed by Miss Mackenzie Miss Silvia Martinengo, too, gave an excellent performance. Tbe concluding scene, which sounds a distinctly modern note, shows the happy reconciliation of all. The whole play, in spite of limitations, reflects credit on the actors and the producer, Mr. Beresford.