AMUSEMENTS.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LIII, Issue 218, 23 December 1910, Page 2

AMUSEMENTS.

" MR. PREEDY AND THE COUNTESS." The box plan for "Mr. Preedy and the Countess," to be staged at the Theatre Royal on Monday next, opened at Collier's yesterday. In introducing -Mr. George Willoughby and his English Farcical Comedy Company in this latest and brightest effort of R. C. Carton's, Messrs. Clarice and Meynell are satisfied that they are offering precisely that high standard of play that New Zealanders demand. Stress is laid upon the fact that the new farce-comedy relies not only upon its intrinsic humor and infectious fun, but to an even greater degree upon its literary and intellectual qualities. Taken in conjunction, these attributes should cause "Mr. Preedy and the Countess" to attract all classes of playgoers. The piece is said to throw into comical relief the class known as the "smart set," and to contrast in a very entertaining manner the little traits of the plebian class. Not only has London set the seal of its entire approval upon Carton's work, but Australia has done likewise. "Preedy" is, therefore, entitled to be termed a worldwide laughing. success. It only remains for the discriminating playgoing public of New Plymouth to record their favorable verdict. Miss Beatrice Day, who will be seen as the Countess, has not been seen here in the lighter side of drama for some considerable time. Nevertheless, her good work in "Quality Street" and other comedies has not been forgotten. She is said to suit the leading roles in "Mr. Preedy and the Countess" to perfection. Harold Parkes, a very talented young actor, will be seen as Preedy, the victim of a bullying senior partner, John Bounsall (Mr. Geo. Willoughby). From these three characters most of the fun of the piece radiates, Preedy having to "mind" the countess in his flat to oblige Bounsall. Fresh comic interest is introduced in the guise of the relatives of the countess, in a jealous and interfering dentist (Ml'. Arthur Cornell), who wants Preedy's "best girl", and in a surly butler (Mr. Harry Hallay), and a pert lady's maid (Miss Amy Willard). Described as "a perfest maelstrom of mirth," the new farce-comedy promises to draw a crowded house, especially in view of the length of time that has elapsed since similar theatrical fare was submitted in New Plymouth.

On Tuesday, the last night of the season, acceding to innumerable requests, Mr. Willousrhby and his clever company will pres-.nt '-The Night of the Party."