“CHARLEY’S AUNT.”

Timaru Herald, Volume CXXIII, 23 March 1926, Page 7

“CHARLEY’S AUNT.”

A BRIGHT SHOW. That the evergreen. “Charley’s Aunt” can always bo relied upon to provide a splendid evening’s entertainment, was again demonstrated at the Theatre Royal last evening, when that highly entertaining comedy was produced by a company of artists headed by Mr D. B. O’Connor. For over thirty years “Charley’s Aunt” lias been synonymous with laughter, it being first presented in Bury St. Edmonds, in' 1892, with W. S, Penloy in the starving role. The play proved an immense success in England, being presented at the Royalty Theatre, London, where it rail continuously for four years. The play is also ail old favourite in tile colonies, where many well-known artists have appeared in it. The story, although .so humorously constructed, is remarkably simple and easy to follow. .It concerns a university man, Lord Rubbery, who, in order to help his friends in their love affairs, assumes "the part of an elderly aunt, with more or less success. The entanglements in which the principals rapidly become involved, form the. basis of an unusually humorous comedy, which from curtain to curtain, contains not a dull moment.

The selection of the cast to present “Charley's Aunt” on this occasion is a happy one. As Jack Chesney, Mr D. B. O'Connor was very happily cast in a role which allowed full scope ior his undoubted abilities as a comedian. His work tlirouglioht was of a very high standard, raid productive of a great deal of genuine humour which met witli the. deckled approval of a very enthusiastic audience. Mr J. McKeunie, as Lord Bahhery fßubs'), was also responsible for a large share of the humour arising out of the production, and the continual state of hilarity which prevailed throughout the performance, was due in no small measure to his efforts as the Aunt! A very careful study of the- role of Colonel Chesney was given by Mr G. Ward, while Brasset, in the hands of Mr Arthur Conrad, was also another part that was fully exploited. Mr G. Titcliener, as Mr Spettiguc, was responsible for a splendid interpretation, and was always well in the picture. In the role of Donna Lucia, Hiss Dorrie Arnold was well oust, filling all the requirements of the part ill a. natural manner. Miss Amy Clisby, a.s Ella Dolahay, Miss Doris George, as Kitty Vordon, and Mvs Margaret Blelsoo, as Amy Spettiguo, also proved very successful ill their respective roles. Miss Blotsoe also contributed two numbers, “Yearning,” and “Moonlight and Roses,” both mooting with unmistakable signs of approval. A very eflieiont orchestra also udded to the. success of the production. •'‘Charley’s Aunt’' will he played at Geraldine to-night, at Temuka on Wednesday, and at AYaimate on Thursday.