"AN ENGLISHMAN'S HOME."

Wairarapa Age, Volume XXXII, Issue 9621, 14 October 1909, Page 5

"AN ENGLISHMAN'S HOME."

Last evening play-goers were given the opportunity to witness the much-discussed play, "An Englishman's Home," presented by Mr Edwin Geach's newly-selected English dramatic 'Jompany. They sustained the reputation won by them in other centres, and did not disappoint any expectations local play-goers could have reasonably formed. The play is a satire on Great Britain's unpreparedness against invasion put into the form of a dramatic production. It is noi possible to sit the piaceout without coming under the influence of the doctrine it preaches. It would be far less impressive had Du Maurier, in the writing of it, taken himself too seriously. His sense of humour, however, prevented him from doing so, and he drives home his arguments in a subtle manner, his earnestness being cleverly wrapped up in a cloak of levity, chiefly becbuse of the lesson it inculcates and in no small measure its power of appeal judged solely from the standpoint of a play. "AnEiglishman's Home" is a play that deserves to be welcomed. The particular "home" which gives the, piece its title is depicted with a wonderful accuracy that realises the commonplaces of suburban family life in a remarkable degree. The first act is like a rollicking farce, and there was laughter at the old man. .playing diabolo; and when theßrown household—men and women alike —talked football and sport,,the author's scheme of laying {he groundwork for tragedy was not fully seized. Many saw themselves pictured In, the irresponsible selfcomplacent characters—as true to New Zealand as they are in England. Nothing could be more tragic than the uselessness of the Brown women in the time of emergency. The picture of Maggie Brown sitting beside the wounded soldier, not know • ing how to apply a bandage to his wound, was heightened by his life's blood oozing out before her eyes. Mr Brown is a fine study of,' stupid old John Bull, who blunders through his undoing at the finish. Mr Raymond Longford pourtrays his different phases from the futility and prejudice ot the first act to the futile gallantry of the last, particularly well. Miss Kathleen Arnold as Maggie Brown, gave a quiet, forceful impersonation, that carried conviction. An excellent sketch was that of Mr A. Brandon Cremer as the Cockney, Geoffrey Smith, happy-go-lucky and full of pluck, tinctured with a droll sense of humour. The role of Adjutant Lindsay, was taken by Mr J. C. Deeney, and lie gave a clever interpretation of this somewhat difficult role. A very clever low comedy sketch was given by Miss Vera Coventry, as an absurdly comical "gawky" girl. Mr Walter Vincent, who impersonated Paul Robinson, the bewildered volunteer, carried out his part faithfully. The other parts all had , capable exponents.