CELEBRITY COMEDY

Wairarapa Times-Age, 17 November 1939, Page 7

CELEBRITY COMEDY

TWO-NIGHTS' MASTERTON SEASON. "CHARLEY'S AUNT" PRODUCTION. The Celebrity Comedy Company will open a two-night season al the Masterion Opera House tonight with the popular farce. "Charley's Aunt." that famous comedy which has maintained a world-wide popularity since the days of the Victorian era. Featuring an allstar cast, this production will be followed tomorrow night by a modern comedy, "Up in Mabel's Room." For many years "Charley's Aunt" has been a feature of the theatrical world in England, and as each year comes round so do the public look for its presentation. Many famous character actors have played the leading role, both on the stage and in motion pictures. but it is in its delightful farcial situations that it has retained its popularity. Featured in the two productions is Don Nicol, who was one of the principals of "White Horse Inn,” which created such a sensation in New Zealand some time ago. Associated with him is Miss Shirley Ann Richards, in "Dad and Dave Comes to Town." Many notable comedians have been associated with the title role in "Charley's Aunt," pioneer of masquerade comedies, but Don Nicol in no ways suffers by comparison with past favourites. He has. of course, his own following of admirers from previous performances, but the masquerade character acting required of him as "Babs” and "Charley’s Aunt" in this farce is far beyond the funny business demands of his former appearances. He rises admirably to the occasion of keeping the character portrayal convincing, while at the same time losing no opportunity for hitting up the farcical note. That old musical comedy favourite Phil Smith is Nicol's able collaboratoi and fellow farceur throughout the piece. A quartette of talented young players in leading roles of straight acting required to emphasise the farce are John Fleeting. Lane Patterson, Shirley Ann Richards and Mary Duncan, while in parts of special intricacy the experienced Charles Albert, Norman Barrington. and Leal Douglas give unostentatious strength to the performance. All these members of the cast, as well as Maisie Wallace, are favourites whose talent has been recognised in other roles, and they give a spirited production. On Saturday afternoon there will be a matinee in the Opera House when "Charley's Aunt" will be presented. Patrons are reminded that the performance tonight commences at 8.30 p.m. "UP IN MABEL'S ROOM.” The company will conclude their season on Saturday night when the- rollicking comedy, "Up in Mabel’s Room" will be presented.