10 DECEMBER 1927, Page 20

Messrs. Benn have added two new volumes to their series

of Contemporary British Dramatists (3s. 6d. in paper or 5s. in cloth). In Boadicea, Mr. Laurence Binyon gives us a fine historical play in the old tradition. Written partly in blank verse and partly in prose, it exhibits that restrained beauty and power that characterize all Mr. Biny-on's work. The conversation between Boadicea and Suetonius before the last battle is specially notable for its mingled strength and tenderness, and for its reflection of two opposing political ideals that are as modern as they are ancient. Miss Naomi RoydeSmith, in A Balcony, returns, though in very different style, to the theme of her recent novel Skin-Deep. Once again she exposes the butterfly type of womanhood. The play ends in tragedy, but incidentally contains much humorous and ironic comment on contemporary life and manners.

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