LARKS AT - HAMMERSMITH
[" RIVERSIDE NIGHTS," BY A. P. HERBERT AND NIGEL PLAYFAIR. LYRIC, HAmmeasurrn.] FOR months past the town has buzzed with gossip about the entertainment—some called it vaguely a " highbrow revue," whatever that may mean—Mr. Playfair was going to produce one day in his famous little theatre, and now it has come at last. On its literary side,Riverside Nights is mainly the work of Mr. A. P. Herbert, whose sense of fun is as fresh and sparkling as the air of Chiswick Reach on a sunny morning in spring, but Mr. Playfair's keen sense of invention assisted greatly, I have no doubt, in what has proved a most happy collaboration. The evening, as a result, is one glorious riot of laughter. Thele is so much to praise, so many clever artists to commend, in this delicious entertainment that it is difficult to know where to begin. First, perhaps, Mr. Miles Malleson.' Now what are we to do about this astonishing man ? Not content with having written and produced in Conflict what is so far the best play of the year, he must needs dash off to Hammersmith three nights after its production; and give a performance that only confirms what I have said time and again, namely, that Mr. Malleson is the greatest comic genius -of our time. - If you don't believe me, go and see him as Perkin Warbeck in a clever little sketch written by Mr. Playfair's son. Mr. Harold Scott and Miss Elsa Lanchester contribute some turns that have been a feature of Bohemian circles for a long time. It was interesting to note with what avidity a wider and more popular audience took to these two unique and fascinating artists. Miss Kathleen Hilliard, look- ing adorably pretty, sang with great charm, and Mr. George Baker was in fine voice. A warm welcome was reserved for Miss .Marie Dainton. It was clever of -Mr. Playfair to have lured her back to the stage. She brought distinction to everything she touched. The Policeman's Serenade, which originally appeared in Punch, has now been turned by. mr. Herbert, assisted by some charming music from the melodious pen of Mr. Alfred Reynolds, into what he calls a " little grand
:opera." • This and a merciless but uproariously funny parody of an:average Russian play are perhaps the best of all ' the admirable items in his share of the production. Mr.
• Frederick Austen made a personal appearance on the first night to conduct Thomas and _Sally, an opera in one act, by Dr. Arne, which Mr. Playfair has dragged down from some dusty shelf to incorporate- into the middle section of his pro- gramme. It is a quaint trifle, full of nice things, and was beautifully sung by Miss Hilliard. and Mr. Baker. Botlf' of them played it in the right spirit of quiet burlesque, but it *as too long, and could be cut with advantage. A great-evening. My-idea of happiness has changed. I would have Mr. Malleson in front of me three times daily as Perkin Warbeck, and Mr. Scott and Miss Lanchesier (in the cool of the evening) with ,their negro spirituals. Then I would be happy till the stage lights are blacked out of the world, and the pass door is closed for ever.
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