Bird in Hand
The Stage, 16 August 1928
At the Royal, on Monday, Bird in Hand started a tour. Sir Barry Jackson presents this charming play. The name of the author, John Drinkwater, has been so long associated with serious drama that it is difficult to connect it with a comedy, but there is brightness in the dialogue and charm in the plot of this piece. The play is finely constructed, written with dramatic instinct and literary grace. A story that grows out of its clearly- drawn characters, is faithfully interpreted by an excellent cast a happy blending of experience and youth that augurs a successful tour. As Thomas Greenleaf, a part he created with success, Percy Rhodes, has a character that gives him many opportunities, and he avails himself of them fully as the irate inn-keeper. Olga Murgatroyd’s interpretation of the romantic Joan Greenleaf, displays a clever artist. As the aristocratic lover, Gerald Arnwood, a realistic and convincing study is forthcoming from Edgar McEwen. A knight whose son desires to wed out of his class furnishes material that enables Ernest Bodkin, as Sir Robert Arnwood, to impress by his skilful handling of a difficult character. In her portrayal of the charming Alice Greenleaf. Marguerite Cellier is excellent. A capital performance is given by Cecil Brooking as the K.C. Ambrose Godolphin, and Percy Goodyear (sic) brings to the role of Mr. Blanquet, a delightful sense of nonsense. As Cyril Beverley, Richard Littledale excels. The scene is laid throughout at the “Bird in Hand” inn, Gloucestershire, and the fine reproduction of the old timbered Tudor house, by Hugh Tudor, is alone worth a visit. The production work of W. G. Fay is excellent. Alec Barr is business manager, and Alfred W. Beale stage manager.
** There may also have been a week at the Brixton Theatre comm 12 November but unable to find evidence **
Cast & Crew
Cast
Alice Greenleaf | Marguerite Cellier |
---|---|
Ambrose Godolphin KC | Cecil Brooking |
Cyril Beverley | Richard Littledale |
Gerald Arnwood | Edgar McEwen |
Joan Greenleaf | Olga Murgatroyd |
Mr Blanquet | Percy Goodyer |
Sir Robert Arnwood | Ernest Bodkin |
Thomas Greenleaf | Percy Rhodes |
- Added by Richard Davison, last modified by Chris D.
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Play description
Began in September 1927, Birmingham Repertory Theatre with a cast including Peggy Ashcroft and Laurence Olivier.
Royalty Theatre London run started on 18 April 1928 and continued until March 1929. The first provincial run started in August 1928.
Photo credits
- Olga Murgatroyd and Edgar McEwen, Other public domain
Observations
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