‘Denaby Church Players.

“Eliza Comes to Stay.”

(By H. V. Esmond).

Herbert ………………………………… Mr. J. Engeldow

Hon. Sandy Verrall…………………. Mr. A. T. Allaby

Alexander Verrall…………………….Mrs. Matthews

Lady Elizabeth Pennybroke……. Miss. E Engledow

Vera Laurance………………………… Miss M. J. Harding

Eliza…………………………………………Miss E. Robinson

Montagu Jordan………………………. Mr. J. Roberts

(Play Produced by Mr. T. Holcroft)

The late Mr. Henry V. Esmond, it is interesting to note in considering “Eliza comes to stay,” was one of those who made the glorious 20th century comedy what it is, and when one reflects on the almost ghastly depression extending from Shakespeare to the late 19th century, we are justified in revelling in British drama of today, and in considering that men like Esmond, Mr. A. A. Milne and Mr. C. K. Munro, with Mr. Arnold Bennett, and finally revive the comedy of manners.

Although they have introduced into their plays and an artificiality and exaggeration which does not meet with the approval of those stern puritans who hold that dramatic representation must be no more than photographic.

The present exaggeration part supersedes that of former comedies of manners those of the restoration, particularly in that they are kindly and Whittier; there artificiality is not so belittling to the intelligence, but approaches a degree of fantasy in which one can take an honest delight.