At last, a play to be recommended

At last a new play has opened in London's West End which I can recommend. Monotonously the choice of London's theatres appeared to he confined either to a revival of an old play beautifully produced and acted or a new play which should have remained in the playwright's bottom drawer, in the hope that he had better things to come.
Knuckle, at the Comedy Theatre. is written by David Hare. I am sure we will hear moee from Mr. Hare. for he has things to say — things that matter — and he knows how to say them. lie accepts, unlike many modern playwrights the limitations and sonic of the conventions or the theatre.
After le:Rina the theatre I reflected and saw deeper truths in \Oat Mr. Hare had said. these were not immediately oh
vious, but be never failed at the time to hold my. attention by the story he had to tell,
The author is well served by the actors. Edward Fox, whose brilliant performance in the leading role in the film "The Day of the Jackal" earned him world-wide fame, brings to vivid life the anti-hero. the gunrunner, the conscience and yet the sinner of society. He is admirably supported by Douglas Wilmer and Shelagh Fraser. and special mention must be made of the fine acting by Kate "I-hinking about the plav, w.is reminded of medieval morality plays such as the York Mystery Plays. Knuckle might he described as a modern Guildlord Morality Play: Guildford is the setting of the play and the suburban smugness of the "stockbroker belt" is the subject.
I ii case I might mislead readers. I should warn you not It) expect a rehgous mystery tableau: the play is crude, the tiction violent. the hinguage in parts blasphemous. and the setting stark. for it is an indictment of our. modern society.
The same week saw a new production of "Oh Kay!", revival of a musical of the twenties. The hook is by P, G. Wodehouse and Guy Bolton. the music by George Gershvon, the lyrics by Ira Gershwin.
''This is in marked contrast to David Hare's play: it is frothy. happy. charming, and turns its back on the stark realities of life.
It is perhaps ironic that it should he staged at the Westminster Theatre, which has strong connections with Moral ReArmament (though it should he said that for this production the theatre has hcen let to another company).
If ‘.oti are looking for a plea night out, the Westminster 'theatre is; :AS good a venue as any. The cast is good, though the introduction of one or two stronger personality actors mid have ensured greater