"MY FRIEND FROM INDIA."

Auckland Star, Volume XXVIII, Issue 248, 26 October 1897, Page 8

"MY FRIEND FROM INDIA."

The Paulten-Stanley Comedy Company Spened its brief Auckland season in the Opera House , yesterday, with a p]ay which, judging from the reception accorded it by the large audience present, bids fair to be as popular in New Zealand as it has been elsewhere. "My Friend from India " is no more than it pretends to fee —" a screamingly funny farcical comedy." As a piece of stage craft it is far from faultless; but as we are •all of us prepared to forgive much more, perhaps, than we ought to the people who can amuse us, so the 'oower in a play to evoke laughter is like the cloak of charity. In these high-pressure days so many, indeed, incline to the idea ihat the key to the only true philosophy of jfife is to be found in the philosophy of Jaughter, that people of puritanic views are Sometimes apprehensive of an apotheosis of Sonsensewith the comedy actor as the high priest and the stage as his temple. However that may be, there can be little doubt fchat modern theatre-goers are keenly appreciative of burlesque, hoAvever far it Snay be carried. It is carried pretty far: in "My Friend From India," but no one feels inclined to cavil at impossibilities or weaknesses in the midst of so much that is so unquestionably ludicrous and provocative of mirth. Last night the house' was convulsed with laughter at the comicalities of the situation. The scope that there is for fun will be understood to some extent when we explain that the real hero of the comedy—a matter-of-fact barber—is by thecombinedforceof liquor find circumstances launched n^? ne society of a number of ladies without the most important part of his attire, and that the poor sansculotte is reduced to cover his deficiencies with a counterpane. This quaint garb serves a good purpose, for though he is unable to go abroad in it the outlandish appearance he presents in it suggests an excuse for his presence among strangers in a strange drawing-room. So despite himself our barber friend is compelled to pose as a devout follower of Gautama, just arrived from India, and presumably versed in the lore of the Mahatmas. He rises bravely to the occasion, allows himself to be invested in a gorgeous silk gown like the counterpane, to be fondled and worshipped by a bevy of pretty girls and one old one at least, and is about to be made the lion of the London season when fortunately explanations are forthcoming which clear the complexities of the situation. As the trouserless barber Mr Paulton is irresistible. His appearance, his manner, his actions, his voice vividly suggest the character he portrays and the extraordinary circumstances that surround him. Miss Alma Stanley is undoubtedly one of the cleverest actresses of her kind that •we have seen here, and her kind is somewhat novel to Auckland theatre-goers. She plays her part with immense dash, and looks superb. Her descriptive monologue and the dance accompanying it was particularly smart. As Nasmus Chignell , our old friend, Mr Oily Deering, .scored as Well as we have seen him do, and that is Baying a great deal. The other roles were suitably sustained, and in the matter of scenery and dresses the piece leaves nothing to be desired. It will be repeated tonight.