THE POLK COMEDY COMPANY.

Daily Telegraph (Napier), Issue 3864, 5 December 1883, Page 3

THE POLK COMEDY COMPANY.

This clever company made their third appearance last night, the Theatre Royal being again well filled. The play produced was a society comedy entitled "An Arabian Night,"" or " Huroun-al-Raschid and his Mother-in-law," and, although the piece is not so ingeniously constructed as tho "Strategist," the performance was an enjoyable one, owing to the artistic and capable manner in Avhich it Avas presented by Mr and Mrs Polk. As in tho case of the former play, " An Arabian Night" abounds in a series of tho most embarrassing situations, which cannot fail co provoke hearty laughter. The following is a sketch of the piece :—Alexander Spinkle, a retired broker (Mr Polk) and Mrs Spinkle (Miss Lillie Bryer) arc recently married, and a niece (Miss Lena Ellis) is expected on a visit. Mr Spinkle, however, is acquainted Avith a certain Rose Maybloom, a circus rider, aa-lio turns up at Spinkle's house at the time his niece is expected. There is also a terrible mothcr-in-UiAV, Mrs Weebles (Mrs Edouin Bryer), Avho exercises a Avholesome influence over Mr Spinkle, in consequence of which he persuades Rose to personate his niece. This she does so cleverly as to completely deceive his mother-in-law, his wife being away on a visit. Tho most laughable situations ensue in consequence of the deception, the real niece being mistaken for the circus rider, and the latter for an heiress of immense wealth. Mr Polk's acting Avas admirable, and the stormy scenes Avith his mother-in-law, in his endeavors to keep his secret, Avere most amusingly pourtrayed. As the circus rider Mrs l'olk looked the part to perfection, and invested the character Avith a due amount of dash and saueiness. The sham circus scene, where she is supposed to be riding in the ring amidst the plaudits of tho audience, Avas capitally represented, the beautiful scenery also adding to the general effect. Mrs Bryer again proved herself to bo a most capable actress by her impersonation of the much-dreaded mother-in-la-Av, and Miss Lillie Bryer played the part of Mrs Spinkle in a natural manner. Miss Lena Ellis, Avho made her first appearance last night, created a Aery favourable impression by her acting as Miss Kate Spinkle, and Mr Emmet's delineation of the character of Lafayette Hoodie was very successful. Mr Boothman played tho part of Herbert Rembrandt, an artist in love Avith Kate, in his usual finished style, and received considerable applause from the audience. Mr Harry Powerhad a thoroughly congenial part as Hercules Sermith, tho man with tho iron jaw, and ho made tho most of it. The minor characters by Messrs R. Stewart, Vcrnon, and Calvert were all avcll cast, and the piece as a whole Avcnt exceedingly well throughout. It Avill be repeated to-night for tho last time.