ENTERTAINMENTS, ETC.

Evening Post, Volume LXXIII, Issue 36, 12 February 1907, Page 2

ENTERTAINMENTS, ETC.

THE BROUGH-FLEMMING COMPANY. " MRS. GORRINGES NECKLACE.' " Mrs. Gorringe's Xeeklace " ie described by the pioud garrulous owner as an ornament with something like five chops in front and a pear] clasp behind, ami that description of the jewellery just about applies to the play. 'It is a string of sparkling, imdiscent comicalities clasped v.p with a brooch of healthy moral instruction, given in no droning monotone, but with the vigorous voice of a mau of the world. The author, Mr. Herhart H. Davis, has done his work with charming s-übtlety ; it ia not the story itself that matters so much as the way it is told*. The plot can be outlined in few words. Sirs. Gorringc, Captain Mowbraj', and David Cairn are guests at the houfie of Mra. and Colonel— it is really Mrs. and Colonel — Jardine, who have a lovable daughter Isabel, beloved by Mcwbray, a strong man and honest, and Cairn, a weakling, who sadly admits himself that he lias a taint, a kink Bomewhoro that sends him into crooked "ways. Of course, Cairn, who is supposed to 'have an admirable exterior, is the girl's choice, and the inevitable tragedy looms up in the comedy. David succumbs to a temptation to steal the necklace, which ho hideo in the colonel's own house, and circumstances cast cuspicion on the captain, who gallantly l-ssolves to bear the burden of the blame, for Isabel's sake. Cairn, however, lias a moment of strength and commits fiuicide, and the news of hits death closes the play. That is the solid 1 framework, but it is lost in the ornament, the festoons of humour, keen but genial. | Apparently tlio author is just skimming j tho surface of life, but he surreptitiously tlmists his dipper down nc-w and then, and brings it up brimful of the real thing. j Hie studies of femininity, the types of women who kiss and ldss each other in public and dissect each other pitilessly in private, are true— at least, an average man thinks in his innermost heart they j aio true^-but the cynicism is not cheap ( nor nasty over. It je simply breezy observation, healthy tilting, a draught of the waters of fact which leaved no horrible | tuste in the mouth. Consequently "it h almost banal to say that the play wj s enjoyed. There were, some exhilarating notes in even the audience's laughtsr. liieh was glad that he was enjoying the feast, and was pleased that his neighbour was not a ghost at the banquet. Miss Beatrice Day was a very amusing Mrs. Gorringe, garrulous, superficial", lluiuti<ms., artful, artless, and withal determined to do her duty by Mr. Gorringe and the children. There- was a delightful fiebhnese about her voicing and posing. Mrs. Brough had a role specially mado tor her in Mir, Jardine, a woman who held sway over her colonel husband by the sceptre of nerves and a droll caustic tongue. She was Mrs. Jardine all the- time. Mr. Edgar B. Payne v/as an estimable colonel, well pourtraying a man supposed to bo good-hearted, but more or loss block-headed* Mr. Herbert Fkrammg was just a little too heavy in body for the role of Captain Mowbrav. but that -was a, " neglible qunntity " compared vnth the excellence of his acting Mr. Carter Pickford was not quite a succw3 us David Cairn. Miss . Kate Gair was natural enough as Isabel, especially inhst command of a sweefc voice. "M;s. Gorringe "s Necklace" will bs repeated to-night. FULLER'S ENTERTAINERS. Tho entertainment at present piovided by tho vaudeville artists under the management of tho Messrs. Fuller is a diversified one which is drawing laree audiences. Last evening the juggling of Losso and Roberts, the interesting dancing of the Bicknells, and mirth-provok-ing tumo of n number of comedians were heart! y appreciated. The last nights of several artists are announced.