ENTERTAINMENTS

Evening Post, Volume LXXXIV, Issue 74, 24 September 1912, Page 2

ENTERTAINMENTS

"NOBODY'S DAUGHTER," * Not since "The Hypocrites" hae Wellington had a similar play that tells its story so pointedly, and not since the "Walls of Jericho" has Wellington had a play that gripped its audience from, curtain-rise to curtain-fall so thoroughly as "Nobody's Daughter," the comedydrama — tens© drama at times — by "GeoTge Paston," which was produced by the Plunmer-Denniston Company at the Opera House last night. Throughout Australia this play has found much favour with playgoers, and 6uch will be the case in this city. The audience last night was not roused to any great height* of demonstrative enthusiasm; certainly there Were curtaincalls and much applause; but a glance round the audience showed that the play had struck a more telling chord of approval— that of the emotions, the sympathetic emotions of the heart. There was scarcely a dry eye in the audience when the tragic climaxes were reached. But the play is not lacking^in scenes in lighter vein; there is a leaven of good comedy. The theme of "Nobody's Daughter" is an old one; a. sordid^ne perhaps in tho eyes of some; but it is handled in such a skilful, artistic manner that room is not left to cavil. The fuuit of the unwise love of a youiig couple is Hottora May, a 'handsome, winsome girl, who, when the characters are introduced to the audience, is aged nineteen. Her parents, who have married other life partners, constitute themselves her guardians, and see to her up-bting-ing. The crucial time has arrived when they think Honora should be taken from the charge . of her dour, Calvinietic nurse, and placed with a family, afid opportunity afforded her of "learning something genteel." This the nurse, who knows the secret of Honora'* birth, re« sents, and under threat that she will disclose all to the mother's husband (Mr. Frampton) the mother is forced to take heT into her own home. She is shocked, however, to find that the girl (who thinks her parents dead) has be* come engaged to a mechanic, and is anxious to marry him at once. To avoid this, if possible, it is arranged that Honora shall go to her mother's house for six months, and if, after her experience of life among the Classes, she is still of the same mind, no obstacle is to be placed in the young couple's way. The secret of the girl's parentage is unknown to Frampton, Who is given to understand that he* parents died of cholera in India. Honora sighs for relations, and Frampton sets himself the task of finding some for heT. His zeal succeeds in laying bare the story of the girl's life; the unmasking of the scheme of the mother and father (Colonel Torrens). Honora is "Nobody's Daughter," and has no name,' but the young mechanic has one to offrr, Hot short experience hafe not ' altered Honora's love, and she accepts the offer. Reconciliation is effected between Frampton and his wife, the closing scene being very effective. The company is a strong one, one of the best we have had for some considerable time, and of course the play is most capably acted, all the leading characters being most admirably portrayed. Mr. Harry Plimmer, as Frampton, has not done anything better iit Wellington. His was a. fine conception of a difficult part. In the lighter scones he was the genial, satisfied, prosperous business man, anxious to do all for everyone's happiness, particularly Honora's; and in the dramatic passages he acted with telling intensity. In the scene where he unmasks the guilty pair, he was very powerful, and richly deserved the curtain-call. Mrs. Brough, who was given.a hearty welcome, had an exacting part as Mrs. Frampton, but ill her capable hands not a point was lost. It was good to see this accomplished arttet in a role fitting her talents. In the tragic-ally-pathetic scenes she was most appealing. Miss Lizette Parkes is as winsome as ever, and as Honora had unlimited scope to display her grace and charm, She made Honora live. Mr. George Titheradge shared with Mrs. Brough the audiehce's tribute to a popular and distinguished artist, and as Colonel Torrens played with his accustomed ease and polish. Miss Tempe Pigott's presentation of the dour. Scripture-loving old lady was an excellent one, ahd she was no small factor in the success of the play. Mi'sb Beatrice Day made the most of her few opportunities, and effective aid was lent in smaller parts by Miss Beatrice Osher, Mr. Harry Sweeney, Mr. A. E. Greenaway, and Mr. Cyril Bell. "Nobody's Daughter" will be repeated this evening. "Nobody's Daughter" will be staged for three m6re nights, and will give way on Friday next, 27th September, to a representation of Oscar Wilde's brilliant comedy "A Woman of No Importance." In this production Mr. G. S. Titheradge will be seen in his original creation of the cynical Lord Illingworth, and Mrs. Brough,' as Mrs. Arbuthnot, also her original creation. Tuesday and Wednesday, Ist and 2nd October, the last two nights of the season, will be devoted to Sydney Grundy's drama "A Village Priest." The box plans are at the Dresden.