THE ALLEN DOONE SEASON.

Evening Post, Volume XCII, Issue 8, 10 July 1916, Page 3

THE ALLEN DOONE SEASON.

After an absence of. some twelve months, Allen Doone has returned, and he received a rare welcome from a large audience in the Grand Opera House on Saturday night. There is no mistaking the cordiality, which invariably greets Mr. Doone and his Irish . plays. "O'Leary, V.C," the production chosen for the opening of the season, is a pleasing drama. The plot abounds with interesting phases, introduces some striking military scenes, intense pathos at times, and much good humour. Dick Dale, as portrayed by Mr. Allen Doone, finds favour in the eyes of the charming -Mona Fitzpatrick; and his rival, Captain M'Neven, sets to work to ruin Dick. War being declared, Lieutenant Neill, who is secretly. married to Dick Dale's sister Eily, goes to the front and is reported to be killed. Captain M'Neven, not knowing of the secret marriage and believing that shame has fallen on EUy, compels Dick to resign his commission in the army and relinquish Mona, under threat of making public the supposed disgrace of his sister. Dark clouds of misery, poverty, and niany trials follow Dick 'and' his sister in Paris. They befriend, a men-tally-unbalanced 'derelict—really Lieutenant Neill, whose injuries had caused him loss of memory—in the house where they are staying. ' Captain M'Neyen, learning of the derelict's idsmtity, visits the lodgings in order to try- to cast him out. ' A fierce quarrel follows, and Lieutenant Neil! is' struck a violent blow on the head, which, by some means, restores his mental balance; The exposure of the villain follows, to the intense satisfaction of (.he audience. Then Dick Dale joins the Army iinder the name of O'Leary, and the deeds of that Irish hero are woven into1 the story. ,in a manner which arouses 'the enthusiasm of the audience. As the hero of the play. -Mr. Allen Doone acted the part of Dick Dale with splendid effect, gaining a great hold on the affections of his hearers. As usual, his pleasing singing was a feature of the evening, and an exceptionally popular item was "The Kerry Guards," in association with a happy band of children, who thoroughly enjoyed their part of the performance. Other most successful and tuneful numbers by Mr. Doone were "My Old Dhudeen," "My Mother's Wedding Ring," and ''The Ham's in the Corner," with responses to enthusiastic recalls. The charming role of Mona Fitzpatrick could hardly have been in better hands than those of Miss Edna, Keeley, who is always a great favourite. She touched the hearts of the.., audience in the pathetic passages, and caused much fun in the sparkling comedy touches, while /her sweet brogue' was a delight to all Irish folk. Mr. Onslow Edgewdrth took the unpopular role of the villain effectively, and Mr. Olive Farnham acted convincingly as Lieutenant Neill. Mr. Frank Cullinaiie gave a capital representation of the father-of the heroine. Miss Ethel Grist revelled in , the comedy part of Mrs. O'Shaunoessy, a widow with matrimonial designs. Miss Ethel Bashford had an emotional role as Eily Dale, and won a warm place in. the hearts of her hearers by her sympathetic interpre>tation of the part. Other excellent characters were': Farrell Gorman (F.itzpatrick's secretary), J. Vincent Whyte; Norah Fitzpatrick, Connie Kyte; Roderick Fitzpatrick, Jean M'Coll; Alphonse (concierge of the Paris lodging house), M. Lynch; Madame. Victorine (his English wife), Aline, Dunn. . A specially bright musical programme was giveD. under the condiuctorship of . that popular musical veteran. Mr. .'Percy. Kehoe.

"O'Leary, V.C.,'' will be played again to -night and to-morrow night, and on Wednesday , night "The Colleen Bawn" will be staged. ' ' . : :