GRAND OPERA HOUSE

Evening Post, Volume CX, Issue 35, 10 August 1925, Page 11

GRAND OPERA HOUSE

"MOTHER MACHREE."

Ould Ireland in'the 'eighties,: when the colleens wore bunched skirts, laced bod--ices, and the daintiest of fishus, is the setting for "Mother Machree," the Irish comedy-drama, presented at the Grand Opera House on Saturday night by the Danis Kehoe Company. Tho large: audfence was suitably appreciative, so much so that Mr. Kohoe had to take thecurtuin in tho last act, and made a charming little- speech. Those who'at.tend hoping- to see a sex drama will be disappointed, for "Mother Machreo". is (and-.here ono must acknowledge a debt to Maurice Wehlen, the author, for writing a frankly wholesome tale) a simplo story of a mother's love for her< family, and the sentiments are boautifully expressed. There is a quiet nobility about tho simplicity of Mother Maehrao's character that brands her as t)u> real aristocrat, for tho Simple homospun of her life has as its chief colour weave, love, gentility, and. courage. It is a- simple, straightforward story, and judging by its initial reception, the drama will have a successful season her*. Tho cast is sourtd in every way, ■ and there is much humour to leaven the, pathos of Mother Machree's courage. In the Tola of Dan O'Connor, Denis Kehoe makes a welcome reappearance. He hrut a. pleasing stage presence, nets convincingly, and has a delightful brogue, as well as an uncommon singing voice, which he uses with harp accompaniment. He sang2"BelieveMelf All Those Endearing Young Charms," and "The Last Rose Of Summer," playing his own accompaniment on his Irish harp, and had to respond to vociferous encores. He also sings "Mother Machree" during the progress of the play. His vis a vis in the love scenes is Miss Frances Kayher, who plays the role of Bose O'Dare, and is sweet' and fascinating all through wearing her flowered frocks with distinction, and donning a beautiful wedding (town of lace and embossed flowers, with filmy veil, ■to accord with the cream satin suit and flowing shoulder ribbons of her lover/Dan. Gwcn Dbrise makes the most of her part as Moira O'Connor. ■ Her scenes •wjth Harold O'Dare, the stuttering Londoner who has to sing his proposal oecauee be stammers so under excitement, are a sheer delight. In the role of the Londoner, Ronald Riley acts with graciousness and wears the brocade and ruffles with an air. His comedy sense is good. Helen Fergus, in the role of Mother Machree was yet another outstanding ■ performer, giving a splsndid characterisation of the part, and being the "community" mother i» every way, kindly, gracious, and courageous. ' Maurice Lynch and Charles Keegan were both familiar figures, and their comedy was hilarious. Lester Carey was villainous as the estate agent; Aline Dunn'was cast as a garrulous neighbour, with a. penchant for gossip; Ross Creagh was Sheriff Harris ; and Bernard Beeby brought a plea»ing presence, and a nicely modulated speaking voice to make the boy Shamus <i likeable »lad. Tom Buckley was father Pat, and there were wedding uuests and a hidden male chorus to add to the scenes

Mr. Percy Kehoo conducts an orchestra that specialises in Irish airs during tho piny. • ' '

His Excellency the flovpriior-fieneral nnd pally from Govuriunent House will attend In-night* p«rf(iniinii<'t'.'