“PEG O’ MY HEART.”

Gisborne Times, Volume XLIX, Issue 49, 14 October 1918, Page 2

“PEG O’ MY HEART.”

ON SATURDAY NIGHT. “Peg o’ My Heart” captivated a large audience at tlie Opera House on Saturday night. The play is delightfully wholesome, aiid all the artists, without exception, entered into the spirit of the piece, in- a manner that was much appreciated. Tlie comedy-drama is one in which there is real humor of a surprisingly high order, whilst the emotional portion of tlio play are undoubtedly intensely human. Sara Allgood, well known throughout the world for her impersonation of “Peg,’’ was taken ill a fortnight ago, and in her absence the title role was played by Madge Surtees. This talented young artist won the heart of the whole house as well as tlie hearts of her various admirers in the play itself. Her future appears assured if her performance on Saturday night is any criterion. Gisborne audiences are decidedly critical, and it is well known in theatrical circles, that the fare has to be of a very high standard before it receives tlieir approbation. No better compliment could be paid to Miss Surtees’ impersonation of a difficult role, therefore, than to say tliat on her next appearance in Gisborne she will have a most cordial reception. All the other artistes played their parts admirably. Nan Taylor made a splendid Mrs. Chichester, whose aristocratic pretentions are not supported by the necessary cash, whilst Mats Cower played the part of tlie daughter Ethel to perfection. The mother and daughter resent the entry into- tlie family circle of this wilful yet winfjme relation, Peg, hut ' decide to suffer” her in consideration of the £IOOO a year which her unc-le has left as payment for such services. The male members of the company also played their parts exceedingly well. Gerald Henson, as the hesitant lover Jc’.vv. was in his element, whilst Felix Bland portrayed the foppish Aleve to perfection. Wilton Power took the part of Hawkes, a solicitor, George Chalmers was seen as the butler, and Lionel Walsh as Brent was also particularly good. There was not a dull moment in the whole entertainment, and the enthusiastic reception the company received on Saturday evening augurs well for a crowded house at to-night’s performance of “‘The Rosary.” “THE ROSARY.” To-night the company appear in Edward Rose’s 4-act play “The Rqsary.” This play deals with the life story of Father Kelly, the worldrenowned priest who became famous for liis great work in the slums of New York. Edward Rose, in constructing his stage version of this great man’s work, has succeeded in making the priest a lovable arid interesting character. Father Kelly’s interest in Jack Johnston’s boxing, together with a first-hand knowledge of most branches of sport in general, was responsible for many a friendly attitude from the more case-harden-ed of liis Bowery parishioners. Joniglit’s play will * include the full strength of Messrs. J. and N. Tait s company. Madge Surtees, who appeared as “Peg” on Saturday night, will he seen as Kathleen O’Connor, Gerald Henson as Bruce Wilton, George Chalmers as Lee Martin, Slabs Gower as Ycra and Alice Marsh, the twin sisters. Felix Bland, Wilton Power, and Nan Taylar. and Lionel Walsh who plays Father . Kelly, comoleto the cast. The box plan is at All Her’s Corner.