THE ST. JOHN AND HAYMAN DRAMATIC COMPANY.

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume XXXII, Issue 89, 23 April 1898, Page 2

THE ST. JOHN AND HAYMAN DRAMATIC COMPANY.

"THE PROFLIGATE."

Pinero wrote "The Profligate " in 1889, and, seemingly in a fit of late repentonce, he gave the world " The Second Mrs Tanqueray," in 1893. The two plays are the converse of eaoh other. The one*d9piots the punishment of the man who reaps th 'whirlwind harvest of the wind he has sown when he wins a pure womin who loves him only because she regards him as pure also. With discovery comes disillusion. Tbe wife remains, for Bhe will not be his judge ; but the iron has entered both their souls. In "The Second Mrs Tanqueary " it is the woman who has to hide her past from the world. When she fails, she seeks the nepenthe of deatb : when the man is exposed—well, he is a man, and he has a wifo who forgives. So he lives on. The reader will gain a far better idea of the motif of " The Profligate " from the foregoing comparison lhan from any lengthy review of the story •or the plot. Tho drama was well played by tho St, John and Hayman Company at the Theatre Boyal last night, and fche audience were very responsive. Mrs Harrio Marshall give a sweet and yet powerful rendering of Leslie Brudenell, the profligate's wife ; Mr Bert Bailey, aa Dnnstan Renshaw (the '• Profligate "), rather tore his passion to tatters, and a moro subdued interpretation might be truer to art ; but otherwise his interpretation of 'tlie character was clever. Mr Irve Hayman, as Hugh Murray, showed hi3 great versatility, for there is very wido range between his low Comedy parts and Pinero's sentimental lawyer. Mr Hayman is to be congratulated on his rendering of the character, for it was tasteful, and not in the least over-sfcrain-ed. Mr Dalziel played." Wilfrid Brudenell" also with much taste, while Mr Patey as " Lord Dangar," and Mr Bruce as "Mr Sfconehay," acted carefully and well. Misß Dora Mostyn, so excellent in boy parts, was cast in a role in which she is not often seen, that of " Janet Preece, ' the betrayed. Sho was quite equal to tho occasion, but it is suggested that when drawing a sketch of Kenshaw's portrait in Murray's office she would be more true to nature if she took off her right glove. Miss D' Alton made, a pleasing Irene Sfconehay. (May it be suggested to the company that there are three syllables and not two in tho Christian name ?) • This evening " the Bugle Call," a spectacular melodrama, will be staged, when i Mr Hayman will again appear in a l»w comedy part, introducing numerous songs, and as this is the Company's last night in Nelson, a largo farewell audience is expected.