AMUSEMENTS.

Oamaru Mail, Volume XXXVIII, Issue 10570, 27 September 1910, Page 1

AMUSEMENTS.

FRED GRAHAM COMEDY GO. 'THE BRIXTON BURGLARY." The name of Fred Graham has long stood for brightness and an intelligent grasp of what the theatre-going public wants in the way of diversion, and the reputation he has earned for himself in tins connection is in no way sullied by Ill's presentation of "The Brixton Burglary." The term burglary usually imports Jramii or tragedy, but there was nothing of either about the particular crime under notice. Really, although there would appear to have been a burglary it is not obtruded, and only serves in place the principals, all of whom have been illicitly and secretly in the

vicinity in embarrassing situations, the evolving of which creates the heartiest merriment. The burglary is a farce — a whooping farce, with a rip and a movement in it tlmi proved irresistible. It is couched in language that sparkles with wit, obvious certainly, but in a play none the less aceptable on that account. Mr Graham is, of course, the moving spirit and his part gives scope for the introduction of .several really good sketches and songs. His stage manager in t lie rehearsal scene was reaiiv excellent, while his dancing was lively and his songs bright. Mr Souper as Higgle gave a clever representation of the tired nian-abont-town. The other male parts, calling for no great capacity, were much better filled than are the usual minor roles. The women characters were not asked for much if we except Mrs George Lauri, who was admirable and always in the picture as a maid-servant. Her impersonation was to the life; she danced well and sang a song that proved attractive. Miss Nellie Dent, Miss Hartwell, and Miss Gretton made of the roles in which they figured the most that the circumstances permitted. There were a number of sonsis introduced, all new and all most obviously appreciated. It was a performance .with few slow moments and the merriment of the audience approaching sometimes to hilarity is the best measure of its success. To-night "The Man from Cook's," which is said, to be even more laughable than "The Brixton Burglary," will he staged. In this Mr Graham is provided with a particularly good part, and according to accounts is seen to great advantage.