PRINCESS THEATER.

Otago Witness, Issue 2394, 18 January 1900, Page 57

PRINCESS THEATER.

" THE LIARS." The welcome which was extended to Mr and Mrs Brough by the large audience that assembled at the Princess Theatre on Friday night to witness the first production of theii dramatic season in Dunedin was hearty and demonstrative, it was eloquent in its expression of the genuine pleasure which the play-going" community experiences in again meeting so sterling an. actor as Mr Brough. and so talented an actress as his popular wife. Miss Temple, too, was warmly welcomed back. As for the other members of the company with which Mr Brough is now' surrounded, they are mostly strangers. The Dunedin public are delighted to make their acquaintance, and on a full acquaintance may accord to them a measure of the affection they have for their old friends at the head of the company. Tho mere factj that the stranears in fcbf» cowman y

are introduced by Mr Brough gives them a passport to favour. " The Liars " was the comedy which was selected out of Mr Brough's extensive and varied stock as the opening piece. It is a harsh and unattractive title, but it is a rat tling and distinctly attractive play. Mr Henry Arthur Jones, who is its author, does not do bad work. In ihis comedy he has given us his best. The whole of the action is covered by the space of a few days only. It concerns itself with the consequences of the indiscretions of several frivolous women, and particularly of one frivolous woman, and the lesson which it might be said to teach, were it nob that "preaching" is sternly deprecated throughout the piece, is the very old one that honesty is the best policy— especially when you have been found out. The dialogue is exceptionally clever, crisp, epigrammatic. It is a dialogue in which one does not want to miss a single word. The frivolous woman in whom the audience become particularly interested is Lady Jessica Nepean. Her husband, Mr Gilbert Nepean, has not regarded it as necessary to continue- to make lovo to her after their marriage, but a young African traveller, named Edward Falkner, who has returned to England to find that as the result of his successful negotiations with the natives he has become famous, is infatuated with her, and in season and out of season is to be found dangling after her. His attentions to her excite talk. At last her husband demands that the "tomfoolery" should stop. It has yet, •however, to reach its height. That is reached when Lady Jessica, by a .curefully meditated " accident," meets Falkner at a suburban hotel, where lie has taken the precaution oi ordering an excellent dinner for two, and when the pair of them are surprised there by Gilbert Nepean's brother GeorgeJ who communicates to the husband the- nature of his discovery, Lady Jessica has recourse to tho harmless., necessary tarradiddle in explanation of her indiscretion. From one fib she is led on to another, and one by one she draws her friends into the elaborate but transparent plan she and. her sister, Lady Rosamond Tatton, have devise to extricate her from her embarrassing situation. Lady Rosamond's husband, who, while admitting that he may be an ass protests that ho in not a silly ass, objects that the story is too " thin," but his wife promptly overrules any opposition on his part. Sir Christopher Deering, a philosophic man of the world who is the trusted friend of all parties, strongly counsels that of the two alternatives — that of fibbing and that of tolling the truth— the latter is the preferable, but his suggestion is overruled by Lady Jessica for the very weighty reason that Gilbert Nepean would not believe the truth. Dolly Coke, Lady Jessica's cousin, is pressed into the service to spin the plausible tale that it was she with whom the indiscreet wife was to have dined at the country inn, and Dolly's husband, honourable man though he proclaims himself to be, is swept by the resistless tide of circumstances into membership of the zealous committee who are enrolled to shield Lady Jessica's reputation. The story, glibly told though it is by Dolly Coke, breaks down miserably under the crossexamination to which its authors are subjected by Gilbert Nepean. The truth comes, and . with a vengeance; from the lips of Falkner himself,' who enters unexpectedly and, when challenged by Nepean, discloses the facts, concealing not his own love for Lady Jessica, but g.vmg his solemn assurance of her guiltlessness. s he third act, in which the explanations, true and false,, are made is for the most part writion in the vein of the richest and most irreeistible humour, but its concluding passages are intensely dramatic, in the last act Sir Christopher Deering is discovered packing up to leave for Africa for service there, and to his rooms the injured husband, the indiscreet wife, and the passionate lover separately repair for advice. ■ Lady Jessica causes trouble by declaring her readiness, now that things have gone so badly with her, to take the fatal plunge and elope with Falkner, who is eoually determined to sacrifice everything for her sake, but the wise counsellor, rising to n height of eloquent remonstrance, succeeds in bringing tl.em to their senses and also in effecting a reconciliation between the estranged couple. Mrs Brough exhibited all her old power and tact in her impersonation of Lady Jessica Nepean. In the early scenes Lady Jessica is merely a, frivolous, worldly woman, who enjoys playing the part of the candle to any moth that may come along. The transition from this aspect of the character to that of the woman who is selfishly fearful of the loss of her place in society, and yet again the transition to the character of the woman who, until tho probable consequences of her conduct are made clear to her, recklessly proposes to fling away her reputation was skilfully marked by Mrs Brough, who depicted with complete success and with convincing naturalness the varying moods of the unfortunate woman. Miss Temple played the part of Lady Rosamond latton with admirable judgment and refinement, and Miss Grace Noble, with whom the audience were pleased to renew their acquaintance, represented the character of a young widow with refinement and grace. The new ladies among the company all 'created a capital impression. Mips Evelyn Martheze was the one among them to whom the principal opportunities came, and she played the part of Dolly Coke very brightly and well. The character of Sir Christopher Deering in some respects resembles that of Cayley Drummle in "The Second Mrs Tanqueray." Sir Christopher, familiarly known as " Kit," is the personage in the play who knows much better than anyone el=;e the precise line of conduct which any of the chaiacters should follow. He represents that character without whose services, it has bean said, modern comedy would suffer partial paralysis. He is philosophical, and, therefore, wise, he is witty, he is cynical, he is kindly, he is repourceful, he is habitually unruffled — the deus ex machina through whose intervention the troubled waters are smoothed for his friends, and who in the odd moments which aro permitted to him in the intervals of looking after other, persons' affoirs satisfactorily arranges his own little love affair. This part was played by Mr Brough, and was played by him with that easy confidence and delightful buoyanoy that were essential to its success, Mr Brough has rarely done anything better. The capacity of Mr W. T. Lovell, one of the new members of the company, was fairly tested in the part of the impassioned and explosive young lover. The earnestness of the character and his romantic disposition were ably suggested by Mr Lovell, and in the third act he displayed a valuable reserve force of dramatic power. Mr Lovell's performance was full of rich promise. Mr Crane's opportunity will come in another j>iece •' he had not much to do as Gilbert Nepean. Mr Leslie Victor, however, proved himself to be a very capable light comedian by his effective representation of Freddie Tatton, whose experience of womankind is not encouraging, for, having tried kindness with his wife, and also tried firmness, he lias to admit that he is a cipher in his own house, yet would fain believe that " there must be some way of managing; 'em,," My jyaa A charming

little study. Mr Percy Brough, Dr Dartrey, Mr Majeroni, Miss Bessie Thompson, and Miss Laura Hanley also look part in a very even and exceedingly enjoyable production. The piece was admirably staged. The orchestra, under Mr Diederischen, performed a choice selection of airs*. 1 The new society comedy, " The Liars," was repeated at the Princess Theatre oa Saturday evening by the Brough Comedy Company, and attracted a large and discriminating audience. There can be no doubt that this spaiklmg comedy, which has not a- common-place situation or a dull line in it, would draw good houses for sonic time, and would even increa&e in popularity, but it will not be revived during the season, and in accordance with the announcement made its second and final performance was given. Upon their appearance Mr and Mrs Brough and Miss Temple were again received with demonstrative applause, and throughout the evening their skilful acting was followed with the keen interest and close attention that is the highest compliment that can bs paid to artistic talent. As on the previous evening, the other members of the company filled the parts assigned in a manner quite worthy of the reputation the'COinpany has established. " THE ADVENTURE OF LADY UESULA." A comedy from the pen of Anthony Hope, entitled " The Adventure ooff f Lady Ursula," was selected from the Brouglij, Company's repertoire for the delectation of iJnnedin playgoers at the Princess Theatre on Monday evening. The rnasqurade of a charming s'oung lady as a boy is the source from which the motive of the piece is derived, and as such it of course must be admitted- that a similar device has afforded a theme for many a dramatic creation. But the inventive skill and the facile pen of Anthony Hope have clothed the old idea- with a shining raiment of originality, and a delightful, absorb- ' ingly interesting story is composed of piquant situations, scene 3of pretty maidenly distress, bewildering intricacies, and complexities, and exciting denouements at a time when misunderstandings were promptly referred to the arbitrament of the sword. The period of the play (1760-1770) , furnishes the author with an additional source of attractiveness in the matter of costumes and social customs. The old-fashioned dress of the ladies and gentlemen — the former with their voluminous iurbelows and other mysterious artioles of attire, the latter wHh their three-cornered hats and great wigs, and with their swords ready to hand — and the quaint, curious stiff-looking furniture of the day, form an attractive setting. Practically there a-re only two characters in the cornedy — Lady Ursula and Sir George Sylvester. The mutual encounters of these affoids the foundation upon which the superstructure of the piece is built. Lady Ursula is an adventurous, wayward, highspirited young lady, possessed in an unusual degree of that faculty which is said to be an essential trait in a woman's character — the faculty which causes them to adopt the course which, in the natural order of things, is the one course they should not adopt. A feminine mind never inclines in the direction of the least resistance, especially when it does not lead to the fulfilment of its whims and caprices. The story of the play runs thus : — Sir George Sylvester has killed in a duel his most devoted friexid. The quarrel arises over a. woman, and he makes a vow that he will henceforth not only eschew feminine company, but that a woman shall never hereafter cross his threshold.^ No sooner does she hear of this than Lady Ursula must set about the task of causing Sir George's vow to be broken. To effect her design she adopts the womanly device of fainting at the gentleman's doorstep, fully convinced that his sense of hospitality will momentarily obliterate from his memory the resolution he has undertaken, and that she will be conveyed inside the house. But Sir George is not overcome with the tale of distress when it is conveyed to his ears by his servants, and instructs the attendants to in-fo-m Lady Ursida that the porter's lodge is at her disposal. Just at the monient when this information is being conveyed to my lady, her brother (Lord Hassenden) accidentally rides up and overhears what is said. Lord Hassenden flies into a rage, and calling upon Sir George, no time is lost in appointing an hour and place for a duel. Lady Ursula reaches home m the depth ot despair at the outcome of her mad freak, for, as Sir George is an accomplished swordsman, the only outcome of the encounter can be the death of Hnssenden. In her extremity Lady Ursula and her companion (Miss Dorothy Fenton) apprise the nobleman cf the true state of affairs, and beg him to make an explanation to Sir George. This Lord Hassenden declines to do, and leaves the presence of the lady after imparting' his sense of indignation at Lady Ursula's conduct. Left to themselves, woman's wit again comes to their aid, and Lady Ursula resolves to adopt the bold expedient of donning hef younger brother's clothing, and personally interviewing the redoubtable duellist. • This she carries into effect, and the adventures which befall her are related and depicted with masterly effect throughout threa of the acts. It were needless to follow the charming young lady in the series of difficulties in which she necessarily found herself, or dwell upon the bewitching figure she cut in male attire. Nor is it necessary to describe the captivating modes with which she received the unequivocal expressions of admiration at her graceful outlines, or the laughable devices she resorted to in her efforts to keep certain portions of her pretty self out of an embarrassing prominence; suffice it to say that after enduring all these dreadful experiences and a great many more, including several challenges to fight duels, she finally emerges from her distressing position, and not only brings about a reconcilliation between everybody, but brings Sir George himself to her feet. As Lady Ursula Mrs Brough found ample opportunity for her resourceful talents. The character is a charming one in every respect, and materialised by the popular actress made a deep and lasting impression on the audience. As can well be imagined, only the delicate and artistic touch of an accomplished performer could present the part in a manner that would produce those charming effects designed by the author, and that Mrs Brough did give a most effective and exceedingly graceful impersonation of the character was only in accordance with what all present felt fully convinced she would. As Sir George Sylvester Mr Came afforded an opportunity of judging ! of his capabilities-. In the study of the ironwilled, inflexible duellist, whose resolution to banish from him female society however was finally overcome by the beautiful, artful girl, was an exposition of consistent, forceful, and impressive acting, and as such Mr Came earned the. best of opinions from -the audience who were favoured by his performance. Miss Temple, as the fiancee of Lord Hassenden, Mr Majeroni as the Earl of Hassenden, and Mr Brough as the Rev. Dr Bulunbo were the only other members of the company who had anything to do worth speaking of. Mr Brough's part was particularly small for the popular actor-manager, but he managed, with hia custoniary skill, to extract a not infrequent outburst of merriment from his meagre opportunities, while the other performers named made the very most of their circumstances. To-night " The Adventure of Lady Ursula " will be Eejg£ftte<l.