FRANK CLARKE'S "MULDOON'S PICNIC."

Timaru Herald, Volume LXXVI, Issue 11663, 23 January 1902, Page 3

FRANK CLARKE'S "MULDOON'S PICNIC."

On Monday and Tuesday next the Muldoon Picnic Company will appear in tlie Theatre Royal for a season oi two nights. Mr Frank Clarke, an Australian, started his celebrated "Silk Stocking Vaudeville Entertainment" as at present constituted, and it was the first show to do away with the old minstrel circle and to substitute for it the musical comedy and mixed variety programme now in vogue. Mr Clarke and his company appear in the farcical musical comedy, "Muldoon's Picnic," in which it is said that there is not a dull moment. The vaaaiies of -Michael Muldoon" and his intimate friend " Dennis Mulcahey " are as good as a tonic. Mr Clarke, whom press notices state to be a clever comedian, sustains the leading character. Miss Connie Devereux takes that of Ella Muldoon', and her acting and singing are spoken of in high praise. Tiny Lillie Danvers, as Muldoon's little daughter, is usually a great favourite. The play is said to be very laughable throughout, and the numerous songs, dances, and specialties add variety to the entertainment. Mr Clarke began at an early age as a circus performer, riding in' a grand entry and doing a hurdle act. He then branched off into the dramatic business, and was for three years second stock comedian, playing low comedy parts, in one company. It was this company, although Clarke was not in the caste, with which Mary Anderson made her debut, in' Louisville, Kentucky (the Bluegrass State), as Juliet. " She was the loveliest woman I ever saw." he said enthusiastically. He was also associated with Nat Goodwin and Laurence Barrett under similar circumstances.