THEATRE ROYAL.

Timaru Herald, Volume XIIIC, Issue 14267, 5 August 1910, Page 7

THEATRE ROYAL.

"PETE." "A powerful play, powerfully acted," aptly sums up the presentation of "Pete" by the Cliu'k-Meyuell Company last evening, to an audience that tilled tko Theatre Royal, and ireq.uen.tiy gave testimony to the ability of the artists engaged. In the author's own dramatised version of idall Caine's stirring story "The Manxman," laughter and tears alternate in a. fashion that maintains intense interest ail through the piece, and plays on the sensations of an audience with remarkable power. With .Miss Beatrice Day and Mr H ,li. Roberts in the principal parts, the situations' received treatment that gave every incident its true touch, and made the interpretation altogether a perfect one. The plot is not of the common order. Pete, a big-hearted, simple islander, returns from a fortune-quest in Africa and marries the girl he has risked his life for, ignorant of the fact that during his absence her affections have responded to the advances of his most trusted friend. As the tale proceeds the scenes become more intense—first the awakening of the young wife to the falseness of her position, then her tragic Might, the success of hoi" former lover in his ambitions, the nicture of the lonely husband comforting himself with the care of his child, the evil insinuations of the villagers, all were admirably pourtrayod. The thrilling nature of the linal act, when Pete discovers the treachery of his friend, found most sympathetic expression, the sorrow-stricken woman steals back to her old home in the night, snatches the baby from its cradle, and is about to go out with it when her presence is discovered by her husband. Torn by conflicting emotions, siie confesses the wrong she has done him, and later, when the lover admits his complicity, she penitently seeks the solace of her husband's arm. Pete is the man she really loves, and so the plav, after many pathetic phases, ends pleasantly in a general reconciliation, yL Roberts in the part of Pete has rarely been seen fio better advantage, for it suits his quiet forceful action, unmarred by any unnatural mannerisms. Mr Roberts is natural to a degree, and his interpretation is beyond criticism. He evinced emotion where emotion was an essential, and yet in the simole homely scenes, amidst his village friends, lie was humorous and genial. Miss Day as Kate Cregeen acted 'admirably and effectively, proving herself a true artist, with a power of feeling rar-elv equalled on a New Zealand stage. As a repentant woman she displayed her abilities with remarkable success, and often worked upon the feelings of the audience to a surprising decree. Other parts capably taken were those of Philip Christian (Conway Wincfiold), Caesar Crcgeen (John F. Forde), Nancy, a servant pirl (Lorna Forbes), and Sarah (Miss Mary Laing Meason). Miss Meason. m the part of an old maid, deported herself to the life, and her recitation at the christening of the baby was enthusiastionllv applauded.