THE HAWTREY COMEDY COMPANY

Star (Christchurch), Issue 7292, 3 January 1902, Page 1

THE HAWTREY COMEDY COMPANY

_. 4 «• TOM, DICK AND HARRY." "A Message From MarS" was withdrawn on Wednesday ; night, whilst stiE in the midst of' a popular run, in favour of the farcical comedy, "Tom, Dick andy Harry." This was not because the opening piece had outlived its welcome, bub in order that Mr Hawtrey's clever company might. •be seen in a second production before the close of the all too short season on Saturday. Gratitude is a .lively anticipation of favours to come, and in recognition of this principle the new piece was welcomed by a crowded house. It surpassed all expectations, and almost justified the superlative which had been officially claimed for it. Criticism could hardly be more favourable than is embodied in this statement. Like most of its c6ntemporaries in the region of farcical comedy, " Tom, Dick and Harty " is framkly impossible. Once this .is admitted and condoned in a proper spirit cf appreciation, it becomes, if possible, even more wildly hilarious than most of its dearly-remembered predecessors. Probably it depends more upon the excellence of its interpretation than do most farcical comedies, although its situations *and construction are mirth-inspiring enough. The story is too wildly improbable for the hard record of print, even if ifc could be captured, but its development grows around a most unholy, triple tangle of impersonations, which leads from summit to summit of a range of ingenuous impossibilities, each one more humorous than its immediate predecessors on to a climax which, if not a table-land, is, at least, a little flat. This probably, is the only reproach of the play, which otherwise- is equally unnatural, equally laughable and equally enjoyable

witih either "Jones," "Charley's Aunt," "The Private Secretary," or any other of the long list of friends made familiar through a course of farcical comedy. The general evenness of the cast was again noticeable, and Mr Havtrey's confessed ideal of excellence in detail cried' aloud for appreciation. Bufc Mr Ross and Mr Ha.vtrey 'himself were " things apart," in the mosfc complimentary, definition of the poet's phrase. Even Mr Ross'-, mannerisms are appealing ; his general acting is marvellously real, and liis " counterfeit- presentments" are human to> the ri-th degree. Mr Hawtrey's character' sketch of the irascible General Stamhope recalled the excellent Cattermole he must- have made, and suggested an acquaintance with the postures, language and atmosphere of a dyspeptic and apoplectic ill-humour which any well-behaved family would shy ait being associated witih. It was a nicely conceived piece of work admirably sustained. Mr Rose's "doubles," Dick and Harry, were well played by Messrs lieggie and M'M-xhon, and' th-e soroew-ha.t slight; feminine parts were nicely handled ;by the Misses Austin, Nichoils and Wright, "Daisy Armitage" and "Isabel Howard' " being -specially praiseworthy performances, and the remaining characters were "appropriately cast, down to a most convincing German barber. The piece '.received a nmoafc hearty reception throughout. "Tom, Dick and Harry" was preceded by a charming little one-act play, from the pen* of Brandon Thomas, entitled "A Highland Legacy." Nob new in theme, it has been daintily handled- in construction, md being played with a pretty quality of reserve,, it formed' , an effective "appetijar unique" for the more strenuous fare to follow. Mr Hawtrey carried off the hoiuours of 'the piece, wiith .a splendid sketch of an elderly Scottish la/ird', posing in pursiut of avuncular philanthropy as a family servant. His was a sketch of infinite merit , and much subtlety. - Miss /Winifred Austini supplied a delicate accompaniment as a very human girl, whilst the oil-round support was again very strong, Mr Hammond's walking lead and Mr M'Mahon's low comedy characterisation bf sxi acto-r being specially worthy of "honourable miention." The bill will be repearted tonight.

There are many indelicate, even* disgusting, uses made of pins. One often sees people picking their ears on teeih with them. They are frequently used for removing splinters from tlhe* ihands, for picking pimples, puncturing blisters, and for fasten^ ing 'bandages over sores or -wounds. These identical pins picked up anywhere are used for any purpose again and' again, yet, remarks the " Sanitary Record," "who can estimate the harm that is done, who cam trace w-hat disease they may spread? Is it not safer, theni, not to pick up the stray pin*— for it may be/picking up some dangerous disease ? Fifteen million bottles of champagne are exported yearly from France.