THEATRE ROYAL.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 7331, 18 February 1902, Page 4

THEATRE ROYAL.

. — ♦ ■ "THE SECOND IN COMMAND." The Brough Comedy Company staged its second new comedy at the Theatre Royal last evening. Although as a play "The Second in Command" will stand no closa analysis, it is a strongly attractive piece of work. It is sane and clean and wholesome, embroidered with pretty sentimentalities, blessed with a healthy and inspiriting motive, crisp, connective, and at times strong with a reserve of passion. Even the many sly military cynicisms and the inevitable epigrams of modern dramaturgy are sweet— they are never the irony of moral pustulence, 'but always the sharp satire of good-natured criticism. The third act of this pretty play is "a thing apart." Its impossibility is forgotten in the excel-, lence of its construction and in the supremely forceful handling which rfc receives from Mrs Brough arid Mr Cecil Ward at the summit of its climax. Brobably the whole play owes something of its initial success to the strong military element, a characteristic which caught the public taste when ripe for it Being written by a " captain " saves it from the reproach of having holes picked in such parts of it as bear reference to the author's profession — except the sinful bugling. ' Regarding .the production •of the play there could be no complaint. Mrs Brougfl has a conception of the heroine's part rather different from that of -either -Miss Sybil Carlisle or Miss Winifred Emery, who were associated with the original* production. They seem to have played the character rather as the pretty little impossible part it really is than with tlie grim and forceful earnest which Mrs Brough imparts, to it. Her interpretation emphasises Muriel's impossibility, but having necessarily conceded that impossibility in the first instance, Hhe character thereafter gathers strength and colour from Mrs Brc-ugh's stronger and more haunting personality. She has a pretty quality of power in . reserve, which she used with effect in the stronger situations. Mr Brough was a. quiet, genial Major Brigham, almost too quiet at times. One of the dearest, kindest, best of fellows* imaginable, the audience were at once on his side, and his consistently gentle character isatiom was as- excellently conceived as it was faithfully presented. Mr Cecil Ward played the somewhat thankless part of Colonel Anstruther with firmness and spirit. The part is not always consistent nor quite intelligible, and 'Mr Ward's success with it is,therefore, the more praiseworthy. Probably he plays it a little "too elderly." Mr Leslie Victor's Hildebramd Cars tars was good eccentric comedy throughout. Mr Vere's Lieutenant 'Manncring was thin and not very convincing, and Mr Daly's Lieutenant Barber was" also not the happiest performance in the world. Miss Susie Vaughan -was an admirable Lady Harburgh, and iMiss Chstteris made a bright and charming Norah Vining. A mimber of minor parts were satisfactorily cast. The mounting and dressing were both everything that could be wished. "The Second in Command," which drew a crowded house, will be repeated to-nj,ciht. To-mor-row "The Tyjaaay of Tears "will be, staged for one night. His Excellency the Governor will be present at this performance.