THEATRE ROYAL.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 17030, 2 May 1923, Page 7

THEATRE ROYAL.

“IN OLD DONEGAL.” “In Old Donegal” was presented by the Allen Do one Company at the Theatre Royal last night as the third change made by the company. The pro. duction does riot worry itself much with plot. Two schemers try to rob an honourable family, ruin a young peasant, and in ary off a young girl against her will, but the brilli aut counterstrokes of the Irish lad defeat the nefarious plans, and the two conspirators are sent to gaol for forgery as the curtain finally descends. That is briefly the story, but tb* charm of the play is in its light comedy scenes. There are many little episodes—some dangerously detached for dramatic sequences—and they afford Mr Doone opportunity for pleasing scenes with Miss Edna Keelev and other members of the company. Here he shows .his powers as a light, comedian and it must be admitted that in work of this character ho is an adept. Even those to whom melodrama and illogical situations are anathema may find delight in the light-hearted gaiety of Mr Doone. Ho presents an excellent picture of the Irish lad. Last wight ‘ln Old Donegal” provided enjoyment for a large audience, and. despite the fact that there was but a small story to be told, the play seemed to have plenty of action, and never showed the slightest tendency to drag. Ati.ss IqHYia. Keeley, in the part of a young Irish girl, was again excellent, and her scenes with Mr Doone were done naturally and with much effect. The other members of the company were excellent in their respective Char, acters and altogether this production of Air Doone’s may be looked upon as the most charming, if not dramatically the best, he has staged so far in his present Christchurch season. “In Old Donegal ” will lie repeated to-night and to-morrow night.