THE BROUGH COMEDY COMPANY.

Wairarapa Daily Times, Volume XXVI, Issue 7060, 20 January 1902, Page 3

THE BROUGH COMEDY COMPANY.

Referring to tins very talented Company who are to make their first appearance in the Masterton Town Hall, on Thursday evening next, in "Lady Ihintworth's Experiment, the Auckland Herald lias the following :—The Brough Comedy Company scored a veritable triumph at the Opera House last night, iv " Lady Huntworth's Experiment," a three-act comedy from the penof.it. C. Carton, witnessed here for the first time. TJie house was literally packed, many people standing out the entire performance, and scores being turned away. Jiy half-past seven all the unbooked seats in the circle and orchestra stalls were occupied, whilst in the cheaper parts standing room only was available at that hour. ])oubt!ess the splendid attendance was in a large measure due to the appearance of Mrs Brough, who received a cordial ovation on her first entrance, and who must have been gratified at the hearty expression of estecem so unanimously accorded to her. Not a great deal was known beforehand as to Carton's comedy, but such as was known was altogether in its favour, and now that it has been seen there is not any doubt but that " Lady Iluntworth's Experiment" is the finest production in the Broughs' irjji'r/oirc, the best at all events that they have given us yet. It is an admirable play for more than one reason, and though opinions may dift'er as to its .special points of merit, few of last night's audience will be inclined to question that it is admirable because of its wholesomeness, its clever construction, its interest and the delightful innocence of its humour. Carton has shown in this comedy that laughter may he raised from situations entirely free from vulgarity or suggestiveness, and that merry interludes may run hand in hand with an interesting story without in the least detracting from that story's continuity. lie has given us a play well constructed and sound in principle, in which every character is a study, in which cacli performer has a part which means something to the result, and wherein some of the most interesting phrases of human nature arc lininied with consummate skill. Especially is this feature noticeable in the second act, in which the kitchen manners and the manners of the drawing-room are cleverly contrasted in a scries of incidents amusing and otherwise. This much for the play, and more than that must bo left unsaid. The acting was individually and collectively a rich artistic treat, so rare in its signal excellence as to be extraordinary. In short, a better play, and one better acted, better mounted or more keenly enjoyed, has not been staged in Auckland for many a long day.