IS MAJESTY’S THEATRE

New Zealand Illustrated Sporting & Dramatic Review, Volume XVI, Issue 939, 5 March 1908, Page 16

IS MAJESTY’S THEATRE

MR FLEMMING’S NEW ENGLISH COMPANY. “ PETER’S MOTHER.” After a run of four nights “ Ihe Red Lamp ” was replaced on Thursday last by Mrs Henry de la Pasture’s charming play “ Peter’s Mo.her.” This was a really excellent production, the plot being interesting and the ac ing a long way above the average. The story tells of a young wife whose naairal impulses towards gaiety are constantly checked by an elderly husband and, on his death, by her son. It contains a strong lessofl against the unconscious selfishness wi h which many people treat their relatives. Here this son, well meaning enough even if somewhat of a prig, returns from South Africa to find his father dead, and at once commences to make arrangements for his mother to con'inue on her humdrum existence at home, while he sees more of life. The mother, however, has fallen in love with a cousin of her dead husband, and is keenly anxious to see for the first time, something of the work! as his wife. Peter ; s utterly horrified when he learns this, but is ultimately reconciled to the idea by his fiancee. Miss Beatrice Day has often shown evidence before that she is a strong emotional actress, but as Lady Marv Crewys (Peter’s mother) she gave a rendering which must surely entitle her to be considered one of the fines' dramatic artistes that have ever visited the Dominion. Nothing better could be imagined than her conception of the trying role. At the close of the first act, when Lady Mary is torn by the conflicting emotion of love and duty desiring above a 1! things to say farewell to her idolised son, who is leav'ng for the war; yet compelled by du y to remain by her husband who is to undergo a very serious operation. Miss Day was simply magnificent. She was indeed no longer the actress, but the heartbroken woman with the tears streaming down her face, checked, as she had been all her life, from doing what she wanted, yet responding nobly to duty’s call. Truly it was a great triumph. Mr A. S. Homewood gave a very fine portrayal of the role of John Crewys, Q.C. His great chance came in the last act in which he points ou: o Peter the utter selfishness with which he has treated his mother. Here the great lawyer, after incisively giving the points to be said on either side, passionately pleaded the cause of the woman he loved, the actor thoroughly deserving the outburst of applause which follower!. Mr Aubrey Mallalien, although somewhat s ilted. did well as Peter. Mr Winter Ha]l gave a clever study of the elderly husband Sir Timothy Crewys, Mr J. Forde was admirable as Canon Birch, Mr Montgomery well suited the part of Dr Bhindell. A vein of pure comedy was imparted by Miss Nellie Mortyn and Miss Joan Blair as Sir Timothy’s sisters, the constant wrangling for precedence being most amusingly done. Miss Guilford Quin was somewhat too artificial in the ingenue role of Sarah, while the other charac'ers were well placed. The piece was admirably put on and it seemed more than a pity such a really fine production cou’d not have b"en staged For more than two evenings. “ OLIVIA.” On Saturday. Mr Herbert Flemming’s Company produced ‘‘ Olivia,” Mr W. G. Wells’ dramatisation of the Vicar of Wakefield. This classic, was the favourite play of the late Sir Henry Irving and one can well imagine wha' he would have made of the role of the kind-hearted but sorely-tried cleric. Everyone has read the book, or they ought to have done so, and therefore it is quite unnecessary to give the plo‘. Its theme is one on which countless plays have since been written, the luring from home of an innocent country girl by a wicked young man whose villainy is ultimately confounded and a happy ending brought about. Tn this s ory however, the villain is a very half-hearted specimen of he kind who repents of his misdeeds and endeavours to make full reparation. Mr Herbert Flemming, of course, essayed the role of Dr Primrose, giving a particularlv impressive studv. His make up as the dignified white-haired old clergyman was exceflent and he per-

formance was one ol great meri , the oniy Paw being an ccc:: nona 1 lapse of memory as to his lines. Miss Beatrice Day was always in draw ng as O'ivia. She is ever to be relied- upon for a thoroughly sound rendering of anv role ntrusted to her, so that, al'-h'Uigh some wha; inferior to her previous great effort, Miss Day gave a renderin'?' of he title role which was emin n ly satisfactory. Mr A. S. Homewopd 'ent valuable assistance as the profligate Squir ■ Thornhill, giving a vorv consistent rendering of a somewha; thank'ess part. Mr Winter Hal’, as Sir William Thornhi'l. was perhaps a little too cold for the warm-h acted friend of the family, but withal was a prime favour! e with the audioace. Miss Nellie Mortyn •ave a canital -haracter study as Mrs Primrose, whi e Miss Elsie C’arens as Sophia, Mr Varna as Farmer F’am , 'o-’>ugh Mr Forde as Gipsy Le'gh Miss Guildford Ouin as Mary M- Mafl'i’i'n as Mo'cs and others of the company all lent valuable aid.

A special feature of th° production was he dressing and mounting, which showed an at ention to detail unfortunately al l too rare. The orchard sceno was a beautiful set, whPe in the library scene the’-e were the old sp’nnet. the antique highbacked chairs t’’e silhon Mie porlra’ts he cuckoo clock, the lafce 'ew and o'her

things beloved of our forefathers. Altogether ” Olivia ” with its quaint old-world flavour, made a most charming play which found great favour with Auckland audiences.

Last night (bu. too late for review in this issue) was produced William J. Locke’s four-act play “ The Morals of Marcus,” this being the first time it has been seen out of England. It will be repeated on Thursday, Friday, and Saturdav. when the season comes to a close.