ROYAL DRAMATIC AND COMEDY COMPANY.

New Zealand Illustrated Sporting & Dramatic Review, Issue 1404, 22 March 1917, Page 53

ROYAL DRAMATIC AND COMEDY COMPANY.

Two American comedies “The Fortune Hunter” and “Stop Thief!” engaged the attenton of the Royal Dramatic and Comedy Company during their Auckland season, the members readily adjusting themselves to the typical quick-fire humour of the pieces. “Stop Thief!” which had its New Zealand premiere on Saturday night, concern a Mr. Carr, at one time a kleptomaniac, who is not absolutely convinced he is a “cure,” when a new maid is engaged on the

occasion of his daughter’s wedding. The maid is a professional “crook,” and is engaged to Jack Duggan, another “crook.” James Cluney, the bridegroom, was at one time burdened by an uncle who was a kleptomaniac and when he finds wedding presents in his pockets (put there to conceal the guilt of others) he imagines he has inherited his uncle’s weakness. With Carr and Cluney both thinking each is the culprit, the fun continues at break-neck speed until in the end the real thieves are unearthed. Mr. Ronald Riley gave an excellent study of the “crook,” smart in action and quick to seize on the humorous points. Miss Madge Surlees as his accomplice characterised her work with true talent, acting with quiet effectiveness. Mr. Fred. Coape did admirable work as the harassed Carr, on whom the principal burden of fun follows, and Mr. Gerald Harcourt, as Cluney, speeded up the riot. Miss Margaret Linden looked charming as the bride around whose wedding the play centres, Miss Beatrice Esmond and Miss Mildred Carlton, as her mother and sister respectively, fitting into the domestic picture. “Are You a Mason?” in which the

company were outstandingly successful on their previous visit, is to be presented as a farewell performance to-night (Wednesday). The company then go on to Whangarei, prior to continuing their tour in the south.