HIS MAJESTY’S THEATRE.

New Zealand Illustrated Sporting & Dramatic Review, Issue 1475, 1 August 1918, Page 34

HIS MAJESTY’S THEATRE.

“LUCKY O’SHEA.” ALLEN DOONE’S OPENING PLAY. That most popular of actors, „ Mr. Allen Boone, opens a season at His Majesty’s Theatre to-night (Wednesday) in “Lucky O’Shea,” a drama from the pen of Theo. Burt Saye. Mr. Doone the hero is said to be seen at his best, and in the play itself there is an abundance of humour, fun and excitement that should make a ready appeal. According to one Australian critic, -Mr. Doone extracts every ounce out of the character of the debonnair Larry, and while ample scope is given for his many talents, there is no suggestion of a one-man show, each mem.ber of the company playing a wellportioned part in the whole. The Sydney “Daily Telegraph,” reviewing the play, had the following to say: “There is plenty of Irish sentiment in the play and many opportunities for genuine Hibernian humour. Indeed, of the series of Irish dramas Mr. Doone has already given us, “Lucky O’Shea” is undeniably the best. As Larry, an officer in the army of Napoleon, believed by his wife to be dead, since she was unaware of his name, the actor gave the character many minute touches, especially ’in the scenes in which he makes love to his pretty colleen (Miss Edna Keeley), seeing that his object is to win her affection ere the time is ripe for claiming her. It was O’Shea who, disguised as a gipsy, had saved her from a Prussian officer at whose mercy she was held as a captive in his camp. Mr. Doone added to the surprises of the piece. He was impressive in the scene where he prevents the heroine from being induced . to accept, as she believes, the man who represented Tiimself as her husband. Mr. Doone was singularly effective' when the test came which was to determine who really was the gipsy who had sung to her on the Prussian hillside. The scheming one protested that he had forgotten the melody, while the other placed the matter beyond all doubt. The singing of Mr. Doone enhanced the plea-

sure of the evening.” Mr. Doone is supported by nearly all his old company, so that adequate presentations may be expected. The piece lends itself to picturesque dressing and staging, always pleasing features of Mr. Doone’s productions.