Westport

New Zealand Tablet, 5 August 1915, Page 19

Westport

There was a large attendance at the Victoria Theatre to see the Savage Club make its initial appearance in the ‘Colleen Pawn’ (says the Westport News). The public were led to expect something good, and in this they were not disappointed, for the amateur actors sustained their parts well, and gave a highly creditable interpretation of the ever-popular comedy-drama., Audience and players were in sympathy, this greatly adding to the ease with which the latter performed their by no means easy task. Miss K. Kittson, as the Colleen Pawn was markedly successful, playing her part with a sweetness that would have pleased well the brilliant author as it did her audience. She showed a fine conception of the character allotted to her and histrionic ability of no mean order. Miss Nora Doyle, as Anne Chute, was well chosen. It was a difficult part to play but lost nothing in the hands of so versatile an actress. Miss Condell spoke her lines well, and gave an admirable impersonation of Mrs. Cregan. The management showed good taste in selecting Miss MeCubbin for the part of Sheila Mann, for humor and pathos were well portrayed in her clever acting, Mr. F. O’Gorman had a big part as Hardress Cregan, but was fully equal to the occasion, and won marked applause, Mr. F. C. C'alnon, in the double role of Danny Mann and the magistrate, proved himself to be a versatile actor. It is difficult to say in which part he made the greater hit, for he,was a success in both, although the two parts required acting of quite a different character. Mr. J. S. Matthews, as Myles Na-Coppaleen, was a very firm favorite. Mr. J. V. Comerford, as the kindly Father Tom, Mr. R. Kiely as Kyrle Daly, Mr. J. C. Craig as Mr. Corrigan, and Mr. J. Hughes worthily sustained their respective parts, and those in minor characters were all well tutored. The interest of the play was enhanced by the remarkably fine scenery, some of which was kindly lent by Mr. Allen Doonc and some produced locally. The production was a distinct success, reflecting great credit on the stage manager, Mr. W. G. Plight, and all associated with him. The performance was under the auspices of the Hibernian Society, half of the profit's going to the Sick and Wounded Soldiers’ Fund, and the balance to the entertainment fund in connection with the triennial meeting of the H.A.C.B. Society.