"DR. WAKE'S PATIENT."

Dominion, Volume 6, Issue 1796, 8 July 1913, Page 6

"DR. WAKE'S PATIENT."

THE HAMILTON-PLIMMER COMPANY. 'Dr. Wake's Patient," a comedy-drama by W. Gayer Mackay and Kobert Ord. Cast oft characters:— Tho Earl o£ St. Olbyn Wintor Ha.ll Andrew Wako Arthur Styan Dr. Forrester Wako H. R. Roberts Duff Wynterdon Sydney Sti'rline Tho Bishop o£ Selby Harry Plimmer Mr. Murdoch J. Stuart Clyde Prescott 0. J. Stewart Anthony Cyril Bell Waiter Paul Latham Countess of St. Olbyn . Mrs. Robert Broucli Harriot Bronson Ena Oollins Mrs. Wake Katie Towers Mrs. Murdoch Muriel Dale Janitor S. B. Bancroft A Gipsy Theresa Furtado Lady Gerania Beatrice Day

"Dr. TVnko'g Patient," revived by the Hamilton-Plim'mer Company at tho Opera Houso last evening, is a type of play which unfortunately authors seem to have lost the art of writing. There iB a breath of spring in tho clean serenity of its atmosphere, and the compelling sweetnoss and simplicity of the story mako a direct appeal, as was at once evident by the flutter of handkerchiefs among last evening's audience. Whilst it boasts no pretence to literary brilliance, and 1 is freo of the somewhat tiresomo smartnesses of modem writers for the stage, it possesses in no ordinary degree qualities which make a universal.appeal—tho purity and charm of filial love and duty, the telling nobility of renunciation, and the reward of tho virtuous that comes of the levelling influence of love. With such material' Messrs. W. G. Mackay and Eobert Ord have written a w.holesomo play of much charm— a play sound bo the ooro in every department. Tho play was first produced in Wellington some seven or eight years ago by Mr. Herbert Fleming, with whom was associated Miss Beatrice Day, now of tho company at tho Opera House. Tlie story is well known. Dr. Forrester Wake is a brilliant son of yeoman parents. Thanks to a liberal eduoation ho becomes a distinguished medioo of Harley Street, and during a visit to his parents' form attends to Ladv Gerauia, the daughter of Lord and Lady St. Olbyn, who has been thrown from her horse. It is a caso of mutual attraction, but neither know it until they lose one another without cither discovering tho other's identity. Then chance brings the love-sick Gerania to the celebrated specialist, who is no other than Dr. Wake. There is a charming love consultation, followed by an engagement. Then, as their happiness is about to bo consummated, bluff old Farmer AYake and his homely wifo turn up at the seaside resort. Their very appearauco and manner vetoes any thought of an alliance between Lady Garaaria and Dr. Wake in tho minds of the former's parents, and this is at onco made painfully dear to tho honest old folk. The rift appears to bo ono impossible to bridge, but love levels all Kinks. Lady Gorania follows her lover to the farm, a,nd is in turn followed by her father. There, old Farmer Wake has been thinking things over, and he makes up his mind to a great act of renunciation-. He informs Lord St. Olbyn that ho and his wifo are prepared to bo as though dead to their son if it will ensure his happiness. Touched by this ovidenco of nobility, St. Olbyn relents, admits his mistake, and brings the young peoplo together. . Of tho many excellent performances which stand to tho credit of Miss Beatrice Day, none perhaps will be more gratefully remembered than her Lady Gerania. It is a part of sunshine anil shadow, laughter and tears, and every mood finds her artistically responsive. She strikes no false notes—is always in horniony with the situation. Dr. Wake was played by Mr. 11. It. Roberts, whose talent is remarkably comprehensive. Whilst confessing to a preference for the actor in character roles as distinct from "straight" parts, Mr. Roberts's Dr. Wako was a most striking performance. Mrs Brough was perfect as the much-affected Lady St. Olbyn, and the comedv incidental to the part was capitally emphasised. Ono of the best performances was that of Mr. 1 Sidney Sterling as Duff Wynterdon, an amiable "johnny" with fine .instincts. Tho part fitted the clever actor like a plovc. Mr. Winter nail lent an air of distinction to Lord St. Olbyn, and Mr. Harry Plimmer was amusing as the Bishop of S'elby. Farmer Wako was forcibly characterised by .Mr. Arthuir Styan and Miss Katie Towers made a human little figure of Mrs. Wako. Miss Muriel Dale, Miss Ena Collins, Mr. Paul Latham, and Air. Cyril Bell were all successful in tly>ir respective parts. "Dr. Wake's Patient" will Ijfe played this and to-morrow evenings, and on Thursday evening "The Second Mrs. Tanqueray" (Pinero) will be revived.