NELLIE STEWART CO.

Dominion, Volume 8, Issue 2436, 15 April 1915, Page 7

NELLIE STEWART CO.

" SWEET NELL OF OLD DRURY " "Sweot Nell of Old Drury," a romantic play in four acts, by Paul ltester. Cast: — Oharlos II Clarence Blaluston Lord Jeffreys Allan Wilkio Sir Roger Fairfax Hodgson Taylor Lord Lovelacc William l'\ Ladd Lord Jioohosk-r .Stun it Clyde Pcrcival .T. il. Alholwood Itollins liedcrick Pettit Lacy Lctflie Woods Captain James Clavcring ... Philip I.eviton First Alderman Oriel Johnston Lady Olvia Varnon Nuncye Stewart Lady Castlomaino Agnes Keogli Tho Duchose o£ Portsmouth Kathleen Lawrence Tiffen Athena Claudius Lady Clivebrook Miss .Neville Ynne Nell Gwynno Nellie Stewart

If ever an actress has become singularly identified with a play in these latitudes it is Hiss Nellie Stewart in Paul Kester's fine romantic play, "Sweet Nell of Old Drury," and the reception accorded to it last evening was every bit as cordial as when it was initially performed—one hardly cares to recall how many years ago. Nor has Miss Stewart's capacity to charm faded a whit by the passage of relentless time. It is almost platitudinous to speak of this clever player's extraordinary vivacity, sweetness, and aplomb, as she appears to be that rara avis among artists—an actress who is ever at the top of her powers. Her personal witchery and spontaneity, together with her resourcefulness and capacity to measure dramatic values were never more emphatically impressed upon an audience than they were last evening. Whether it was in attempting to sell oranges as the guileless, big-hearted orange girl of Old Drury; in sporting with her old colleagues of_ the theatre; in charming away the ill-humours of King Charles, or in mimicking and fooling that grim hanging judge, my Lord Jeffreys, the Nell Gwynne of' Miss- Stewart was unfailingly fascinating. The author made (Nell Gwynne the central figure of his i most diverting play, but it is Miss Stewart's _ native buoyancy and mental alertness in every situation which lends it that rare spirit which holds thp attention absorbingly throughout the entire play. It is hardly necessary to detail the story of the play. Like other plays which • Miss Stewart lends the grace of her art to, the cast is starred with historic names' of an interesting period, and each of the characters, particularly those of Jeffreys and the King are drawn with acumen and restraint, lending ' a certain verisimilitude to scenes entirely imaginary. The role of Lord Jeffreys, outstanding on account of the devilish wit with which he endeavours to bring disaster upon the Fail faxes, root and branch, is all important, as with fine cunning the author has made the actress and King's favourite the instrument for the protection of Sir Roger Fairfax. Jeffreys was acted on broad, blunt, forceful lines by Mr.. Allan Wilkie, and is by far the best performance this actor has given us. King Charles was 'ketched with skill and refinement by Mr. Clarence Blakiston. He appeared to distinct advantage in the picturesque costumes of the day and suggested with innate delicacy that air of _ weariness which one may conjecture is apt to be experienced by royal personages when affairs of state prove perplexing. Among the minor roles whioli stood out boldly was Mr. J. B. Atholwood's assumption of the flambuoyant provincial aot'or Percival. This gifted actor simply revelled in the unctious deliverance of the scraps of Shakespeare that fell to the old barnstormer, and hugely enjoyed the humour of the clever caricature. Mr. Hodgson TayloT acted the role of Sir Roger Fairfax with plenty of spirit, and Messrs. Stuart Clyde and W. F. Ladd were well within the frame of the picture as my lords Rochester and Lovelace respectively. Miss Nail eye Stewart was all sufficient as Lady Olivia Vernon, and Miss Agnes Keogh was particularly well suited as 'Lady Castlemaine. The play is capitally mounted., Both in design and colouring the first act set —tlie exterior of the old Drury Lane Theatre—was capitally .suggestive of old London, and the subsequent interiors by Goatcher and Coleman were atmospherically helpful to the play. Tasteful music, by an orchestra under the control of Mr. Bert_ Rache,_ also contributed to the opening's enjoyment. "Sweet' Nell of Old Drury" will be played until the end of the week.