PHIL WALSH DRAMATIC CO.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXXII, Issue 874, 4 August 1910, Page 3

PHIL WALSH DRAMATIC CO.

The management of the Phil Walsh Dramatic Co. announced last week that they would stage on Saturday night next, the famous play “The Irish Detective.” Since that announcement the “Popular Phil,” has had to undergo a very severe operation, and by the advice of his doctor he has decided to substitute a play that will not subject him to such severe nervous.'strain as the part of “Tracy, the Detective,” demands. For this reason he has decided to produce Robertson’s clever comedy “ Caste,” or “ The Drunkard’s Daughter.” This delightful play proved to be the most popular in Mr Walsh’s repertoire during his West Coast tour, where he had to repeat it on no less than five occasions. Theatrical critics consider that Mr Walsh’s interpretation of the amusing yet unfortunate inebriate “Papa Eccles” is the cleverest thing that this talented actor has ever done. Those two clever young actresses, Miss Eva MariusPaigne and her sister, Miss Fanny Paigne, are also most suitably cast in the roles of Esther and Polly Eccles, whilst Miss Eleanor Wade and Messrs Stuart Mcßae, Percy Mitchell, D. Williams, D. Logan and Black are all equally well placed. Mr Walsh is wise, after all, in his decision to obey his medical adviser’s mandate, for the part of “The Irish Detective” entails no less than seven different impersonations with attendant quick “make-ups” and lightning changes, and for a man who only a few days ago was in the surgeon’s operating room to attempt such a task, the risk is very great. The company are enjoying a rest in the meantime, but Saturday night next sees the commencment of another tour that will occupy them till Christmas time, so no doubt “Phil’s” many friends will rally round him and give him a “bumper house’’next Saturday night.