Plays and Players.

Patea Mail, 22 March 1882, Page 3

Plays and Players.

Tbo Comedy and Burlesque Company gave a third performance in the Harmonic Hall last evening, to a moderate house, the attendance being a slight improvement, hut still a shabby compliment to this clever company. They played a farcical comedy, “ O’Callaghan on his last legs,” Mr Herbert taking the part of the hard-np adventurer with Irish brogue and more than Irish impudence, brazening out of one scrape into another till his accumulated fibs create an awful complication of family relationships. This piece was not the success that it ought to be. The leading part was too heavy and slow. Its characteristic should be a light, rattling, easy, imperturbable impudence, carrying all before it. The other characters did not fit well; and the whole piece needs dressing up to a pitch of smartness. Persons in the audience who saw “ Our Boys ” played the night before would hardly believe this could be the same company. Travelling companies have to tackle many pieces for mere variety ; but round pegs will not fit in square holes. Most of these members are strong in particular pieces, but “ O’Callagban ” is not among the successes. In the songs, Miss Amy Johns made a grand impression ; her powerful, bell-like voice and clear enunciation being aided by a really handsome presence. She sang “ Killarney ” with nproarions success, and might have had half a dozen encores. By the way, what a charming musical composition “ Killarney ” is—tuneful, yet full of emotional variety. The concluding farce was the “ Area Belle,” a laughable business with just too much romp in it. Moderation is best. The company perform to-night at Hawera, and may return this way in a few weeks.