THE MOFFAT COMPANY.

Taranaki Daily News, 18 August 1915, Page 4

THE MOFFAT COMPANY.

"A SCRAPE 0' THE PEN." There is a secret charm about Scottish life which appeals to everyone, and just as one limls most ardent admirers of Barrio and lan MaeLaren in spheres far removed from a Scotch atmosphere, so one finds Scottish plays a.ppreciated in the quarters where it would not be expected the appeal would 'be responsive. Jt is this general recognition of the charm of a Scotch play which has given Mr. and Mrs. Graham Moffat and their talented company a warm welcome to New Zealand, and when the company appeared a,t the Theatre Royal last night in "A Scrape o' the Pen," they were welcomed by an audience which, if not as large as the play and players warranted, was certainly keenly appreciative— an audience which, though not what might be called a company of Scots. was one which delighted in the refreshing atmosphere of a delightful story, told over the lire hi a true Scottish home. The play gathers its wholesome excellence not so much by its dramatic interest as by the series of pictures of Scottish life which are so faithfully por'tniyed. There i; in the story :i vein-of drama which provides some powerful situation?, but in a very artistic manner the dramatic episodes ' arc lighted by Hashes of humor vihieli keep the audience in a merry mood. While preserving his scheme Mr. Moffat has liberally brushed his story with a sprinkling of humor, and it is this which lifts "A Scrape o* the Pen" above the plane of melodrama, and makes it a genuinely, humorous plav. Mr. and Mrs. Graham Muti'at respectively till the parts of the heads of a good family, ami their acting was delightfully natural throughout. Anyone who knew a Scottish home would feci how true the parts were filled, au.l anyone who did not know Old Scots would see the very next 'best thing. Their refreshing performance was crowded with little incidents and scenes which were thoroughly life-like. Miss Mattie Maciellan showed herself to lie an excellent actress, and she endeared herself to the audience when she sang a "bairn" to slci' ; ;) with delightful melodies, which are only heard in the Highlands--songs typical of rich Scottish music. 'Mr. Abil Banker, who made himself popular on the lir.-'.t night, was responsible for much of the humor introduced into the play, ami his appearance was always the signal for an outburst of applause. Miss Jean Clyde, "Punty" on the lirst night, filled a small character charmingly, but she had 100 little to do. Mr. David Urquihart again pleased with his dry humor, and all the other members of the company assisted to make ihc play thoroughly en.joya.ble. The various scones wwe staged well and the appropriate music played by the orchestra was much appreciated.