ENTERTAINMENTS.

Taranaki Daily News, 6 November 1918, Page 8

ENTERTAINMENTS.

"PEG 0' MY HEART." At tlio Good Templar Hall last night a largo audience was present when the opening night of "Peg o' My Heart" took place. The hall had been converted to the semblance of an attractive theatre and a stage had been provided that proved very effective, the setting of the comedy- being all that could be desired, special lighting effects enhancing the scenery, while the acting was of the bdst. Messrs Tait well maintained their high reputation, and rarely has an audience been more delighted than was the case last night. The story is simple and fascinating, yet of absorbing interest, and may be said to be an episode in the life of "Peg," full of laughter and comedy, with at times a hint of tragedy to accentuate the interest, whilo it is so full of human appeal that the audience, at onco took Peg to its 'heart and lived with her through love's young dream. The role of "Peg o' My Heart" is one which calls for an exccptioaally subtle rendering, and Miss Sara Aligood, with her remarkable personality and talent, was as brilliant and fresh as ever in her character study of tho Irish colleen, with the broad Irish brogue and witty tongue, who so charmingly makes the drawing room give plact to the kitchen. Peg arrives fresh from New York in the house of an aristocratic English aunt, just as the familv is on the verge of poverty" 'through the failing of a bank. Peg "arrives" unheralded and unidentified, and with her dog Michael is relegated to the servants' quarters. Later the family lawyer arrives and clears up the .mystery, and Peg is taken in, in more senses than one, by her haughty English relations. It is during her consequent stay with her aunt that the delightful comedy of. the story is enacted. Love comes and. changes everything for Peg, and the story ends in a romantic but satisfactory way for all concerned. Miss Allgood's acting throughout is a tonic in itself., asrt thf. audience, after Peg's first appearance, is continually holding its sides. The portrayal of Jerry (the lover of Peg) was excellently given by Mr. Gerald Hensen, and Mr. Eolix Bland, as the foppish Alaric Chichester, provided soms extra comedy, while Mr. Lionel Walsh as the would-be villain, and Mr. George Chalmers as .Tarvis, also acted their parts splendidly. Miss Nan Taylor and Miss Mabel Gower, as the frigid Chichester.?, mother and daughter, and. Miss Madge Surtces as '■''Bennett." the maid, also filled their parts admirably. "Peg o' My Heart" will ibe staged again to-night, when thero should bo'an overflowing house.