PLIMMER-DENNISTON COMPANY.

Wairarapa Age, Volume XXXII, Issue 10131, 3 December 1910, Page 5

PLIMMER-DENNISTON COMPANY.

"LOVERS' LANE." i tie Hamilton-Plimmer-Deimiston Company, which opened a two-nights season in the Masterton Town Hall last evening, under the direction of Mr Allan Hamilton, is one of the strongest and most artistic, combinations that has visited this township for many a day. It is unfortunate that a variety of circumstances should have contributed to prevent a large section of the theatregoing public from being present last evening, and to have thus deprived them from witnessing what was a gorgeous repast in dramatic art. The large audience which assembled was delighted with the performance, and demonstrated its appreciation of the charming production with round after round of spontaneous applause. The "Lovers' Lane" is a delightful drama, full to the brim with incident, and sufficiently varied in detail to keep the audience amused and interested throughout. It is an elegant little story, couched in superb surroundings, striking and eloquent in its appeal, and just sufficiently intermixed with humorous situations to relieve the emotional strain imposed by the tragic dissembling of a domestic career. The Rev. Thomas Singleton (Mr Harry Plimmer) is a good-natured parish priest, whose fault in life is his unorthodox dispensation of charity, and his anxiety to relieve distress. His large heart impels him to be of service to the orphan, the poor and the outcast, and he finds himself ostracised' in consequence, and compelled to resign his charge. The incidents which occur in the parsonage, and in his subsequent reconciliation to the church, are at times" deeply pathetic. Miss Lizette Parkes, as Simplicity Johnston, an orphan girl who has been befriended by the large-hearted reverend, gave a charming interpretation of the character of a wayward child. Her acting was, indeed a revelation to those present, her vivacity being delightful. Her rendering of the song, "The Old Red School," with a children's chorus, quite captivated, the audience. Miss Valentine Sydney, as Miss Mattie (the minister's housekeeper): gave- an unique pourtrayal of a most difficult character, and she stamped herself a firm favourite with the audience. Mi's Robert Brougli, whose name is familiar to playgoers throughout the colonies,, more than sustained the brilliant reputation she has achieved as an actress by her splendid interpretation of the part of Mrs Herbert Woodbridge. Her acting was dignified and graceful, and her enunciation perfect. Mr Reynolds Denniston, the wayward Herbert Woodbriage, who, after sowing his wild oats and driving his wife to the Divorce Court, comes to his senses and is reconciled, showed himself to be an exceedingly Cleveland refined actor. Miss. Myra Wall made a charming Mary Larkin, whilst Miss Alice, Dorwyn as Aunt Martha, Miss Marie Le Croisette as Bridget, and Miss Beatrice Usher as Molly Mealey contributed largely to the success of the performance. MiHarry Neville as Uncle Bill (the church bell-ringer) was very entertaining, and Mr Charles Tlirosby gave a capital interpretation of Mr Brown (a storekeeper.) The whole fabric of the play was thoroughly well sustained. There was not a semblance of weakness, in the piece; indeed, it, would be difficult to find si company touring the colonies at the present time which is so I well equipped with sterling artists. Added to the histrionic talent which quickly captivated the audience was an elaborate dressing, a series of magnificent scenes, 'and a combination of effects with appropriate music which created a splendid impression. It is safe to say that tlie sterling qualities of the Hamilton-Plim-mer-Denniston Company will be loudly proclaimed to-day, as they were last night, and that the brilliant combination will be greeted with an enthusiastic audience to-night, when Jerome K. Jerome's stirring drama, "The Passing of the Third Floor Back," will be produced.