A SPRIG O’ HEATHER.

Gisborne Times, Volume XLV, Issue 3998, 3 August 1915, Page 2

A SPRIG O’ HEATHER.

ÜBIJMTW PULLS THE STRINGS.” GRAHAM MOFFAT COMPANY TAKES GISBORNE BY STORM. if. SPLENDID RECEPTION AT HIS MAJESTY’S. After its record run in London and New York, and; its triumphal pixgr ss through- it is hog surprising that Gisborne theatregoers awaited the advent of such a play ns “Bunty Pulls tili-o Strings” with eager anticipation. Almost as keen are lecal people ■ to so® the actor-author, Mr. Graham Mi ffat, whose Fartda brain had evolved plays equal to the best given the world by that other famous Scotchman, J. M. Barrie. His Majesty’s Theatre was crowded last night, when Mr. anti Airs. Graham Moffat opened their Gisborne season. Of course, “Banty” was the pi.ee selected. From the rise- of the curtain, this delightful portrayal of Scottish life about the year 1861 charmed- the large audience. It is a play straight from life, and- is intensely human. So natural are the characters that it -locs not seem like acting at all. One- is transported away amongst those good people who crammed the catechism down their offsprings’ throats mud drew the blinds on Sundays. The play centres round the household of iaminas Biggar, a pillar of the kirk, v.ho, In order to make good the defalcations Of hi, 3 son Jamie, whom the temptations of the city have proved too m-.v h for, uses trust’money which is not -us own. Troubles crowd thick upon poo--Tamilian. A termagant of-a woman, Susie Simpson, has set her cap at the poor man, and, as it is her money which, lie has commandeered, she practically holds the matrimonial pistol at hi.s headi. As be himself puts it, he bias ‘‘been booked, and I cols like a fish with the hook in his mouth.” Into this pretty kettle of fish there sails Helen Dunlop, a sweet spinster, whom Tamilian deserted on their wedding day, and who has Ir -on patiently waiting 30 years for him. It- would have been all up with Tnmmas li-ud it not been for bis strong-willed daughter, Runty, who takes hold of the strings, and with wonderful tact and infinite resource smooths out the tangled skein. Runty is a most delightful character. Reautiful. capable, arid virtuous. sbi- rules the household with a rod of iron, and while solicitous for the welfare of everyone about her, she secs that they also rise betimes in the morning. Mr. Graham Moffat did splendid work in the character of Tam mas Biggar. It is many years since a bettor piece of characterisation than he gave last night lias -been seen here, lie was natural throughout-, and brought out the foibles of the Scottish character very cleverly, while the lighter passages were artis-tic-ally handled. Mrs. Graham Moffat made a. charming Helen Dunlop, ;t the perpetual bride,” who after waiting for 30 years agreed: to accept the position of housekeeper and economical cook to Tnmmas. The humor of the proposal between the. venerable pair was daintily presented. Aliss Jean Clyde won golden opinions in the ’name part. With a clear speaking voice-, this charming young lady is endowed with . a most artistic temperament. She was the soul of the piece, and whether she was giving advice to her brother Rab, ruling hoc father, or straightening the tie o! her pawky lover, she did it with such winsome grace that it- was robbed of all suggestion of meddling. She- portrayed the true woman, who gets her own way by allowing other people to imagine they arc- doing jhe bossing. Miss Clyde was splendidly supported by Mr Abie. Barker as Rah Riggar. her young brother, who beat his wings against the bars of the strict Presbyterian borne life, and pined for the excitement of the city. Air. Barker i.s 01m of tho best light leads we have bad this way. There was a.spirit of mischief about him which was infectious while his laugh was like a gleam of sunshine. The shrewish character of Susie Simpson was most capably take*by Aliss Nan Taylor, who made ill character an outstanding cue. Th scene in the kirkyard at Linti' haugli where she denounces Tnmmas as r robber and gives him in charge to th constable in front of the whole con gregation, was a powerful dramati seem*.' It is said that- “Hell hath n fury like a woman scorned.” and Af-s Taylor rase t-o great heights in heportrayal of jealousy let loose. Th Woelum Sprunt of Mr. David Urqn hart was a piece of most consist-on acting. Wcclum cannot be d -scribe* as a hero in any sense of the word hut he was very human and verr Scotch, and AIT. Urquhart painted Enas he was. Aliss Winifred Alcff" made a. charming Leenie Dunlop while Air. Alex. G. Bannennau mad the most of the part of- Joems Gibb the sexton. Subordinate parts w. r capably sustained by Misses Joann 1 - Douglas-J I icks, Margaret Noble, A; ’lie Wilson, Alaye Mclvet-trick, Alaggi Dowie, Agnes AlcPhee, Airs. 11. S Valentine, and Messrs. Bob Anderson R. Alaxwell, Andrew Smylie, and W JTni-kncss. “Runty” came like r breath, of heather to local theatre goers, and it is difficult- to recall r play which called up such unanimou commendation as Mr. Moffat’s phr did. last night. A capable orehestr: helped to gladden the hearts of th many sons and daughters of Sent! present by playing Scottish, selection pleasingly, while a skirl o’ the pip - was given before the curtain rose.

The season will be concluded to night, when another play by Air Ah f fat, “A Scrape o’ the Pen,” will h staged: This is considered by mam critics to he an oven better piece than “Bunty,” and if this he true another delightful experience should bo h store to-night.