Gaiety Theatre,

Legitimate drama holds the boards this week, and two strong plays are presented by Messrs. Fred Baugh and Royce Carlton's companys. On Monday night, a well filled house witnessed "The Girl and the Blackguard" an imaginary satirical story of life at the German Eperor's Court. So vividly has Mr Royce Carlton pointed the characteristics of the All Highest and his regenerate son that, should "Big WIllie" ever set foot in this country, he will at once strafe the author of this play. The plot is fully up to date, and conveys an idea of the intrigue and plotting which existed in Germany before the war. As the title implies, William Cronpriss ("Little Willie,") is the blackguard, and the author has done his best to show that individual up in his true colours. Despite his infatuous passion for his English governess he finds that British pluck is up against him in the person of the British military attache, who thwarts all his vile schemes. The play is full of interest from the first to the last act, and was followed closely by an appreciative audience. Mr. John F. Traynor acted the trying part of "William Caynor" (Big Willie) in a dignified manner, his general make-up being very lifelike. An equally exacting part was that of "William Cronpriss" ((Little Willie), but in the hands of Mr. A.B. MacKay it received a splendid delineation. The other characters in the play, who acted their parts with perfect histrionic ability were:- Lord Ewart of Glenmorn (British Military Attache), Victor Ray; Sir Evelyn Bond (British Ambassador), George H. Doyle; Nobby Clarke (Lord Ewart's servant) Louis Gaye; the Prince Royal (Little Willie's son), Betty Dickens; The Countess of Pfenningmark (Nobby's ownest), Grace Emery; The Crown Princess (Little Willie's Poor Wife), Ida MacKay; The Baroness von Mecklemeistern (some mustard), Evelyn Brewster, and Helen Maynard (the English governess), Mona Hall. The same company will stage "His Second Wife" tonight and tomorrow, whilst on Saturday, "The Girl and the Blackguard" will be repeated at 7 and 9 o'clock. (Leven Advertiser & Wemyss Gazette - Thursday 14 June 1917)