THEATRE ROYAL

Gisborne Times, Volume IX, Issue 834, 7 March 1903, Page 3

THEATRE ROYAL

SHERLOCK HOLMES” ON MON DAY.

Tho name of Mr J. C. Williamson has become a household word throughout Australasia, and is sufficient guarantee that any entertainment, theatrical or otherwise associated with it, will be the best procurable. Consequently whatever may bo staged by him is bound to prove highly enjoyable and of good sterling merit; such as the most captious critic can find little fanlt with. But probably by far the richest treat he has provided for a theatre-going public is the sensational drama entitled “ Sherlock Holmes ”; which has proved to be one of the most successful plays ever produced in England, America, or Australia. Sir A. Conan Doyle, and his collaborator, Mr William Gillette, have selected what may be regarded as an unpublished episode in the great detective’s life, upon which they have founded one of the most interesting and enthralling plays ever put before the public. It is in fact what Mr J. C. Williamson claims it to be, viz., “ tho greatest dramatic attraction he has ever sent on tour ” ; having created a furore wherever it has been presented. It is said to be one of the very few pieces whioh can hold an audience not merely interested but absolutely spell-bound from start to finish ; and send the people home with the fixed idea that they have been actual participants in one of the most desperate and cosummato schemes of villany concocted in modern times. Produced as it will be for tho first time in Gisborne at the Theatre Royal on Monday evening next, thero should be few who will not avail themselves of the opportunity of witnessing this piece. The eminent American actor, Mr Cuyler Hastings, who represents Shorloca Holmes, is acknowledged to be exceptionally clever and realistic in the character, and possesses a further decided advantagejin bearing a striking resemblance to the well-known sleuth-hound as pourtrayed in Conan Doyle’s works. His success in the title role, both throughout America, Australia, and New Zealand, has been phenomenal; and as he is supported by a correspondingly powerful company, tho play from the rise to the fall of the curtain is one of the most absorbing interest. The second production of the season will be the great spectacular, romantic drama “If 1 Were King,” and on Wednesday evening, the last night of the season, the realistic military drama, “Secret Service,” will be produced. The box plans for the season are open at Mr Miller's. The company concluded last evening one of the most successful seasons ever experienced in Auokland, and will leave for Gisborne to-day.

Wesley Church Services.—To-morrow (Sunday) : Mr Fraser will conduct both morning and evening services. Anthem by Choir. Bornan Catholic Church Services. — To-morrow (Sunday) : Gisborne, Mass, 8 and 11 a.m. ; Vespers, 7 p.m. ; Ormond, 9 a.m. ; Te Arai, 11 a.m.—Bev. T. Mnlvihiil.

Holy Trinity Church, to-morrow, 2nd Sunday in Lent.—B a.m., Holy Communion; rl a.m., Memorial Service ; solo, “Thou art Passing Hence (Sullivan) ; 2.30 p.m., Young Peoples Bible Class, Rev. W. Welsh ; 7 p.m., Evening Prayer and sermon by Rev. A. Coote. Collections for Church Society both morning and evening. St. Andrew’s Church Services.—Tomorrow (Sunday) : Morning, “ Enlisted in the Army of the Great King evening, in memoriam Alice Redward. Endeavorcrs kindly asked to come

and occupy the front seats.—Rev. J G. Paterson.

Salvation Army Barracks Tomorrow (Sunday) : 7 a.m., Prayer Mectfhg ; 11 a.m., subject “Ease in Zion ” ; 3 p.m., Testimony Meeting 3 7 p.m., subject “A Bold Challenge.”