THEATRE ROYAL

Gisborne Times, Volume IX, Issue 837, 11 March 1903, Page 2

THEATRE ROYAL

“ IF I WERE KING,

Tho crowded house that greeted Mr J. C. Williamson’s dramatic company at tho Theatre Royal last evening was afforded a rare intellectual treat in tho proaontation of tho pretty and romantic drama, "If I Were King,” by Mr Justin Huntly McCarthy, and the large uudieuce wero even moro greatly impressed by it than they were by tho greatest of detective stories, " Sherlock Holmes." Tho theme of tho play dates back to the history of Franco in the fifteenth century, and tho plot embodied many stirring and exciting incidents calculated to arouse the spirit and enthusiasm of the audience. The dramatist has taken tho character of Francois Villon, a vagabond minstrel, and stripping it ot all its worst features, has made it assume the virtues of patriotism, filial love, and regard for all that is bravo and true. Whilst wandering disguised among his peoplo listening to their complaints, tho King hears Villon declaring what he would do if he were King of France, and following the interpretation of a dream Louis raises tho minstrel to tho position of Constable of France, the highest official in the Kingdom, and tho delightful prospect is offered to Villon that unless within a period of seven days ho can win as his bride Katherine do Vaucolles, a lady who has rejected tho love of the King, he must pay the penalty of death by hanging. As constable, Villon makes himself extremely popular by his lenient treatment of his old companions, who do not know him, but who are brought before him to bo sentenced ; and his many deeds of valor performed against Burgundy, who is at war with France, wins him great renown with the populace. The King is prevented from putting his threat in regard to the execution of Villon into execution by tho intervention of Katherine, whose iovo for the hero is so strong that she forgives him for his deception, and herself offers to die for him. Tho story ends with the King relenting, and in this way satisfaction is secured to all concerned. As Franeais Villon Mr Cuyler Hastings had ample scope to display his versatility, and throughout ho gave a most telling interpretation of this grand character. He possesses a fine voice, which he uses most effectively, and his striking appearance added greatly to the success of the part. His performance throughout was in every sense a most artistic one, and will long bo remembered by those who were privileged to witness it. Mr J. B. Atholwood appeared to distinct advantage as Louis XI, The king’s superstitions were admirably pourtrayed, and interviews with his subjects and Villon were equally effective. Mr H. Hamilton Stewart appeared as Tristan l’Hermite, Mr F. Lumsden Hare as Grand Constable of France, Mr Roland Staveley as Olivier de Dain, Mr Frank Hollins as Noel le Jolys, the several I characters being most ably sustained. Miss May Chevalier acted with grace as Katherine de Vancelles, and Miss Mabel Lane’s impersonation of the part of Hugnette Du Hamel, a woman who sacrifices her life to save that of Villon, was very fine indeed. Miss Minnie Terry was most successful as the Mother of Villon, and Miss Vera Perry did cwell as tho Queen. Tho other characters were ably represented. The manner in which the piece was staged reflects the highest credit on the management, the scenery and dresses being very .beautiful. The Fir Cone Tavern scene was splendidly carried out, whilst the rose garden scene was specially admired. It speaks volumes for the management that tho drama should have been put on in such a magnificent style, considering the inadequate staging facilities, but we trust that this drawback will soon disappear. The assurance of such companies as Mr J. C. Williamson brings to New Zealand coming to Gisborne should be an additional inducement to provide a suitable theatre and one in keeping with the importance of the place.

“ SECRET SERVICE.”

This evening Mr J. C. Williamson’s famous dramatic organisation will present one of the most successful military dramas of modern times. It is seldom Gisbornitea have an opportunity of witnessing a completed Melbourne production, but such is the case with the presentation of Mr William Gillette’s (author “ Sherlock Holmes ”) great military drama. “ The Secret Service,” which deals with the

American civil war. Mr Gillette has made such a remarkable impression on our local theatregoers by his clever construction of 11 Sherlock Holmes,” that exceptional interest is centred around his second production “ Secret Service,” a play that affords great opportunities to the artiste, of which full advantage will be taken by the clever company occupying the attention of our public. Mr Cuyler Hastings will again have a very strong character in ' Captain Thorn (Lewis Dumont), and one that requires a great personality, which Mr Hastings possesses to a marked degree, and he is so well acquainted with the the play itself, that the su.. *" « very'way congenial to result shouiu oa . ‘ionafiy him. His support is an excc r ... strong one, as no less than 30 artists are engaged in the drama. There should be a crowded house.