JULIUS KNIGHT.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXV, Issue 2135, 18 July 1907, Page 2

JULIUS KNIGHT.

“ROBIN HOOD.” The stirring and romantic tale of “Robin Hood" lias comu through the centuries with all its pristine glory, and as presented in its theatrical setting of love, chivulry, and adventure, the story is one which delights 11..» imnrk nf nlavcroers. llioro was

the hearts ot n very laryjo and enthusiastic alienonce last evening, and tho opnuon was generally expressed tlmt the play was one of the linest ever witnessed loeallv. The romance deals with the plotting of Prince John whilst his brother, the bravo King ltichard Coour-do-hion, is away at the Crusades. But Robin Hood and his band of twice two hundred gallant bov\moit prove a loyalist party to b reckoned with, and defy dislodgemont from the fastnesses of the iamous Sherwood Forest. The bravo and chivalrous Saxon lias a P r . l ,9® VP?? his head, and, surprised without lus . _ onivr *xKf>.anofi capture

merrv archers, only escaoes wptu » bv the ruse of an old woman » disir’uise. With his trusty companion, the gracious Allan-a : L»alo, ho oven dares to enter the lion s den, Nottingham Castle, the pair masquerading as musicians before Pnnce John and his retainers. By means of Allan-a-Dale’s song, .A Mail and a Maid,” the Lady Marion, persecuted I, • a suitor who finds no favor in lioi sight, is acquainted with plans tor es- ■ cape, and these aro carried out m highly sensational manner, the bow- , man holding his foes at bay by *. i i ..~ 1 im an tirrOW 111 Lilli

threatening to lodge an arrow in g Prince's heart. Ihoro is a charm ing scone in the forest, where the Eadv Marion and Robin Hood meet, and she puts her trust in tho outlaw, a man though who only robs tho robber, has a hand on no one save tho tyrant, and strikes down the oppressor, but frees the °PP^ e ? se i There is an historical meeting a ™ hut of Friar Tuck, where a distinguished knight wearing the red. cross on his breast seeks refreshment, shows remorse on Robin flood s iecountal of the state tho country had .Lapsed into through the King s absence abroad, and avows himself . to no Richard, Coeur-de-Lion. Wh st Richard is collecting his forces. Robin Hood is again surprised by a baud ot John’s men-at-arms, and is on the ooint of suffering death when the Ring appears, brings the craven John to his knee, and confers an Earldom on the gallant bowman for his loyal support. The union of the doughty champion and the Rad} Marion, the Saxon and the Borman blood, brings tho pretty romance to a

DiOOCI. wrings vim 77 iiappy end. Tho his torical naiiativc ,)f happenings in the mediaeval tunes is full of charm in this prosaic age, and the romantic environment happily sets oft' the play. Tho songs by Allan-a-Dale and the “merry men, incidental to tho story, included. “A Man and a Maid,” “In the Maytime,” “Richard, Oh my King, ‘Bn- Black Jack,” “Clerks of St. Nicholas,” and “The Greenwood Tree.” The scenery was a feature, the forest glades especially being a 'masterpiece. Mr. Julius Knight was all that imagination had pictured as the dashing Robin Hood, and as l.adv Marion do Vaux Miss Is.. Jtliiert Orton has not been seen to better advantage. The intriguing, but weak and vacillating I’rinco John or Mr. H. J. Bentley was in accordance

with history’s pronouncement of Ins character. Mr. Harry Plimmer, as Richard,, carried the kingly honors right royally. The Allan-a-Dale of Mr. Andrews was a bright feature, and his fine rendition of the solos won great approbation, his best efforts heinc “A Man and a Maid” and “Richard, Oh my Kina.” Mr. Herbert Miller gave an appreciated delineation of the jovial Friar Tuck, and the “Little John” as pourtray(,d by Mr. Gordon Mclntosh was all that could be desired. The other parts were well sustained. The company left for the south by the Zealandia.