ENTERTAINMENTS.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVI, Issue 2190, 14 May 1908, Page 4

ENTERTAINMENTS.

“A ROYAL DIVORCE.”

The largo audience that filled His Majesty’s Theatre last evening to witness tho final appearance of Mr Julius Knight and the members of Mr J. C. Williamson’s Dramatic Company showed that the popularity of the Napoleonic drama, “A Royal Divorce”, is a© great as ever. Ihe play is not entirely new to Gisborne, having been staged here _ou a previous occasion, but not withstanding, again met with a most enthusiastic reception. The principal historical incidents of (Napoleon's career are drawn upon for the plot, and while not adhering steadfastly to history, are sufficiently accurate to give a comprehensive idea of the character of tho man who, by liis own determination, rose from the rank of a corporal in the French army, to sit upon the throne of the Bourbons and to hol<l the destinies of nations in the hollow of liis hand. Around these incidents is woven the story of his lovo for and separation from Josephine, and how from thence forward liis star of destiny, which has always stood in the zenith, began to set. Calamity and defeat, follows in its train; first the retreat from Moscow, then tho loss' of the Battle of Waterloo, and lastly his exile .to St Helena. Through all, Josephine clings to and watches over her ill-fat-ed husband, guards him from treachery, and when all forsake him, pleads to be allowed to accompany him to St. Helena to share liis sorrows as she had shared liis joys. Throughout the whole play the note of pathos vibrates loudly, and the sympathy of tho audience is with the wronged wife and the misguided monarch from the .beginning of the play to the end. Tho scenes are laid amid surroundings of grandeur and, the handsome military costumes, the furnishings and incidental music, give a true martial atmosphere to the-play, •Mr Julius Knight presents a fine, impersonation of the Emperor 'Napoleon who, like the eagle, cannot be tamed, and whose hopes and aspirations soar to the heights of the unobtainable. Tlio restless spirit, quick decision, hasty temper, yet withal undying love, even in, the fnco of trials and difficulties, for the wife ho had cast aside jn the hope of founding a dynasty by alliance .with a daughter of the Royal House of Austria, were admirably portrayed. Furthermore, Mr Knight presents in the part a most faithful likeness to the generally accepted portraits of Napoleon. The frowning eyes, thecrouched shoulders, the round head and arched forehead were all true to life and showed that the impersonation had been carefully studied. In the scones with Josephine Air Knight showed some of liis best work and was frequently applauded. As Josephine Miss Ola Humphrey was equally successful. Her acting was full of dignity and charm, her more powerful scenes, such as the meeting with the usurper, Marie Louise, and when she stops the rush of the rabble in the garden of the palace, being examples of great histrionic ability. In her emotional scenes Miss Humphrey showed gentleness and restraint and, held the full sympathy of her audience. Mr Dudley Clinton excelled himself in the part of Grimand an innkeeper. His work was full of genuine comedy which was not without its effect upon the house. Miss Elsio Wilson, as the Austrian Arch-Duchess Marie Louise, vvas well cast, and, though the part is not one to carry the sympathy of the audience, her work was fully appreciated. Other characters calling for special mention were M. de Tallyrand (Mr Leslie Victor), General Augerau (Mr H. Plimmer), and Stophamo D’ Beauliarnaie (Miss Florence Gleeson). The minor parts -wore also well filled. The piece was beautifully mounted, and tho tableaux showing the retreat from Moscow, the battle of Waterloo, and Nanoleon alone at S't. Helena 'were well and effectively staged.

The Company left for Napier last evening. FAIR’S PICTURES. Fair’s Pictures and Select Entertainers opened their season at Te Karaka to an excellent house, when a splendid assortment of animated pictures wore shown, the most , prominent .being “The Half-Caste’s Revenge,” “The Magic Cigar Box,” a beautifully colored film “Cast up from tho sea,” “Tlio Inlaid Floor Polisher,” etc, etc. The Vaudeville programme was well received and the Blanchards were great favorites. The conjuring tricks exhibited by Mr Blanchard were very clever and caused roars of laughter, nnd bis sleight-of-hand) tricks were neat and clean. Miss Ivy Goodvill sang tbreo songs and gave a very clever exhibition of dancing. 'The company also played a two night season at lVliatatutu to good houses. They play a return at Te Karaka to-night (Thursday) after which they play at Ormond on Friday and To Arai on Saturday.