ENTERTAINMENTS.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVI, Issue 2270, 15 August 1908, Page 1

ENTERTAINMENTS.

“THE PRIVATE SECRETARY.”

His Majesty’s Theatre was well filled last night, when Mr. Frank Thornton’s new English Comedy Company concluded a most successful season with the over-green, farcical the “Rev. Robert Spalding,” who The piece, which is well known to most regular play-goers, deals with tlio amusing adventures which befel tlie “Rev. obltert Spalding,” who had engaged himself in the capacity of private secretary to a, rather irascible hunting squire. Owing to the impersonation of the unhappy secretary by a harum-scarum youth, a nephew of tho squire's best friend, several most- embarrassing situations are created, and from the rise to tlie fall of the curtain tho many humorous incidents called forth tho hearty laughter and applause of tho large audience.

As tlio “Rev. Robert Spalding,” Mr. Thornton was in excellent vein, and convulsed his hearers time and again with his quaint sayings and mannerisms. Mr. Harry Ashford had a congenial role in tho character of “Mr. Cattermole,” the bluff and outspoken undo, and as his nephew, who took tho place of tlio luckless curate, Mr. Templer Powell acted admirably. Mr. Douglas Hamilton, as tlie Rond Street tailor; Mr. Stephenson, as the fox-hunting squire; and Sir. Clias- Stone as “Harry Marsland.” tho squire’s nephew, capably filled their roles, while minor characters woro well sustained by Messrs Chits. Adams, Mackenzie, and Sullivan. Miss Belle Donaldson, as “Edith Marsland”; and Miss Clare Manificld as her friend “Eva Webster,” were excellently cast, and acted throughout in n graceful and capable manner. Misses Hawthorne and Trench were the other ladies included in the cast, and ably filled their respective parts. The company will leave for Auckland by the s.s. Mokoia this evening.