ENTERTAINMENTS.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVII, Issue 2465, 1 April 1909, Page 5

ENTERTAINMENTS.

“A MINER’S TRUST.” Playgoers, have lfong looked for an improved type of melodrama—melodrama that still preserves the exciting scenes, the humorous situations, and the" spectacular settings, but dispenses with the impossible hero, .the deeply sinning villain, the wronged woman, and the virtue that only triumphs in the last act. “A Aimer’s Trust” is a melodrama- written in Australia, and, though it contains only a small portion of Australian atmosphere, that atmosphere is true, and the author has writ-, ten a story in which the characters arerational and the events reasonable and probable. The scheming villain is conspicuous by his absence, and the weeping, wailing woman is not required. But without these stereotyped characters the plas’ holds the in tie rest of the audience from the rise of the curtain to its fall. It was produced by Alessrs Aleynell and Gunn’s Dramatic Company before a crowded house in His Majesty’s Theatre last evening, and was unanimously pronounced a play of exceptional merit. There is abundance of humor, but it is clean and wholesome, and the work of the comedians is never once allowed to overstep the bounds of good taste. I .he plot has already been published, and, an treating of the performance, pride of place must be given to Air. J. B. Atholwqod’s presentation of the French criminal, Gaspard Le Rouge. Air. Atholwood has created many parts in Australia, but none better, with the exception, perhaps, of Aloriarty, in ‘“Sherlock Holmes,” has ever been played by him. The character of Le Rouge, portrayed last evening, was that of a canning Frenchman, who knew when to speak and when to hold his tongue, and was not above murder or cheating, at cards. Air. Atholwood had studied Le Rouge, his gestures were natural, his accent true, and lus representation, though never overdrawn, was forceful and telling. Mr. Herbert J. Bentley had a good part as Alan Trengrove, who sinks his own personality to keep his promise to liis dead mate, to seek out and marry the blind girl to whom the latter had been betrothed. The character is that of a truly honorable Englishman, who makes no boast of his sacrifice, but who tries to nobly fulfil the task he has undertaken. Air. Bent--10- was exceptionally good in his portrayal; his work was restrained, but convincing, and deserved every commendation. Aliss Beatrice Holloway had a pleasing role as Alice Aledway, a blind girl. The character did not call for anj’ display of powerful acting, but for more quiet and artistic work, and it was for that reason that Aliss Holloway excelled, and she completely won tho sympathies of the audience. Aliss Lillian Aleyers had a more- powerful part as Ida Aledway, and in the last act was afforded fine scope for forceful acting, which was taken full advantage of, aud of which the audience showed their appreciation by rounds of applause. Aliss Alice Deorwyn, always a favorite, caused much laughter as the fussy Aunt Hypatia, and Air. Harry Halley showed some excellent comedy work as Bill Bobstay, a seaman, who had iaken a berth ashore. Commendation is also due to Air. Leo de Chateau, who played Air. Probit, a lawyer; Air. Gus Neville, who appeared as Jack Howard in one prologue :Alr. F. Coape, as Arthur Trengrove; Air. J. B. Howard, as Captain Medway; and Air. Lance. Vane, as Algy Fairhurn. The plav was splendidly mounted, and was staged with every attention to detail. The opening scene, showing a Victorian goldfield in the early days, was exceptionally true to fact, while the scenes laid in England were all artistically set. The shipwreck scene, a storm, With a mail boat dashing on the rocks, was wonderfully realistic, and received rounds of applause. The costumes worn by the ladies were very beautiful. “TAA'O LITTLE SAILOR BOA'S.” , A popular English .success, "Two Little Sailor Boys,” will be.produced for this evening only. The play is described as an intense and original dramatic work, written by that clever dramatist, AA'alter author oi •'Her Love Against the World” and “The AI id night AVedding,” played with or eat- success throughout New Zealand last year by Aleynell and Gunn s Beatty-Alclntosh Company. “Two Little (Sailor Boys” will be- staged in all its completeness, aud will be illustrated by beautiful scenery and elegant costumes Aliss Beatrice Holloway aud Miss A lab ■ Russell will play the parts of Cyi u Grey aud Tom Yorke (two little sailor boys), said to be equal to their per.ormances as Dick and V ally in that tanv <ms play. “Two Little \ agabonds Aliss Lillian Aleyers s cast as Lorn Grey Air. Herbert J. Bratov as Captain Noel Tregarthen, an l Mr. ,5. b. Atholwood as Jim Roysto i. 1;:-morrow (Friday) night there will be another change of bill, when will be staged for the first time in Gisborne the pathetic story of strong child interest * lh? L*tt'e Breadwinner,” when little (income AYilliams and Alaggie Dickinson, two of the cleverest children of the iunions Tin-Can Band, will make their app(trance. The staging of Artmir *h>r ; cvs latest and most successful drama, Stepmother,” will conclude the Gvl ane season on Saturday night- -me n .01agement announce a late tiaui a to. Saturday night’s performance.