ENTERTAINMENTS.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVII, Issue 2542, 1 July 1909, Page 5

ENTERTAINMENTS.

ALLAN HAMILTON’S COMPAN “IN THE RANKS.” At a time when compulsory militr training is under discussion through* the Dominion, ,a play that deals the va'or and honor of a private British army is always sure U a crowded house, so that lit w to be wondered at that Hi Theatre should be packed. 1when Mr. Allan Hamilton Company presented G. 11ring drama, “In the Ra piece is ■'well known to the. it was one of the favorite of that veteran actor, Mr. i nold, and though many ye elapsed since it was first prod, play has lost none of its fast but stands offt as one of th. oe-.~ and brightest.of modem me’odraaias. 'i'lie character studies are good, the sentiment is strong, the humor rich and plentiful, while the story told is decidedly acceptable. The plot is constructed upon the usual melodramatic lines, the hero is falsolv accused and imprisoned, the villain reigns supreme until the last moment, when the cur—ri falls upon his discomfiture and the audience goes home well satisfied that virtue Is always triumphant in the end. The play was produced upon a most liberal scale; the company is a strong one, and the acting calls for more than passing praise. Mr. George Cross presented a fine study of Ned Drayton, who in falsely accused of being an accomplice in an attempted murder, and is-imprisoned. He afterwards joins the army, distinguishes himself by Ins bravery. and clears bis name. Sir. Cross acted well, and wisely avoided many of the stereotyped forms of representing a hero in a melodrama, to present a character that was natural and convincing. He won the full sympathy and appreciation of the audience, and -was loudly applauded for his work. Mr. Wilton Rower made a good Gideon Blake. Drayton’s enemy, and if the derision of the audience can be taken by the stage villain as the equivalent to applause, then Mr. Power can rest assured that his scheming trickery was not lost upon his audience last evening. Miss Ada Guilford made a pleasant and sympathetic Ruth Herries, the girl who finally marries Drayton. Miss Guilford acted with great charm and naturalness, and at times displayed considerable dramatic power. Her representation of the wronged woman appealed to the heart sof the audience and won golden opinions from all. Miss Rosemary Rees had not much scope as Barbara Herrick, but from her stage work last evening it was evident that she has the advantage of experience upon the London stage, combined with a high conception of the artistic, to help her, for her presentation of the * ladylike Barbara was well acted in every detail. Miss Rees has. a fine stage presence, and a pleasing, yet telling voice, and she acted with great charm throughout. Mr. Wilton Welch provided the comedy element of the play as Joe Buzzard, and showed that he is by far the best melodramatic comedian that- has visited New Zealand, for a long time. His work last evening was so natural that it was irresistible, and he kept the audience laughing whenever he was on the stage. Other good characters were: Farmer Herrick, Mr. J. Hesford; Colonel Winter, Mr. F. Kenny: Richard Belton, Mr. W. Ellison: and Mrs. Buzzard, Miss May Hosford. Tbe other characters in the cast, wbicii was a long one, were also well filled. The scenery for each of the five acts was good, especially the setting;. showing Dingley Wood and the Barrack-yard. To-night the company will presentthe sensational play. “Queen of the Night,” by F. Thorpe Tracy. The play is said to possess more than usual merit, and some fine spectacular effects, so that there should again be a crowded house. POLLARD’S JUVENILE OPERA COMPANY. i Playgoers will* be pleased to learn that after an absence of over a year this popular combination is about' to visit Gisborne once more. The opening uight is fixed for Wednesday next, ‘July 7th, and the'season is limited to four nights. Since last seen here Mr. Pollard’s clever company has t-rav Tied much, and has evidently learned a ;ot as the critics are unanimous in >-x----pressing surprise at its all-round improvement. This was always a feature of “The Pollard,’ companies. Erfery visit showed progress, and the bringing to the front of new artkts. Tho chorus girl or boy of one visit very often became the star of the next. Another strong factor in Mr. Pollard’s success is that he always brings something new. On this occasion lie promises no less than four new pieces. The initial attraction on Wednesday nextwill be the mi'itary and spectacular musical comedy, “The Gay Hussar.” This work has created ouite a furore wherever played, the universal verdict being that it was the best piece of its class since the days of “Florodora.” On Thursday is to be produced Piauquettes’s masterpiece, “Rip Van Winkle” ; on Friday Mr. Pollard will present patrons with one of the most- popular of all French opera- bouffes, Lecoq’s charming work “Manola” ; and the season will be brought to a close on Saturday. July 10, when a doube bill, consisting of Walter Slaughter’s satirical and tuneful operetta “An Adamless Eden,” and a mammoth programme of vaudeville novelties will be presented.