“ MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING.”

Gisborne Times, Volume XXIX, Issue 3317, 8 September 1911, Page 3

“ MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING.”

GiSBORNE SHAKESPEARE CLUB

CAPABLE PERFORMANCE AT WHINRAY’S HALL.

The name of William Shakespeare has stood pre-eminent in the world of literature far over three hundred years, and of all the authors who lived' before or since his time none can twine round the affections or satisfy the souls of men as does the Bard of Avon. His works are now one of the luxuries of life, and the realms of fancy would appear uninhabited if Shakespeare’s creations were withdrawn from them. The world owes a debt of gratitude to the clubs and societies which set themselves the pleasant task-—if such were needed —of preventing his great works from fading ino the mists of antiquity. That there are a great many admirers of Shakespeare’s works iii Gisborne was made manifest last night by the packed audience which- assembled at Whinray’s Hall to hear the first public reading of the Gisborne Shakespeare Club’s present season. It Avas noticeable that by far the greater majority of those present were ladies, who were obviously close students of the great master’s plays, judging by the keen manner in which they tollowed the presentment of the play. The popular comedy, “Much Ado About Nothing,” was the work undertaken last night, and it must be at once admitted that- a distinctly meritorious performance was given by the Club. Of necessity, the lines Avere a good deal “cut,” but the abridgement was done with a skill Avlrieh did -not greatly disturb the sequence of the plot. Tlie character of Don John, hoAveyer, might well have been included, as it is his rascally plotting Avhich raises all the “ado”‘in the comedy, and liis lines would have assisted to a. better appreciation of the plot. Mr E. H. Mann, vice-president of the Club, in a few introductory remarks, referred to tlie great loss the Club had sustained by the death of its president (Mr A. F. Kennedy), who had been- a invaluable guide, philosopher, and* friend to the members. The plot of the comedy is too avo 11know n to require recapitulating. The readers showed a marked improvement on any of their previous public performances and this Avas particularly noticeable in the absence of that stiffness which so often mars amateur performances. The principal characters were sustained by Miss Roberts (Beatrice), and Mr L. T. Burnard (Benedict). The merry Avar of'AVords betAveen the pair was carried on with a snap and sparkle which Avas delightfully refreshing, and their clever performance Avas acknoAVledged frequently by the audience. Miss Hilda Hogg took the-part of Hero with a naturalness Avhich bespoke a true conception of the part, and l she ay as particularly effective in the marriage scene, Avhen controverting the cru-ei charges brought against her honor. Ine character of Ursula Avas well- taken by Miss Meta Sievwright. This young lady has such a pleasing voice that one would have liked to have seen her m more important role. Mrs feipith was entrusted Avith the part of Maigaiet, and read the few lines allotted to. nei clearly and AA*ell. Mr Nicol made a dignified Don Pedro, and did. consistent work throughout. As Claudio, Mr Dai - ton Avas hardly as effective as he might have been. Though be read his lines well, neither his love-making nor his denunciation of Hero in the marriage scene Avas as convincing as could -nave been wished. One of the most successful portrayals of the evening Avas that given to the character of Leonato by Mr Webb. This gentleman infused a life and passion into his lines that might with advantage have been copied by most of the other performers. His depiction of tlie conflicting emotions ol love and outraged honor in the marriage scene, when he hears the charges against Iris daughter, Avas distinctly veil done. Mr Max- Jackson did distinctly good work as Dogberry, the village constable, and cleverly accentuated tlie malapropiums in.his lines. Mr Kowley, as Borachio, and Mr Samson, as > eiges. both sank their individualities m their parts better than did any of tlie other readers and in consequence both gave good performances. The remaining characters Avere ably sustained by Mr Barlow (Conrade), Mr Blooro (Friar Francis and the Sexton), Mr Cox (let Watch), and Mr Robb (2nd Watoli). MIN'. Harre took tlie small part of Balthazar and made a distinct hit with the song “Sigh No More, Ladies,” which was so tunefully sung that a repetition Avas demanded.‘Mr P. G.. Andrew made a. capable stage manager, and also supplied tlie* chorus. An efficient orchestra, under the baton of Mr M. L. Foster, added greatly to the enjoyment of the performance l>y playing a- number of selections, in excellent style. , The Avh-ole performance Avas or a •■nighstandard. That the audience were more than pleased was proved ,by the frequent applause bestowed, and expressions Avere general after the performance last night that the Gisborne Shakespeare Club 'would see its wiay to come before the public more frequently than it lias come in the past.