“Jim. The Penman.”

Gisborne Standard and Cook County Gazette, Volume III, Issue 449, 3 May 1890, Page 2

“Jim. The Penman.”

9T. MAUR OPENS WITH A CROWDED HOUSE.

Tax St. Maur Comedy and Dramatic Company opened their season last night at the Theatre Royal. The weather had not been of the best, and many country people were thus deterred from making a trip into town to witness the performance of Sir Charles Young's famous drama “ Jim the Penman,” but there was nevertheless a crowded house. There are of course great disadvantages to be overcome in the production of such a drama in a town like Gisborne, which, though its theatres are as well equipped as those of any other town of its size, is still deficient in some of those little accessories which help to give effect. But no scenic effect was needed to ensure a thorough appreciation of such acting as was exhibited at the Theatre Royal last night. It would seem almost vanity on our part to criticise an actor like Mr Bt. Maur, who has won so much applause for his finished acting, and his very clever impersonation of Ralston in Jim the Penman. There are some people who do not approve of the idea of the play, bat it has the one great point of testing the actors. Mr St. Maur’s impersonation has baen fittingly described as subtle, refined, and intense, and he depicted with remarkable skill the remorseful criminal who sought to hide his mental torture, and the audience became absorbed with interest in the fortunes of the unhappy but prosperous forger. While Mr St. Maur is so conspicuous for his acting it must not be supposed that the rest of the company are what are 'called “ sticks ” to support the " star." One of the best qualities in an actor or actress is when allotted a minor part to act that part faithfully Jand not overdo it. In this case it was fully proved that Mr St. Maur was supported by an able company. Miss Seymour has the proud reputation of being the best all round Mrs Ralston in the colonies, and certainly we dan testify that the actress who could surpass her would be a wonder indeed. Her acting was strikingly intense and her personality charming, her costumes magnificent, and she kept in 'sympathy with) the audience all through. Miss Agnes made a cultured and refined lady. Miss Eily Mayo was a pretty and fresh Agnes Ralston, while Mr Berkely made a delightully natural and boyish George Ralston. Mr Frank Gerald, who is a young New Zealander, bids fair to make a high name for himself in the profession, and as Louis Percival was conscientious, painstaking, and impressive. The somnolent detective Capt. Redwood was well acted by Mr Fred Clifford, who is also a promising young actor. Mr Stilling Dqff was an exceedingly capable Lord Drelingcourt, and Mr Kennedy succeeded well as Baron Hartfield, a scheming German, there being an unexplainable humor in the thing which tended to relieve one of the feeling of oppressiveness that might be conveyed. Mr Greville was a boisterous and “ shoppy ” politician, one of those frauds which we sometimes see in the Radical ranks, and as such created much amusement. Mr Charles Hid was a capable Dr Pettywise, and Mr Sugden Moore a good Mr Cbapstone. Miss Hetty Kennedy and Miss Nelly Durant had little to do, but did that little well, as Lady Dunecomba and Mrs Chapstone. The audience went away highly delighted with all they had seen, each bestowing much praise upon the company, and it is safe to say that a majority of those who attended last night will be attracted again to night and also bring their friends with them. To-night “ Barnes of New York ” will be performed. This being the last opportunity there will be to witness the performances of the clever St. Maur Company before their departure for Auckland, there ought to be another crowded house, " Barnes of New York ” is a splendid romantic sensational drama, and when acted by a company like St. Maur’s, it cannot fail to be an enormous success.