The Dobson-Kennedy Company.

Gisborne Standard and Cook County Gazette, Volume V, Issue 628, 4 July 1891, Page 2

The Dobson-Kennedy Company.

The continued popularity of the above company was again demonstrated on Thursday night, when the spectacular military drama “ Neck or Nothing " was produced. It is a piece full of extremes, which the company most ably portrayed. Sentiment and slaughter, virtue and villany, cowardice and bravery, gory and glory, love and low mercenary motives, intermingled with gay martial music, booming cannonades and the rattle of musketry, with a lively time for the enemies of the British, give just such a play as would warm the heart of any loyally loyal Britisher. Mr Collet Dobson, as the hero of the piece, played his part like a genuine actor, and from first to finish his representation of the character was a splendid exhibition of his powers. He was ably seconded by the heroine, Miss Idrene Thornton, who was warmly clapped when she made her appearance on the stage, and vociferously applauded on the finish of some of the fine scenes. Mr Kennedy, as John Bull, was a comic traitdr, and Mr Jermyn gave a good representation of a Frenchman in the same line. Mr Saville was capital as the respectable old gentleman. Mr Norton was an excellent Colonel Egerton, and Miss Hill, as a raspish wife, played with much animation, while Mrs Jermyn gave a capable representation of the Russian Conntess. The other characters were well represented ; throughout the audience accorded their applause very heartily, and frequently recalled the principal characters. Mr Dobson and Miss Thornton indeed were complimented with a storm of applause each time they were induced to come before the curtain. The way the scenery was arranged was the best exhibition of the kind we have seen in Gisborne. The becoming costumes of Miss Thornton and Mrs Jermyn were much admired.

The popular Irish drama Colleen Bawn was played last night to another crowded house, the audience being very enthusiastic over the way in which the different performers played their parts. Those who came late were unable to get front seats, not one being available. The cast was : Myles-na-Coppaleen, Mr Kennedy ; Kyle Daly, Mr Collet Dobson; The Colleen Bawn, Miss Idrene Thornton; Hardress Cregan, Mr Norton; Dandy Mann, Mr Ingleson; Squire Corrigan, Mr Jermyn ; Father Tom, Mr Saville ; Bertie O’Moor, Mr Henry; Corporal, Mr Campbell; Anne Chute, Miss Hill ; Mrs Cregan, Mrs Jermyn ; Sheelah, Miss Vernon. The play was splendidly mounted, and the grand eave scene was cheered again- and again ; the curtain had to be raised several times, and even then Mr Kennedy and Miss Thornton had to come out. The capable way in which the performers did their work served to further popularise the company. No other Company on the same lines has been such an unqualified success in Gisborne, and though the season is a long one tq carry through in a town the size of Gisborne, each succeeding night’s entertainment has only increased the popularity of the Company, and if the leading characters should ever again visit Gisborne they will have a hearty receptions, Miss Thornton’s singing as the herione in Neck or Nothing, and also in Colleen Bawn, was greatly appreciated, and each time she was recalled.

“■ Current Cash ” will be produced tonight, when there will be another oppor; tunity of witnessing the clever acting of little Ruby Kennedy,