The Dobson-Kennedy Company.

Gisborne Standard and Cook County Gazette, Volume V, Issue 632, 11 July 1891, Page 2

The Dobson-Kennedy Company.

Thursday night was one of those cold and wet evenings that make people both loth tn leave their own fireside, but the attraction ot Tbe Ticket of Leave Man at ths Theatre Royal was sufficient to ensure a large atten. dance notwithstanding the most unfavorable condition of the weather. Thia drama, ot which Tom Taylor is the author, has long been acknowledged as one of great excellence, and while it tells the sad story of the ticket of leave man it contains scenes that leave their impression on even the dullest intellscta. TSe way in which Mr Dobson took the part Bob Brierly, a Lancashire lad who is tbe hero of the piece, must have been a complete realisation of the author's idea, end Miss Hill acted the pathetic parts with a tenderness that won for the character the sympathies of ths audience. Miss Thornton, as ths irascible young Sam, acted with much spirit, and it was clear that Sam was a great favorite with the audience. As Detective Hswkehaw Mr Kennedy gave a further example ot how he can make himself fit in welt to any part. Mrs Jermyn, as Granny Willoughby, was very entertaining, and as the eld bill brnker Mr Saville was excellent. Jem Dalton was ably represented by Mr Norton, Melter Moss by Mr Ingleson, Maltby by Mr Jermyn, and the waiter by Mr Campbell. The play was splendidly staged. Last night there was a repetition of Current Cash, which was again witnessed by an excellent audience, notwithstanding ths miserable weather. From first to last there was enthusiasm on the part of the audience, the outbursts of applause were frequent, and the different performers were very warmly cheered each time they oame before the curtain. Many bouquets were thrown to Miss Thornton and Ruby Kennedy, and when Captain Milton (Mr Dobson) revealed himself in the last aot there was the most intense enthusiasm.

TO NIGHT—»LOST IN LONDON." Thia evening the Company will take their farewell of a Gisborne auiienoe—at least for gome months to come. “ Lost in London ' is to be played to night. It is a highly sensational drama, through which there is a vein of hnmor that gives a light shading to the pathetic parts. Miss Thornton plays the part of the erring lady Nelly Armroyd, which character she is well able to inface with all the tender qualities and emotions of a woman's nature, and her singing of " Love’s old sweet song '* is said to be well worth hearing for itself. Mr Dobson impersonates the character of Job Armroyd, Nelly’s husband, and his taking of this character is said to ful'y emphasise hie claim to high rank in the profession which he has chosen. Miss Hill as Tiddy Dragglethorpe makes her boisterous mirth quite infectious, but does not nullify the effect of the pathetic parts. As a gentlemanly scoundrel Mr Norton takes an unpopular character In a way that leaves no denying the merit of his acting. Miss Vernon, as Flounce, In her wooing of Blinker causes much merriment, while that character is ably portrayed by Mr Campbell. Mr Saville takes Noah Leahroyd ; Mr Jermyn, Dick Rayne ; Mr Henry, Jack Longbones | Mr Moes, Thomas; Mr Chaigrove, Sir Frederick Loader. The plot is o’everly worked out, with incidents that appeal to the fancy, and the accomplished ao'ing gives a sense of reality that makes the performance one to be greatly appreciated. When the Company recently produced this play in another town, so we notice by the journal published there, the whole Company were, at tne end of the second and third acts, complimented by a double recall before the curtain. There could be no stronger recommendation than that of the excellence of the performance. “ SHAMTTB O’BRIEN.” The Dobson-Kennedy Company intend giving their patrons a special treat for thlq (their last) evening. In addition to the great mining drama “ Lost in London,” Mr Kennedy will recite the soul stirring recitation ” Shamus O'Brien,” a tale of the year '6B. This famous poem haejbeen recited by him throughout the Australasian Colonies, and has received great praise.