AMUSEMENTS.

Press, Volume LX, Issue 11486, 20 January 1903, Page 6

AMUSEMENTS.

THEATBE ROYAL,

la producing "If I were Kjngj" the clever and artistically constructed play of Mr Ju»tco McQtfthy, the Williamson Dramatic Company adopted a totally different line of dramatic work from "Sherlock Holmes.." From the modernity of the former to the antiquity and old-world style of the latter was a far cry. That Mr Hastings and the company were quite- as successful in the one as the other epeaks volumes for their ability. The play itself is a magoifioent one, carrying the audience by progressive steps through a series of power-fully-depicted dramatic scenes. To witness the piece is like, seeing a practical realisation of one of Anthony Hope's power-fully-written books dealing with early French history, and not alone is it commendable from the wealth of colouring which the period enables to be used in the dresses and but the dialogue is also of a higher order of literary merit than the ordinary run of plays. Of course a good deal of the poetry of Francois Villon is quoted, but the patriotic sentiments which inspire the temporary tenant of the office of High Constable of France are expressed by the author in stirring and graceful language. The conception by iilr Hastings of the character of Francois Villon was very artistic in ite delineation, and admirably conceived. He brought out strongly that feeling of honour which is the redeeming feature of the man, who consorts with the lowest of the low yet retains the instincts of a gentleman, which will not permit him, even to win the love of the woman he adores as well as to save his life, to do so undier false pretences. In the scene with the King, where he tells what ihe would do to regel the enemies of Francs, Mr Hastings delivered the impassioned lines with much eloquence. Though the part is on impassioned and ■powerful one, Mr Hastings never fox one moment exaggerated it. Miss May Chevalier made a great hit in the character of Catherine, a success which ivas accentuated;. by the fact tliat it was somewhat unexpected after her rather tamo performance o£ Miss Faulkner. Miss Chevalier gave a very fine pourtrayal of the character of the woman who, in spite of herself and her aristocratic ideas, recognises her true mate in the erstwhile swaggerer in taverns, but who has shown that he possesses a heart and a courage which fully •entitles him to her fervent appreciation conveyed in the words, "A mmt has come to court- , .', .\fes Mabsl Lotiie had a somewhat difficuio part in the , character of the light o' love, Huguefcte, who lavishes the true love of her heart on the unresponsive Francois. She was excellent throughout, particularly in the scene where she receives the death-blow meant for Francois. Those who have read. feoott's novel, "Quentin Durward," will have an idea of the character of Louis XI. The mean traits of hie character, his superstition, and entire absence of anything like honour and dignity, were powerfully pourtraytd 1 by Mr Atholwocd. This wa» really an excellent piece of character actimg. Another clever impersonation was that of Oliver Lβ Dam by Mr Staveley. The soft-footed, obsequious dependent of the King was .pourtr&yed to the life. Mr H. H. Stewart made a good Tristan l'Hennite, and Mr Hollins as Noel wae also excellent. Of the minor characters , , mention may be mode of Mr Gwenn's capital performance of Robin, the innkeeper. The piece was finely'put on the stage, the set in the second act of the rose garden being very fine. "If I were King" will be repeated tonight.