"Our Boys "

Feilding Star, Volume XV, Issue 39, 15 August 1893, Page 2

"Our Boys "

Mr J. J. Kennedy could not have chosen a better play than the above, when he again made bis appearance before a Feilding audience. This famous comedy is unquestionably one of H. J. Byron's masterpieces, and popular all the world over. As Perkyn Midtilewick, the retired butterman, Mr Kennedy was Been at his best, the charncter being played to the life. Mr H. Saville, as Bir Geoffrey Champneys, gave au excellent impersonation of the pompous baronet. Mr Frank Morton took the part of his son, Talbot, and his rendering of this character was a very able one. Mr Charles Hill did full justice to Charles Middlewick, the butterman's son. Miss Lily Hill, as Mary Melrose was seen to great advantage. Miss Millie Collier, as Violet Melrose, the haughty heiress, acted her part well. Mrs Jermyn made a capital old maid in the character of Sir Jeoffrey's sister. One of the features of the performance was the Belinda of little Miss Kennedy, her acting being remarkably free and natural, and full of promise as to her being gifted with a talent for the boards. The play went capitally throughout, the interest was fully sustained to the end, the many mirth producing Bcenes and hits being fully appreciated by a largo audience, as was testified by the frequent hearty ani sustained applause. Previous to the performance, the Feildiug Brass Band, under the leadership ot Mr K. F. Haybittle, played a number of selections very creditably. The Company appear again to-night, when the musical comedy drama, " Hans, the Boatman," will be played. The Auckland Star says : — " Mr J. J. Kennedy is to be congratulated upon his last nighi'a production, namely "Hans the Boatman." The singors were particularly successful, and we have heard soloists in Opera Companies with far inferior voices. The piece was exceedingly well mounted, and the dresses well suited to the characters. Charles Hill as " Hans Bechel" the hero of the piece, was inimitable, his acting of the part leaving nothing to be desired. This actor who is the possessor of an excellent voice, sung several songs, which were enthusiastically encored. Miss Millie Collier as " Thomas Jefferson Thurdby " (better known as Jeffie), was bright, lively and realistic, her bye-play was well assumed and her smart repartee so glib'y given that she at once established herself n prime favourite with tbe house. Mr J J. Kennedy also appears to advantage as the good hearted " Junkee Boatman," while Miss Lily Hill's pathetic rendering of the injured "Gladys" brought tears to the eyes of many in the audience. The other characters were ably sustained by the various members of the Company."