GISBORNE GARRICK CLUB.

Gisborne Times, Volume VI, Issue 216, 18 September 1901, Page 2

GISBORNE GARRICK CLUB.

“ BRITISH BORN.”

Tiini’.K was a large attendance at the Theatre Royal last evening to witness tho performance by the Gisborne Garrick Club of the drama, “ British Born.” Prior to the commencement of the play the City Band discoursed sweet music outside the hall, and a strong orchestra, consisting of Misses Neiil, bobers (21, Roach, and Messrs Vo .vies, Dillon and Parker, contributed a number of selections inside in a very pleasing manner. The drama, “ British Born,” was written by Messrs Paul Moritt and Henry Pettitt, and since its first appearance has had lengthy runs in the metropolitan theatres. It has also boon staged several times in the colony by amateur performers. The Roscius Dramatic Society produced it at the Princess Theatre, Dunedin, in aid of the New Zealand Contingent Fund, the patriotic element which permeates the play rendering it at that time Highly appropriate. The prologue takes place in England, the scene being afterwards transferred to a mining region in Bolivia (South America). John Hope, a mine owner, has his daughter betrothed to George Seymour, a clerk in the employ of Laban Brood, the villain of the piece, who also aspires to the fair Mary Hope. Through the instrumentality of Faggles, tho comic relief to the drama, Seymour is able to prove Brood’s rascality in connection with the wrecking of a ship, and he is discomfited. The plot then unfolds itself amid the wild mining life of Bolivia, where John Hope's business requires his presence. Here the hero is pursued by tho villainy of Brood, and Dolman, a'confederate, who, fomenting an insurrection among tho mining gang, persuade the Spanish commandant, Don Andre Calderone (also m love with Mary Hope), to condemn Seymour to death. He, however, succeeds in escaping the dread sentence, and the play ends in virtue being triumphant, the villain being shot by his confederates whom he has deceived. The drama was in some respects too ambitious an effort for the Club to select for their initial performance, and the absence of the usual scenic effects placed them at a further disadvantage. They nevertheless gave a very creditable display, and to judge by the hearty plaudits of the audience, they have good reason to be satisfied with tho measure of success achieved. The leading character, that of Laban Brood, the villain of the piece, was taken by Mr T. Hood, who gave a most careful and. studied pourtrayal of the trying part. He made the most of his opportunities, and throughout held the close attention of the audience. Tho character which he represented was certainly the most difficult in tho cast, but Mr Hood was more than equal to the occasion. The part of George Seymour, the hero of the play, was taken by Mr B. Quigley, and was well sustained, although at times there was a lack of spirit and vigor. Mr Phil Sheridan, who is always good in local amateurs, made an excellent Captain Dolman, whilst Mr Sidney East gave a capital impersonation of Fred Faggles, a clerk. Fie infused a good deal of fun into the part, and scored every point. Mr C. H. Ferris mado a dashing Don Andro do Calderone, a Spanish commander, and Mr R. M. Birrell did exceedingly well as-John Hope, a wealthy mine owner, his patriotic utterances being received with much applause. As Mary Hope, Miss A. Davis appeared to great advantage, the partbeing sustained throughout in a most creditable manner, and she was many times applauded for her clever acting. Miss S. Buchanan made a capital Nancy Treat, and with Mr S. East as Fred Toggles kept the house in continual roars of laughter. In the first act she sang “Tommy Atkins” in a most pleasing manner. Mr W. Andrews appeared as Jumbo, playing with great success, whilst Messrs A. Maxwell and B. Maynard made the most of their small parts.' Mr Godfrey was allotted the part of Dr Raphael, Air M. Doyle was Sergeant of Police, and Dir Mcßeath the sentinel, all three doing well. The piece went of: without the slightest hitch of any kind, and the members of tho club have reason to be well satisfied with the result of their efforts. The proceeds arc to be devoted to the funds of the Beautifying Association.