HAYGARTH’S COMEDY COMPANY.

Gisborne Times, Volume IX, Issue 919, 18 June 1903, Page 2

HAYGARTH’S COMEDY COMPANY.

“ CHARLEY’S AUNT.”

Despite the unfavorable state of the elements last evening there was a large and appreciative audience at the Theatre Royal, when the Haygarth Comedy Company opened a short season of lour nights with the ever popular play “ Charley’s Aunt.” The gallery was crowded, and tho other parts of the house were well patronised. Amongst comedies 11 Charley’s Aunt ” holds a very high place, its amusing situations, sparkling dialogue, and genuine humor, being calculated to at any time relieve anyone of a fit of the blues.

In the hands of the Haygarth Company it received an excellent interpretation, and from the raising to the fall of the curtain laughter reigned supreme. Mr E. D. Haygarth was a host in himself, and his im-

personation of “ Charley’s Aunt " was a really fine piece of acting. Ho made the most of every opportunity, and kept the audience in fits of laughter throughout. His pourtrayal of the part was all that could be desired, his facial ex-

pressions alone being sufficient to convulse Che bouse with laughter. Mr Haygarth was well supported by Mr G. Kensington, who took the character of Mr Spettigue, in which ha appeared to great advantage. Mr G. Gardner had a congenial part as Colonel Sir Francis Chesney, aDd Mr Wilson Stent was most successful as Jack Chesney. Mr J. Lyndon made a favorable impression as Chas. Wyketnan, A word of praise is due to Mr Chas. C. Waud, who played Brosset, and made the most of his opportunities. As Donna Lucia D’Alvadores, Miss F. Kehoe Dempsey was chiefly conspicuous among the lady members of the company. She gave a faithful and studied interpretation of the character, and soon established herself a favorite with the audience. She possesses elocutionary powers beyond the ordinary, and her acting was also very good. Miss Ivy Manning proved verysuccessful as Kitty Verdeau, as also did Miss P. Haygarth in the part of Amy Spettigue. Miss Ella Lang, as Miss Delahoy, had a small part, which she made the most of. The success of the comedy was much enhanced by a strong orchestra, under the able conductorsbip of

Mr J. H. Gittos. The orchestra included Messrs Gittos (violin), A. Adair (’cello), and L. Sheriff (cornet).

“PRIVATE SECRETARY" TO NIGHT.

This evening “ The Private Secretary ” will be staged, when Mr Haygarth will appear as the Rev. Robert Spaulding. This comedy is even more popular than “ Charley’s Aunt," and should not fail to draw a crowded house.