WCODS-WILLIAMSON DRAMATIC GO.

Gisborne Times, Volume X, Issue 1055, 24 November 1903, Page 3

WCODS-WILLIAMSON DRAMATIC GO.

“ THE GATES OF BONDAGE.”

“ The Gates of Bondage,” a dramatised version of Hail-Caine’s celebrated novel, 11 Tho Deemster,” will form the opening bill of the Woods-Williatn3ou Company’s season at the Theatre Boyal on Saturday evening next. In this clevor dramatisation Miss Maud’Williainson has made use of a quite uncommon gift of adaptation. The result is a drama of five acts, each ono of which has many stiong points to commend it. Its situations are poworful, because they are human; its incidents not one iota less tense and enthralling because they are natural. From first to last it is spoken of as being an absorbing, clever play. Tbe story being so widely read, the dramatisation to bo presented should attract a lareaaudience. It is seldom such an opportunity offers itself, so that doubtless theatregoers will avail themselves of it. When presented at the Opera House, Auckland, recently, tbe Star, in chronicling the extraordinary run it had, Bays: — “It is a distinct feather in the cap of this talented company that, following such a plethora of entertainments, they wore able to fill the Opera House last night to overflowing. Upstairs and downstairs was packed to suffocation, The audience evidently expected something above the average, and they were not disappointed. Tho cast was an exceptionally strong one, while tho dressing and staging were beyond all praise. Seldom, if ever, has a more finished performance been staged here, while tho scenic effects, colored lights, anff othor accessories were on a scale and completeness of detail that surprised and delightod the audionce. Of tho work of the various performers, it is impossible to add anything to what we have already said in our previous notices. Tho leading characters are dramatic artists of a very high class, and are very ably supported by oach and every member of the company.” On Monday, November 3rd, the Com- ' pany will stage Miss Williamson’s extraordinary,dramatisation of Hail Oaine’s fascinating work “ Tho Christian,” when Mr Alfrod Woods will be seen as John Storm, a part in which he has played over one thousaud times, while that delightful Eng lish actress, Miss Maud Williamson, will be seen as Glory Quayle. On Tuesday, the Ist instant, Henry Pettitt’s naulical drama “ Hands Across tho Sea ” will be Btaged in its entirety. The box plan will be opened at 10 a.m. this morning at Miller’s.