WOODS-WILLIAMSON DRAMATIC CO.

Gisborne Times, Volume XII, Issue 1060, 30 November 1903, Page 3

WOODS-WILLIAMSON DRAMATIC CO.

OPENING OF THE SEASON

A very large audience greeted the Woods-Williamson Company on Saturday night, on the opening of their .short Gisborne season. The piece chosen for tiie occasion was “ The

Gates of Bondage,” a dramatisation of Hall Caine’s well-known work “ 'Hie Deemster.” With Mr Alfred Woods in the 'part of Dan Mylrea and Miss Maud Williamson representing Mona My.lrea, there was no •question as to the way in which the famous work would lie protrayed. it did not, however, depend only upon ithe splendid way in which the parts of Dan and Mona were portrayed, for they were ably hacked up by a strong company. The story must lie wellknown to our readers, hut the play requires to he seen, as it was put on on Saturday night to ho fully appreciated. Mr Alfred Woods is a recognised success in any character which lie takes up, and Miss Williamson is-an emotional actress of exceptional ability, and in dealing with Hall Caine’s characters they are able to do really fine work. They were an undoubted success on Saturday night, and those who were present then will have a keen, desire to see them to-night in the author’s masterpiece, “ The Christian.” They achieved a success in every point of the play, the stirring scenes creating a deep impression on the audience. As the Bishop, Mr W. A. Boothman gave a line impersonation of the character. The unpopular part of Jarvis Kerrish was taken by Mr George (tasseli, who p.ut into the part all the polished villany required. Mr

Harry Beaum'ont, as the Deemster’s son, gave an admirable representation of the character, as did also Mr Hugh Buckler as the Deemster. Mr Ben Linden made a capital Mommy Bcgg, throwing some dry touches of humor into the part as a relief to the emotional scenes. Mr Ernest Knight made a strong part; of Davy Fayie, and was warmly applauded. A charming representation of Polly Looney was given by Miss May Carleon, and Miss Emily Lambton did well in the part' of Dan’s foster-mo-

ther. All the other characters were .efficiently taken, and the mounting of the piece was wonderfully good, considering the difficulties t'o be overcome. The orchestra won much praise for the excellent music given. THE CHRISTIAN. There should be a crowded house this evening, to witness the production of the" successful dramatisation of Hall Caine’s “ The Christian,” ic which Mr Alfred Woods will take the part of John Storm, and Miss Williamson that of Glory Quayle. AH the other parts will be capably filled and there is overy reason to believe that the production will be as great a success in Gisborne. as it lias proved in other parts.