HIS MAJESTY’S THEATRE

Gisborne Times, Volume XVII, Issue 1381, 16 February 1905, Page 2

HIS MAJESTY’S THEATRE

WOODS-VfILLIAMSON SEASON, ‘‘ GARDEN OF LIES.”

Judging by the bumper audience that filled Hie Majesty’s Theatre last evening it is quite manifest that the Woods-Wil" liamson first favorites with Gisborne theatre-goers. The mounting of the “ Garden of Lies” was on a superb scale, and really eclipsed any work hitherto produced in Gisborne by this company. Speoial mention should be made of the most pioturesque garden of rose? which reflected great credit on the company for the manner in which this beautiful scone was mountod. Miss Maud Williamson was seen last evening in. one of her best roles, and gave a most charming impersonation of Eleanor, the Princoßs of Novidinia, a part whioh, in order to make a success, demands the abilities of an artiste, which were readily supplied by Miss Williamson. Throughout the evening this gifted lady, by her olegant stago appearance and charming individuality, gained tho admiration of all present. Miss May | Boberts had a congenial part as Miss Jessica Mannoring, who cleverly actod and succeeded in croating the humours of tho play. Miss Alyce Holroyd gave a pathetic rendering of the port of Collette Olivier, and did excellent work iu tho last act, whore her abilities wore cleverly displayed. Miss May Morton made a typical Madame Thurnel, whilst the other ladies of the company did excellent work. Mr Alfred Woods, who is ever welcome before a Gisborne audience, gave a most successful impersonation of the role of Dennis Mallory, a young Irish student,and proved himself to have a perfect conception of his part. His aoting in the garden of roses with Miss Williamson was viewed with rapt attention and gained for him the keen appreciation of all present. Mr Woods possesses the artistio instinct and never fails to have the attention of the audience controd on him. Mr J. A. Lambert made an excellent Earl, whilst Mr Leo de Chateau had a congenial part as Colonel Aldion. As the Scotch specialist, Sir Gavin McKenzie, Mr Horry Douglas wai seen at his best. “MY WIFE’S MOTHER,

Tho play chosen foe to-night is Sydney Grundy’s farcial musical comedy in throe acts, entitled “My Wife’s Mother.” Pos. sibly no oomedy in tho language has met with greater success throughout the English speaking world. Originally produced I at the Globe Xhdatre, London, it ran for 860 consecutive nights, and has since ran through three American seasons. Miss Williamson and Mr Woods will be seen here for the first time in comedy roles,and press extracts to hand bear flattering testimony to the excellence of their performance. The play has been specially chosen by the management as a holiday night attraction, and patrons are sure of witnessing something out of the beaten track of ordinary drama. To-morrow night tho Company will present Hall Caine’s masterpiece, “ The I Christian.”