HIS MAJESTY’S THEATRE.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXIII, Issue 1876, 4 October 1906, Page 3

HIS MAJESTY’S THEATRE.

A packed audienoe last night greeted tho Btsging cf the semi historical and romance play ‘‘Dorothy Vernon of Had-* don Hall,” in which Miss Tittoll Bruue formed the ohief attraction in the name pars, and made her first appearance beforo a Gisborne audience. We have already given a synopsis cf tbe plot, which is full of exoiliog as well as amusing situations, which gave the principals ample scope for tbe display of their bistrionio talent. Miss Brune as Dorothy had a difficult and varied part to play, in which tbe deepest feelings had to be suppressed in order that flippancy at one moment, assumed devo-

lion to a rival, or clever fioesße at another might gain for her tho object dearest to her heart, and in all there situations her no-ing w*s alwiys nuuri-1, novel’ overdrawn, and in every d tail tinged with realism which talent alone could impart, In the varied aod confiding moods which the obaracter imposes the displayed a versatility that bifilrl all criticism, and pleased tbo audierce without exceptioD. As Sir George Vernon of Haddon Hall (Dorothy’s father) Mr J. B. AHholwocd lcoked and ao'cd the part to tho life, and Mr Them s Kingston as Sir Joha Manners (Dorothy’s accepted lovei) sustained the character through many trying situations with eass and gracefulness, Miss Susie Vaughan was entruited with the representation of El'zibe.h Tudor, Queen of England, and most capably did she tqais herself in maintaining her queenly dignity when indu'ging tho dis» play of that human pasion which ‘'levels a'l rank?.” The thankless r<le of Lady Vernon a'lottod to M ss Clara Stephenson was also a creditablo reprrsentition, and Mary Smart, tho fogitivo Quoen of Scotland, tfiordc-d no mote teepe for tunit in its representation than M ss Helen Fergueon infused into id Mr Maurioa Dudley, as the J:ster of Hid Jon Hal l , and Mr Mervaie, as Sir Ma'colm Vernon, sop pitted tb'ir principals with credit fo them srlves, and Miss Nelbe Calvin, as Jenny Faxton, waß an ideal lady's muid, Oi tho other minor parts there was little to find fault exc’pt that a little more clearness of enunciation was at times desirable so that the audience might be enabled to follow the details of the plot. On the whole, however, it may be said that tho production was a most pleasing one, and gained an unanimous verdict of appreciation. The programme placed in the hands of patrons might vvoll have been improved upon, It was a secondhand thing that bad done duty elsewhere, and it was no compliment to a respectable audierce to have tho photos and adver tisements of Wellington bookmakers thrust rnder (heir eyes, and through which they had to w-'do to find the oast o! characters ,n has pronvnent type, To-night “Leah Illeicbna” will ho staged, iu which Miss ilrune will tike the peart of Leah, and Mr Ivngston that c-f Kleschoa, Judging by the appreciation of last night’s performance, there will not bo many seats available for late comers,