ENTERTAINMENTS.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXV, Issue 2235, 12 November 1907, Page 2

ENTERTAINMENTS.

“TICKET-OF-LEAVE MAN.”

There was an excellent attendance at His Majesty’s Theatre last night when the Rice Dramatic Company presented “ThoTicket-of-Leave Man.” The performance was of a high order of merit, and, excepting rather long waits at the intervals, no exception could be taken to the general arrangements. The scenery provided by Mr. S. Crew was excellent, and the grouping of tho various scenes did credit to the stage manager, Mr. A, Rice, The leading parts in the wellknown drama were well sustained by Mr. T. A. Holdsworth (Robert Brierly) and Miss Rachel' Rice. Mr. Holdswortli was at all times convincing, and in the more dramatic passages lie -particularly shone. Miss Rice upheld her part well, and was equally successful in her sad and her light part's. Hor singing of “In tlio Gloaming” in the first act was particularly admired. Tho villains, Jas. Dalton (M.r. F. McLean) and Melter Moss (Mr. R. 11. Clark) were very successful in their parts, playing consistently well throughout. Ill’subsidiary but necessary parts Messrs A. W. Taylor (Haw'ksliaw,-tho detective), Mr. P. Galloway (Mr. Gibson), Mr. H. Hay (Maltby), Mr. J. Dawes (Brmitan), and Mr. .J. Lloyd (waiter) rendered yeoman service. The lighter si do of the play "was ail capable hands. As Mrs Willoughby, Mrs. It. H. Clark was a Saircy Gamp individual, to the life, and .kept the house convulsed with her garrulity. Next in importance came Master Dolman in liis representation of Sam Willoughby. .He had a good part to speak, and except that he had a tendency to rush liis most humorous sayings could not well have been improved upon. The rest of tlio light element was supplied by Mrs. Rice (Emily St. Evremond) and Mr. H. Davis (Green Jones). Mrs. Rice played her part with great vivacity, and j!lr. Davis was successful in all but that his enunciation was rather indistinct.

Altogether, the performance can be' summed up as one of merit. There arc a number of powerful passages in the drama, and these were brought out in the best manner. Tlie incidental music by Herr von Lubbo’s orchestra was not the least pleasing feature of tlio programme.

POLLARD’S OPERA COMPANY. Pollard’s Opera Company will inaugurate a three nights’ seasoii in Gisborne on Saturday next, when they will present the successful comic opera, “Bluebell in Fairyland.” Referring to the final performance in Christchurch, the Christchurch Press says:—-“When the curtain was finally lowered there was a unanimous call from all parts of the house for Mr. T. Pollard, and when that gentleman appeared he was greeted with an enthusiastic ovation. When the cheering subsided Mr. . Pollard returned his heartfelt thanks to the peoplo of Christchurch for the liberal manner in which they had marked his return into the theatrical business. Touching on this from a personal point of view, he said that he came to Christchurch two years ago, broken in spirit as well as in pocket after his last venture, but generous friends came to his assistance. Their generosity had made him what he was to-day, and had contributed in no small degree to the success of “Bluebell in Fairyland.” He felt that he could never adequately thank his friends and the patrons of the performances for their overwhelming 'kindness. At this point the orchestra broke in with “For lie’s a jolly good fellow,” and the audience was not slow to respond. Another salvo of -cheering followed, and Mr. Pollard again acknowledged the unique tribute to his popularity.” The box plans will be opened at Mr Miller’s to-morrow morning at 10.