ENTERTAINMENTS.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVI, Issue 2232, 2 July 1908, Page 2

ENTERTAINMENTS.

HIS MAJESTY’S THEATRE

“HER, LOVE AGAINST THE WORLD.”

There is no better ground for locating the plot of a military melodrama than within the borders of an imaginary Kingdom, for there the conventionalities of every-day life can. to a certn in distance, be dispensed with, and customs peculiar to the psuedo-Kingdom successfully introducer]. 'Die plot of the play “Her Love against the World,” which was produced by Mr. Harcourt JBeatty, Miss Madge Mclntosh, and the members of Messrs Meynell and Gunn’s Dramatic Company at His Majesty’s Theatre last evening is located in Ravensburg, a Principality not yet discovered on the map of Europe ;bat as the story unfolded was rational, possible, and even probable, the crowtied audience that filled the building showed their appreciation of the piece by frequently calling tlio actors before the curtain, and outbursts of enthusiastic applause. The play tells how Eric, Earl of Strathinero, an impoverished English nobleman, has enlisted in tho- army of Ulric, Prince of R ivensburg. By chance ho saves the life of the Princess Iris of Idalin, whom Ulric desires to marry for the 6akc of hor wealth. As a result of his meeting with the Princess Eric falls in love with her, and his love is reciprocated. Prince Ulric discovers this, begins to persecute ami imprison- his rival, and -at last sentences him to be shot. The firing squad mutinies, and the prisoner escapes to tho neighboring Kingdom of Saxonia, which is.nl ready at war with Ravensburg. By strategy, Eric c lpt-ures his persecutor, brings him to the Saxonian camp, and kills him in a duel. Tho Princess consents to marry him, and peace is declared with the fall of the curtain. The play is exceedingly well constructed, full of emotion, pathos, and the human tenderness that always succeeds in awakening the sympathy of tile audience. Here and there are some bright- patches of humor, clean, crisp, and often original, to pleasingly relieve 'the compassion that- is felt for the persecuted hero. The bright military costumes and appropriate stage settings . give the play -a true martial atmosphere, .and went to make “Her Love against the World,” melodrama though it is, one of the most delightful of plays that has yet been staged in Gisborne.

With Mr. Harcourt Beatty as Eric, Earl of Strathmere, tho honors of the performance rest. The part was a difficult one to handle, but Mr. Beatty at once caught the sympathy of the audience, and- maintained his position right through to tho end. His portrayal of the brave but persecuted soldier was a manly piece of work, never over-done, blit realistic and convincing withal. Though not calling for much display of histrionic power, tlio part demanded careful study, and 'Mr. .Beatty" showed that he thoroughly understood what was required. Miss Madge Mclntosh appeared for the first time in Gisborne, and her work as the Princess Iris showed that her ability has not been overrated in tho reports of her achievements that preoeded her. She possesses a clear, mellow voice, has unusual elocutionary and histrionic ability, and acted the part with true dignity and grace. Miss Lizette Parkes made a capital Nello, brother to Eric, aud her work showed a full knowledge of a hoy’s ideas, and was not the least successful part in the largo cast. In tho unavoidable absence of Mr. Gaston Mervalo tho part of Ulric wa6 taken by an understudv. Mr. Tom Calmam and Mr. Colin Campbell; as Heinrich and Fritz Pimpernickel respectively, and Miss Xora Delaney and Miss Winifred Gunn as Katinka and Gretehen were responsible for some clover comedy work, and kept the audience in roars of laughter whenever they wore on the stage. Sir. Norman McKeown -unde an excellent Prince Otliniar, Mr. Boyd Irwin an ideal Prince Maurice of Saxonia. while Mr. E. IL Bussell as General Gessler, Mr. E. M. Beresford a 6 Colonel Esterliazy, and Miss 'Hilda Meade as iShulali were equally successful in their parts." The minor characters were also well filled. The play was handsomely costumed and mounted,every dotail of military equipment being attended to. “Her Lore against the World"’ will he produced again this evening, and to-morrow night the Company will appear, for the first time in Gisborne in Mr. E-. Ferris’ romantic play “A Beggar on Horseback.”