ENTERTAINMENTS.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVI, Issue 2234, 4 July 1908, Page 3

ENTERTAINMENTS.

HIS MAJESTY’S THEATRE. “A BEGGAR ON HORSEBACK.” The picturesque ago of Gcorgo 1., King of England, and tlio many nnsuceessful plots of the Jacobites to sot tlio Protondor, Charles Stuart, Upon tlio throne, has boon drawn upon by the author of “A Beggar on Horseback” to construct 11, pleasing and roiiiantic play, which, presented by Messrs Moynoll and Gunn’s Dramatic. Company at His Alajeiit.y’s Tlicatro last ovoning, mot with instantaneous success. The building was crowded, and "the audience showed -their delight in .t-lio performance by. calling tlio actors before tho curtain again and again. The.drama is well constructed', is full of exciting scenes, lias a romantic historical atmosphere, a wealth ol" coloriug in its picturesque costumos, and a bright dialogue, into which 13 ivovon welcome torches of coinctlv. As Mill-lev, Due do Tdurnny, Air. Ilarcouit Beatty appears in one of his best parts, and undoubtedly carries olf.'tlio honors as tho niountohank beggar who falls in love, impersonates ii duke, and afterwards wins’ ft King’s favor. His acting throughout was splendid, full of buoyancy, and a rolliciking recklessness that was natural and convincing. At. times." When it was necessary that dignity rhould bo asserted, Mr. Beatty showed that lie was equally ablo tii b.o the gentleman in tho King’s presence as lie; wus tho strolling player on tho streot. His more powerful uoones wore well done, hie speech to the Jacobites an artistic piece of elocution, and hie fight with tlio soldiers on tlio staircase a realistio sample of stage ernft. Alisa Madgo Mclntosh fully sustained her previous success iii tho role .of- L'n'dy Alary Dudley last ovoning. The..part affords many "oportunitics for emotional acting. wlnchMiss Mclntosh used with telling effect, and never failed to win the sympathy of tlio audience in hor work. Mr..; ‘Joseph Stach gave a capable impersopation-.of Lord- PetridgeA tho fuitJiful-advisor of tho King. The part was played with a true conception of'the character, and ivae not overdone. Mr. E. B. Russoll appeared to ailvantago as His Alajesty, King George 1., and looked tho real pompous, gouty monarch of history.;'The part was small, though not unimportant, but Mr. Russell’s interpretation was full of courtly bearing and royal dignity. Mr. Boyd Irwin -inaclo a good Charles Stuart; Air. -Tom Cannan a humorous Sir Aliies Beamish, who is robbed by Alarley of his coat and, worst of 'all, his wig. The comedy was supplied by Mr. Gcorgo Thorne and Air. Colin Campbell, who, as Pons and Bonsard respectively, kept tlio audience in roars of. laughter. Aliss Hilda Aleade made a dainty Lady' Koswarlino,- and the other characters wero all well cast. ■ The play was magnificently costumed, and well staged in every way. Tlie scenery was especially good. The incidental music was much appreciated, especially that for the minuet at tlie opening of the second act, and Keler Bella’s LusFspiel overture. “A Beggar on Horseback” will be staged for tlie last time this evening, when' the Anglo-Welsh and the Poverty Bay football teams will be pro-, sent. A late train will run to all stations.