ENTERTAINMENTS.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVI, Issue 2247, 20 July 1908, Page 2

ENTERTAINMENTS.

“THE PRINCE CHAP.” The announcement that Mr. ’H. 11. Roberts will appear at His Majesty’s Theatre on Monday and Thursday evenings, July 27-th. and- 28th, is invested with more than ordinary -interest owing to the fact that Mr. Roberts is a New Zealander by birth who has, during nine years absence abroad, become a distinguished actor on tho English- and American, stage. Nearly all old playgoers will remember Harry Roberts for such splendid impersonations as John Stofel, in “Struck Oil; the name part of “David Girrick,” the leading role in “The Silence of Dean Maitland,” and a number -of other performances, all of which stamped him as an artist of exceptional ability. iSince that time Mr. Roberts has had ail unique experience, which commenced in America abou nine years ago, when, after touring the. Western States in conjunction with Miss Maggie Moore, lie was engaged to “star” as Petronius in the great production of “Quo Vadis.” This engagement brought Mr. Roberts so far into prominence that, he attracted the attention of David Belasco, the leading American manager, who secured him-to support Mrs. Leslie Carter, the classic actress, .of America. For four years Mr. Roberts maintained his position at the Belaeco Theatre, New York, and at the end of that time i greater chance came, for Mr. E. IT. Peplc, a wellknown author, had written a play oallcd “The Prince Chap,” which entirely suited Mr. Roberts’ peculiarly charming personality. Every actor needs a- good strong vehicle to carry him to fame, and' Mr. Roberts found tho one- be had been looking for in “The Prince Chap.” It served to take him to London, where he was engaged to “star” in the piece at Sir Charles Wyndham’s Criterion Theatre. The piece ran for 150 nights, and served to place the New Zealander among the front rank of the world’s stars. After tin's Mr. Roberts lost no time in returning -to his native land, by arrangement with Allan Hamilton and Harold Ashton, and his tour in this country has been something in the nature of a triumphant procession, for he has been the recipient of public welcomes and entertainment:* in all the leading centres, and th e new play lias drawn packed houses at all performances. The season here will be limited to- tw 0 nights, and the box plan will be opened at Miller’s on Thursday next. “The Prince Chap” will be Mr.. Roberts’ opening bill, and on the second evening a change will lie made to Henry Arthur Jones’ famous, comedy, “Tho Case of Rebellious Susan.”