Our Amateurs.

Gisborne Standard and Cook County Gazette, Volume I, Issue 65, 10 November 1887, Page 2

Our Amateurs.

“ ENGAGED.” Never before in Gisborne has a production by local amateurs met with such public approval as that of “ Engaged,” which was placed upon the boards of the Theatre Royal last night. From the continuous study that had been given to the comedy bv the ladies and gentlemen engaged in the piece, an exceptionally good result was anticipated, nor were the audience disappointed, for a more satisfactory performance of the various parts could not be wished for. The appreciation of the audience, which was large, was demonstratively proved. There is no safer judge of success than public enthusiasm, and on this we base our conclusion that those who took part in the performance have every reason to be perfectly satisfied with their achievment in the histrionic art. We will go so far as to say that, taking everthing into consideration, no professional ever acted his or her part with better success than those who combined to produce “ Engaged ” last night. The principal characters were taken by Mr Laing (Cheviot Hill, a young man of property) and Belinda Treherne (Miss Shelton), although the truthful personation of all other characters was necessary to the successful rendering of the first parts. As CheviotJHill Mr Laing had the most to do, and he did it in a manner that elicited both the immediate applause and after approval of even those who have witnessed the acting of amateurs of the first water. As for Miss Shelton, her past records always lead us to expect proficiency, and our anticipation proved correct in this instance. In every particular she was as near perfection as it was possible to be, and the rounds of applause which greeted her after many of her happy thoughts of by-play were well deserved. Mr P. Bourke, as Belvauney, was extremely good. Mr F. T. Morgan had greatly improved since the last rehearsal, for his part was well sustained throughout and his utterances clear and distinct. Mr Barnard, as a Lowland peasant lad, should learn to control his risible faculties when carrying out his part—otherwise he took-his place with good effect. As Major McGiUicudy, Mr Crawford, had little to do, but did it as naturally as could be expected from a first-class Irish actor. Miss Adair, as Minnie, was equally successful, and received much well-deserved applause—in fact she might well be classed with the first characters. As the Lowland lassie Mrs E. K. Brown had a difficult part to take and -he succeeded admirably. Miss King, as the Maid, and Mrs Sunderland as the Lowland I Widow, had light parts to take, but what they did do was dQnq well. I