"ENGAGED."

King Country Chronicle, Volume III, Issue 169, 1 July 1909, Page 5

"ENGAGED."

A large and appreciative audience greeted the Te Kuiti Dramatic Society on Tuesday evening when "Engaged" was staged at the Town Hall. The members of the Society had been hard at work for some weeks preparing their parts and the occasion of the first performance wat looked forward to with quite a simmer of excitement by the public generally. The fact that the play chosen for a first performance was from the pen of Sir W. S. Gilbert, was an unmistakcablc indication that whatever was lacking would be the fault of the actors, not of the author, and considerable curiosity was evinced as to what would be unfolded in the way of local histrionic talent. All things considered the verdict must be ''highly credi table to all concerned.'' In assessing the merit of an amateur performance many allowances have naturally to be made. Especially is this so with regard to a first appearance, and creditable as was the initial effort of the Society there is not the slightest doubt that future performances by the members will reach a considerably higher level.

"Engaged,*' as the title indicates, deals with the adventures of a young weathy man who was highly susceptible to the attractions of youth and beauty in the opposite sex. The opening scene is laid in the garden of a cottage near Gretna, on the borderland between England and Scotland. The cottag* is occupied by Mrs Macfarlanc and her daughter Maggie, the latter being engaged to a young Scotsman, Angus Macalister. A railway accident which takes place in the vicinity throws a party consisting of Cheviot Hill, the susceptible young man; Belvawncy, his companion; Symperson, Cheviot's Uncle: Minnie Symperson, and Belinda Trehemc. together at the cottage. Bclcvawncy and Belinda are eloping to avoid a marriage between Belinda and Major McGillicuddy. The gallant Major is known to be hot foot on the trail of the eloping pair, and Belvawncy in his dilemma, appeals to Cheviot. The complications which arise in consequence of Cheviot declaring to the Major that he and Belinda arc married are highly amusing, and subsequently much interest hinges on the question as to whether the declaration amounts to a Scotch marriage. Scenes of a highly diverting nature follow, and of course the usual happy ending results. The interpretation of the various characters by the ladies concerned was up to a high standard. Miss Paye, as Belinda Treberne, was exceptionally good, though at times the humour of the situation evidently conquered the artiste. Still her performance was distinctly good, and the passage in which she asks: "Who am I? What am I? Where am I?" was a firstclass piece of acting. Mrs Phillips, as Minnie Symperson, the artless daughter of Cheviot's uncle, was seen to advantage in the part and was never at a loss to do the proper thing. Miss Boddie sustained the role of a simple Scotch girl excellently, and the declaration that she was a "varra, varra, beautiful girl" was highly appreciated. Throughout the play her interpretation of the character w** all that could be desired. Mrs Cheat, in the character of Mrs Mcafarlanc was a distinct success, and the manner in which she varied the role with that of Parker, the maid, indicates a versatility that should be of great value to the I Society in future plays. Mr A. F. i Howarth was entrusted with the part of Cheviot Hill, the gilded and susceptible young man who was extremely careful of "the boodle." The character was a difficult one to fill and Mr Howarth must be credited with a good performance. His wooing was all that could be desired, and any weakness in the part »»> other respects was amply compensated for by the manner in which, as the susceptible youth, he made his appeals to the ladies. As Major McGillicuddy, Mr. Turner was good, while as Symperson, the uncle of Cheviot, he was highly succesful, and played the part to tte life. Mr Turner's acting undoubtedly strengthened the play considerably. Mr G. Finlay, as Belvawney. had a difficult part to ! play, and will probably be seen to better advantage in future. Mr Fenton, as the Scotch laddie, got through his part creditably. A special word of praise must be given to the stage managers. Messrs Phillips and Fortescue | for their efforts. Mr Phillip-* devoted a great amount «f time and effort towards the production of the piece, and that success attended the performance (s greatly due to his efforts. The financial results of the performance are satisafctory, the total amount taken from the sale of tickets being close on £2O. After expenses are paid a fair sum should be available for the funds of the Fire Brigade.