ST. PATRICK’S SCHOOL ENTERTAINMENT.

Kumara Times, Issue 2505, 1 July 1884, Page 2

ST. PATRICK’S SCHOOL ENTERTAINMENT.

The entertainment given by ladv and gentlemen amateurs'at the Adelphi Theatre on Friday evening last, for the benefit of S. Patrick’s School fund was, taken altogether, one of the best specimens of purely amateur ability that we have witnessed for a long time. The task of nearly the same performers presenting a comedy and a comic draina on the one night was in itself a great undertaking for a company composed of such young persons, and how well they sustained their various characters and parts the applause which greeted them occasionally from all parts of the house amply testified. The attendance was in excess of what might have been expected on so unpropitious a night, rain falling nearly the whole day, and probably debarring many people from a distance from being present. The dress circle was fairly patronised ; the front seats were crammed; and a goodly number were in the back seats. The entertainment commenced by the Catholic Brass Band playing the Quick March “ Balaklava.” This band, which is under the leadership of W. T. Richards, continues to make good progress, two new selections being introduced by them during the evening. The curtain rose to the three-act mythological comedy “ Pygmalion and Galatea,” by Mr W. S. Gilbert, which was first played at the Hay'market Theatre, in London, in December 1871. The scene opens to Pygmalion’s studio at Athens, Agesimos (Mr M. Maloney) interrogating Mimos (Mr J. Keller) as to whether it was the studio or not, and also as to whether he was Pygmalion ; to which Mimos replies to the first question in the affirmative, and to the second that he was but a slave to

Pygmalion. Mr W. H. Raleigh sustained'the character of Pygmalion (an Athenian sculptor), and with a degree of perfection which astonished many; so did also Mrs Raleigh, who took the part of Cynisca (Pygmalion’s Wife). Miss Nellie Rogers as Galatea (the Animated Statue), hnd a most difficult part to perform, yet it may be said that it was executed with the ease and grace which become an actress of more mature career. They severally received the most satisfactory demonstrations of approval from the audience. Mr Charles M‘Keegan acted as Chrysos (the Art Patron), and it is almost needless to say with that correctness and pathos for which he is renowned. The minor characters not yet mentioned were fairly represented by Mr E. Tobin as Daphne (Wife to Chrysos), Miss Dunn as Myrine (Sister to Pygtnalion), and Jas. Rochford as Leucippe (a Soldier), who severally came in for a share of applause^ During the interval the Band played the waltz “Love and Hoping;” and then Mr Jeremiah Gilbert came on to the stage, and, on behalf of St. Patrick’s School Committee, of which he was a member, thanked the audience for their attendance in such numbers. He also publicly thanked the ladies and gentlemen who had so kindly devoted their time and services in getting up so good an entertainment; and he complimented the Band for the excellent services they had rendered during the evening. The entertainment concluded with the comic drama of “ The Irish Post,” in two acts, by Mr J. R. Plaucbe. The characters were sustained as follow : Mr Sheriff Capsicomb, Mr E, Tobin; Mr Bartholomew Lane, Mr W. Raleigh; Mr George Lane (his son), Mr Jas. Rochford; Mr Terence O’Grady (his nephew), Mr 0. M’Keegan; Richard (servant to Capsicomb), Mr M. Maloney ; John (Servant to Lane), Mr J. Kellar ; Boy, Prank M'Keegan ; Grocer’s Man and Policeman, Mr W. P. Thompson; Mrs Capsicomb, Miss N. Rogers; Mrs Lump, Mrs Wilby ; Mary Capsicomb, Miss M. Dunn. The drama is a highly amusing one from beginning to end. The several characters were all well represented, and the audience frequently evinced its approval in the most unmistakable manner. We cannot close our remarks without congratulating the company of performers on their excellent productions, in which much time and patience must have been bestowed. The playing of the National Anthem brought the very successful evening’s entertainment to a close.