THE “CALLED BACK” DRAMATIC COMPANY.

Kumara Times, Issue 2941, 3 April 1886, Page 3

THE “CALLED BACK” DRAMATIC COMPANY.

“LADY DEBLOCK’S SECRET”

A large assemblage again greeted the “Called Back” Company at the Theatre Royal on their third visit to Kumara to present drama and coined} 7 . Last evening the company produced Charles Dickens’ beautiful drama “ Lady Dedlock’s Secret,” or, as it is more familiarly known among the profession, “ Jo.” It is a dramatised version of Dickens’ popular novel “Bleak House,” and the whole plot hinges on Lady Dedlock’s secret, and its divulgence. The part of Lady Dedlock was taken by Miss Juno in a most becoming manner, and was full of emotional acting. As a haughty woman of the higher classes endeavouring to hide from her husband ami the world her past history and shame, and her sufferings under the pangs of the disgraceful secret, till her ultimate death, this character was enacted by Miss Juno with painful realism, and fully bore out tbe high reputation sin; has achieved in dramatic impersonation. But Jo (the street arab) as represented by Miss Ella Carrington, was probably the favourite personage in the piece j She threw her whole soul into the character. The ragged, tattered, sickly - looking, ignorant, illiterate, friendless crossing-sweeper, who lived in hourly fear of the “bobbies,” but was warm-hearted and brimful of gratitude for anyone who showed him kindness and sympathy Jo—was depicted with such perfection as to carry back our remembrance to the scores and hundreds of these young urchins we were wont to see in the great cities of the Old World. Sir Leicester Dedlock, the well-bred old English country gentleman, honourable, proud, and full of admiration and adoration for his wife, was well pourtrayed by Mr Wilson Forbes, and his pet phrase “Exactly so” will not soon be forgotten. Mr Nunn, too, always takes his part well ; ho appears to do all tbe villainy for the company • and right well he depicts it too. His “Macari” in “Called Back,” and all characters since have stamped him as another favourite of the company. Last night be took the part of Tulkinghorn, the plotting, crafty, vindictive old lawyer that Dickens has made us so well acquainted with, who was determined to wreak his vengeanc- on the unhappy Lady Dedlock. Krook, the old clothes dealer (“old do’ man”) was depicted by Mr Kennedy in a masterly manner. Those who saw him as Arthur Kenyon in “Called Back” would scarcely believe him to bo the same personage, such is his professional power of versatility. Mr Taylor took well the part of Inspector' Bucket, of Scotland Yard • and sßso, in the absence of Mr Dunbar—a promising young actor in the company, who we regret to learn, is still suffering from a serious fall he had in Hokitika—the character of Mr Jarndyce. It is needless to say that Mr Taylor was perfect in the proverbial suit of “Jarndyce v. Jarndyce.” Miss Lily Hill sustained the part of Lady Ded ock’s child with satisfaction. The minor parts were also well represented. To-night Boucicault’s latest and best Irish drama “The Shaughrauu ” will be presented, with ail the original songs, dances, and effects. The" full caste of characters appears in the advertisement. The scenery for this play is painted specially by Mr Harry Grist, of the Theatre Royal', Melbourne, and the company cannot be equalled cut of Melbourne or Sydney, consequently ihe management feel justified in asserting that this production is immeasurably superior to any previous representation of the play in New Zealand. We hope, therefore, to see a large attendance to witness the last performance of this talented company prior to their departure f r Greymouth, where they play on Monday and Tuesday next, then on to Reef ton and Westport.