The Dobson-Kennedy Company.

Manawatu Herald, Volume III, 3 March 1891, Page 3

The Dobson -Kennedy Company.

„ ' - • "■■— We much regret that owing to the wild and stormy night the attendance at the above Company's performance on Saturday night, was small. Those who were there were very well satisfied, and the company acted the " Shaughran " faithfully and with spirit. The most conspicuous figure in this drama is Con, the Shaughran, which was impersonated by Mr J. J. Kennedy. He is a first class impersonater of Irish character, and k«pt the houi« in mta ovel 1 W« wswiw. Con was »

- sad boy, no doubt, and whiskj :. was his failing: but Fathei 1 Dolan, the paiish priest (Mr Harrj s Saville) had sworn him againsl b taking more than thimbleful. Cor 3 had attended a wake and had v immensely enjoyed himself, and on i the priest repremanding him foi 3 so acting, a capital scene was proj vided, " Con" explaining how it all „ occurred, by being supplied through i a tailor's thimble, " which by Jove, , could not be filled, owing to the I holes in it ", and by " laith it filled ) me up first " and the priest's desire > to look serious, and then turning away, bursting with laughter. Con's c noble sacrific of his safety to save his t master, by representing him in an t attempt to escape from prison, when the Kinchela's minions meant to shoot him, enabled Mr Kennedy to j show the more serious side of the i same true representation of a warm • hearted, unloving Irishman. Mr Collett Dobson took the other prini ciple part of Robert Ffolliott, the , Fenian rebel escapee, and eventu- , ally pardoned con\ict,. It was not a (heavy part, but every advantage was taken and he created a most favourable impression, which led one to wish to see him in a part requiring more acting. Miss Idrene Thornton (as Moya Dolan) was one of the most pleasant characters of the evening haying a charm and vivacity in her acting that was both pleasing and realistic. Her management of the great Con, whose sweetheart she was, was capital, and her every action was watched with much interest. The only song she favoured the audience with was the "Wearing of the Green "in excellent style, making more desired. She was most heartily applauded. Miss Lily Hill (Claire Ffolliot) and Miss May Vernon (Arte O'Neal) had very minor parts, which they played quietly and naturally. Miss Hill's scene with the young English officer on the shore, after she has lured him away from his duty, and when she repents of her action, was very well rendered, nn<l showed what her capabilities nv;>. Mrs O'Neale, Con's mother (Mrs \V. E. Jenny n) made up as a capital ..id woman and created much amusement where it was possible. Mr Frank Norton, was the slashing young officer, and showed his astonishment at "you Irish" very frequently, but still fell in love with one of them. Mr Harry Saville as Father Dolan acted his part very well, and showed his power in that reprimanding of Con, which we have mentioned previously. Mr Cowan the Harvey Duff, the police spy, made a capital Irishman and depicted the objectionable side very well, as did Mr Jermyn who was the instigator of all the wickedness in the piece, representing Corry Kinchela the rogueish sqire, and the deceitful friend of the young and trusting i Robert Ffolliott. The company we are afraid will regret their visit, but the audience will not, and we have no hesitation in saying that they deserve support, and in return they will give good acting and much amusement.

(For continuation of reading matter see fourth page.)

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