HIS BROTHER’S CRIME.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXVII, Issue 3733, 20 December 1906, Page 2

HIS BROTHER’S CRIME.

The Devin Amateur Dramatic Company staged the above four act drama iu the Public Hall last evening to a very fair and appreciative audience. The dressing and scenery were very good. Mr J. R. Goodall “ The Vagabond ” hero (Harry Carden), could not have been placed in better hands, and he acted the part naturally and completely captivated his audience. Mr J. Phillips in the role of the hero’s half-brother (George Carden) did remarkably well as the well-dressed villian. Raymond Carden (Harry’s stepfather) was placed in the hands of Mr W. Barrett, Moses Jewell, the Hebrew money-lender, found a very able exponent in Mr H. Peat and his antics created roars of laughter. His delivery, however, is much too rapid and indistinct, with this defect remedied a better caste, even among professionals, would be hard to find. Mr Faulkner, as Bertie Fitts, filled his somewhat difficult role to perfection. Miss Gurney, as Jim the Waif, must be given a very high rank as an amateurin fact she could put many professional players of a similar role in the shade. Miss Hayes, as Peggy Black was somewhat, stiff, but acquitted herself very welJ considering this was her first attempt. Mrs Goodall, sis Naomi' Blandford, has a good stage appearance and clear enunciation and with more experience would have no difficulty in blossoming as a star. Miss Bishop, as Helen Carden, was perhaps a trifle mechanical, a fault naturally founds with beginners. Other minor 4ppcters were sustained by Messrs Banks. (Tom West), Thompson (Warder Tyson J, and Terry (Warder Evans). Taken as a Whole the Company is far ahead of many amateur companies we have seep on the boards—and equal to a number of the professional order who tour the colony. Mr Goodall announced that the company Typpld appear here on race nights, when they will stage Charley’s Aunt and a stirring military production.