THE MASONIC HALL.

Oamaru Mail, Volume I, Issue 275, 10 March 1877, Page 2

THE MASONIC HALL.

" HAMLET."

The announcement of the production of " Hamlet " at the Masonic Hall drew one of the most select and orderly houses that we have had the pleasure of seeing in this town. No one could take exception even to the gallery, and we are sure Mr. Darrell deserves the thanks of the people of Oainaru for setting an example to the conductors of future entertainments, and showing what can be done by good management. There was a really good house, and the applause bestowed at various stages of "the performance, and the attention with which the whole play was watched showed a thorough appreciation of the efforts of the delineators to make the performance a thorough success. The Hamlet of Mr. Darrell is a masterly performance, and it would indeed be difficult to imagine a better or more correct conception of the character than that placed before the audience last night. The splendid dresses, the look of mild, settled melancholy, and the graceful action of Mr. Darrell, enlisted the entire sympathies of the audience, and kept everyone in a state of wrapt attention during the whole performance. Mrs. Darrell's Queen Gertrude was much admired, her stately bearing and magnificent dress imparting that dignity and noble appearance which is so essential to the character of the royal mother of Hamlet. Her acting in the chamber scene, while Hamlet converses with the spirit of his father, was received with rounds of applause, Mr. and Mrs. Darrell being called before the curtain. Mr. Clinton, as the King, and Mr. Oily Deering, as Polonius, were remarkably successful, Mr. Deering's picture of the loquacious old man being an exceedingly happy one. Miss Marion Willis made a very j>retty Ophelia, and was loudly applauded in the mad scene. Mr. Stoneham, as Laertes, appeared to advantage. The other members of the Company also acquitted themselves well. To-night "Leah the Forsaken" will be produced, and as this is the last performance of the Company we hope to see a large attendance.