WAIHI.

Patea Mail, Volume 1, Issue 36, 14 August 1875, Page 2

WAIHI.

AMATEUR PERFORMANCE. On Tuesday evening last the Waihi Dramatic Club gave their first entertainment in their new theatre, and in spite of the unpropitiuus state of the weather had a crowded house. The performance commenced with the farce of “ Our New Man,” in which Messrs Johnstone and Whitcornbc showed to great advantage. Mr Orchison made a capital Mn Muddiebank, his only fault in not speaking sufficiently loud enough, many in the back seats scarcely being able to catch what he said. Our old friend Grant appeared as Alexander. The farce is one without any particular plot or points, but was well rendered. Mr Crowhurst followed with a negro piece, assisted by Mr Whitcombe, whom he mesmerised and then did the second sight, causing roars of laughter. He then performed several capital sleight of hand tricks. Mr Jacomb recited a part from Richard the Third, and quite brought down the house. It was beautifully rendered and showed that lie must have made it a particular study. After a short interval the curtain rose on the much looked for “ Arnohia the Bell of the Bush.” Many had doubts as to its success, it being Mr Crowhurst’s first attempt as an author, but the first scene set all fears at rest, and as the piece progressed the audience grew more and more enthusiastic, and when it final) came to a conclusion, he was called befor * the curtain, and received quite an oval ion. Here the audience would not be satisfied, and a part of the last scene was obliged to be repeated. It was acknowledged on every hand to be the greatest success yet seen on the Wiahi boards. The dialogue was sparkling and witty, (with plenty of original puns) the songs were capital, several of the local hits telling with great effect. The business being irrisistib'y comic, the audience were kept in a continual mar of laughter, from the rise to the fall of the curtain. Mr Johnston, as Tangt Muana, looked every inch a Maori C'htc^

ivnd actcfthis pari to porf'Ttion. A[r OowInnvri ay Whet i lliri, l!i ■ slnf/r / Blur, looked and acted the Han If lovt I > tin life. It was evidently a character lie hj i ■ written expressly for himself. MrOnkly as l/u-d/h/. the Belle nf the Bush, excelled all iis previous efforts, and made Aumhia all that could be desired. Mr Whitcombe ns Jack Wikifire, was all that could be desired, one had evidently entered heart and Tyj.il into the piece, mid were deservedly regarded by its triumphant success. Many wish'-.s wci-e expressed that it might shortly be rej)cated, and we hope that MrGmwliurst may be encouraged from this, his his first success, to try his hand again as an author, end ere long afford us a simd tr treat.