Taylor-Garrington Co.

Te Aroha News, Volume XXII, Issue 42774, 5 September 1905, Page 2

Taylor-Garrington Co.

A SUCCESSFUL PRODUCTION. On Saturday evening last, the Public Hall was filled almost to ' overflowing with an enthusiastic audience assembled to witness the production of “Is She Guiltless?” in which Mr Charlie Taylor, as Sir Gideon Goosey, and Miss Ella Carrington, as Gabrielle de Moray, both appear to advantage, and are admirably supported by a strong and talented company. The plot deals with the agonies and sufferings of a faithful wife who, being blackmailed by a man who asserts that he is the illegitimate son of her mother, uses her best endeavours to keep it from reaching her husband’s ears. The blackmailer presses for money to he paid to him immediately. An Italian adventurer, bent on caus ing mischief, informs the husband of Lis wife’s secret meetings with another man, and is also informed that his wife has arranged with a moneylender for an advance on the security of her jewels.- The husband interviews the money-lender, and through him, lends the money himself, to his wife. A dramatic situation is created when the blackmailer turns up to receive his money. Whilst in conversation with his victim her (and his) mother enters, and to her the blackmailer relates a pitiful story of a life of hardships spent without a mother’s love. There is no recognition by the mother of her son, but the latter, moved and softened in heart by the interview, refuses to accept the blackmail which he was levying, and instead requests a sister’s kiss before departing. At this moment a crisis is created by the husband entering. Determined to keep her mother’s secret, the martyred woman will explain nothing, Divorce follows, and the former husband immediately marries an adventuress who has been instrumental in causing some of the trouble, but who soon turns out to be Unworthy of any consideration. Explanations are eventually forthcoming* and reconciliation follows. The pl&y, from the pen of Mr Arthur Shirley, contains many emotional scenes] A The part of Roland de Moray is admirably filled by Mr Ward Lyons,' and Miss Nellie Armitage makes a very charming Paulette, whilst the part of Countess de San Lucca, the adventuress, was cleverly carried out by Miss Muriel Murton.

Mr Taylor made the welcome announcement that he hoped to again visit Te Aroha with a new play in two or throe months.