A NOTABLE DRAMATIC ATTRACTION.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume XXXXV, Issue 72, 25 March 1903, Page 2

A NOTABLE DRAMATIC ATTRACTION.

"SHERLOCK HOLMES" One of the richest treats afforded local pteygoers for some years past—even in this age of sensational and reali-tic drama -will be provided in the forthcoming production of " Sherlock Holmes," which has been sent on tour j by Mr J. 0. Williamson, with Mr J Cuyler Hastings in the title roll*, and l which will be presented for the first and only time in New Plymouth in the [Theatre Ejyal on Monday evening, ! March 30th, by his famous dramatic organisation. Saged regardless of ,expjnse, with certiin novul lightiug I effects, the piece has created quite a ;furore wherever it has been presented. j In America, England, Australia, and | at the pres&nt in New Zeilund, its sue j cess has baen most unquihfiad ; tumultuous and voci'erous applause greeting the clever impersonation by Mr Hastings of the greit detective, who is sal to live the part. Speaking of bis acting in this difficult pirfc, a leading Australian dramatic critic taid :—" Intensity of feeling, combined with quietu le and S: If-restraint in its expression, a>e the prominent characteristics of Mr Hastings' acting in the role of Sherlock H ilmes. Always aleit, ciicumsp ct, pcesciunt of impending dange'-, in'cip.ible of feir, ready for auy einerIgency, and cotiflietit acd imperturable | when it arrivw, Mr Hastings interpret the cr ation of the novelist so as to induce you to accept him as a pessiblu persoaag*." Referring to th.pliy it-elf, the writer added-"Per-haps the mas' effective scene ia thdrama is that in which Holmes and Professor Moriarty (the directive htad of a criminal organisation) meet in the house of the former, and 'he ol'oquy which then arista between a would-be aasossin and his intended victim was listetel to with the grext-st interest! and anxiety by a crowdad theatre." IMr Williamson has, of cours-, taken care that his leading actor shall be adequately supported, and for that purpose a strong compmy of English and American dramatic artists were specially engaged by Mr William«on during his recent t: ip to EngUnd and j the United States. Wbeu it is added that a large staff of mechanic < and elocI triciaDS accompiny the combinatien to ensure proper staging and sp'c'acular effects it follows that the public will I have an opportunity of witnessing on* lof the best dramatic attractions ever j despatched ox tour, and which havftl achieved universal success. A splendid .booking of-seats took place on Tuesday I morning when the box plans were thrown open for inspection for " Sherlock Holmes " on Monday, " If I Wi re King" on Tuesday, and "Secfen Service " on Wednesday evening, and there is every evidence th»t the approaching sensin will be as pronounced a success here as in the principal centres of New Zealand.