ENTERTAINMENTS

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LIV, Issue 107, 13 January 1912, Page 8

ENTERTAINMENTS

MR. H. B. IRVING IN HAMLET. Mr. H. B. Irving is at the present time in the very zenith of his career as an a,ctor, and his first and only appearance in New Plymouth, which happens at the Theatre Royal on Monday, January 22, will constitute an epoch in local theatrical history. The famous son of Sir Henry Irving would attract a record house in any of his productions, but added interest will be in the fact that he will be presented by the J. C. Williamson management in his greatest and most triumphant role, which is unquestionably that of "Hamlet." Some of the world's leading critics have described his Prince of Denmark as being the finest seen during this generation. The run en--1 joyed by "Hamlet" in Sydney surpassed the management's most sanguine anticipations, as, although originally staged for a fortnight, it held the boards for four weeks, and on every occasion that it was staged the large auditorium of His Majesty's Theatre proved far too small to accommodate the huge crowds who nightly endeavored to obtain admission. The rush for seats for Mr. Irving's initial appearance in Sydney can be gauged when it is known that the whole of the dress circle and stalls was booked up in less than two hours after the plans were opened, and it was found necessary to throw open the gallery for bookin* purposes, and eventually this part of the house was reserved up days prior to the famous actor's debut. On that occasion 1/6 was paid in many cases for standing room, and it was at first intended to raise the charges for the present tour, but, after much consideration, it was definitely decided to adhere to the prices which were charged for the "Miss Gibbs" tour, viz, «/-, 4/- and 2/, Mr. Irving will be supported by Miss Dorothea Laird, who will appear as Ophelia, and by the same cast which appeared in the farewell London production of "Hamlet" The plans for the performance will be opened at Collier's on Thursday next, when there will probably be a record demand for seats. A queue will be formed from 7.30.