THE WILLIAMSON COMPANY.

Wairarapa Age, Volume XXXII, Issue 10241, 18 May 1911, Page 5

THE WILLIAMSON COMPANY.

"VIA WIRELESS." • Considering the adverse elements, there was a remarkably good audience to witness the production in the Masterton Town Hall last evening of the much-boomed' spectacular drama, "Via Wireless." To say that the piece did not dio justice to the firm, and is possibly the weakest that has ever been staged in Masterton by J. C. Williamson, Ltd., is not to deitract from tlie efforts oif individual members of the Company, who were endeavouring to make, theatrical bricks without straw, nor to discount the effects produced by a skilful mechanician. The mounting of the piece wasi all that could be diesired. Indeed, one or two of the scene-s—notably those depicting a shipwrecked crew, the wireless telegraph at sea, and the interior of an were ■gpectacutar gems. The drama itself, however, did not affarcl soope for the display of the talent which the members' of the Company undoubtedly possess*, and the waits between the too numerous acts were painfully lonfc. The plot of the piece is somewhat involved, and the climax is reached unexpectedly and abruptly. The acting of Misis Evelyn Kerry, as Frances Dusant, was delicate and reined, whilst that of Miss Alexander, a,s Lucy Smith, was realistic. Mr Lionel Atavell, as Lieut. Sommers, took a difficult part exceedingly well, .whilst'the villain of the piece (Mr Vivian Edwardis) sustained the character of Edward Pinkney with credit to himself. Miss Emmia Temple imade a disinifted Mrs Durairt, and Mr Eardfey Turner was well placed as George Durant. The whole of the remaining characters were pourtrayed with as mucih fidelity to life as the ~som°wha.t rtrainrdi conditions would permit. Altogether, "Via Wireless" was a disappointment to the Masterton public. It may, however, appeal -to those who have a better acquaintance with the intricacies of the Marconi system.