HUNTLY.

Waikato Argus, Volume V, Issue 330, 20 August 1898, Page 3

HUNTLY.

Ton Tailor's " Ticket of Leave Man " was the drama with which the members of ourlooal Musical and Dramatic Society faced the footlights in Ralph's Hall on Friday, August' 12th, and Wednesday, August 17th, and I am pleased to say proved an uuqua'ified success. Of course it is by no means fair to critize harshly any amateur production, yet the production was so well rendered that we might almost be allowed a candid criticism of the merits of the performance. Mrs Recs, as May Edwards (a street singer), rendered in a clever and effective manner those troubles and trials, sorrows and vicissitudes through which she had to pass in a way which elicited the sympathy of the house, though it was hardly kind of her to palm off on such an euthusiastic audience a common sparrow as " Goldic." In portraying the "Concert Hall Star" Emily St. Evemond, Miss J. Johnson had no easy task, and though the dialogue was given in a really clever manner, there lackened that perfect abandon so necessary to the character. Miss E. Weir, as Mrs Willoughby, was a success as a gossiping old landlady, which she depicted in a manner as pleasing as it was surprising, and no doubt she would have been happy if it was not for her rheumatics, and "that boy" Sam, "bless 'im," a character in which Miss Violet Johnson was seen to advantage, representing, as she did, all those huudred and one little peculiarities so prominent in the facetious youth of fourteen or fifteen summers. The interpretation by Mr E. W. Tattley of the character of Bob Brierly was a masterpiece of histrionic art, and evoked the sympathy of the whole house; the only drawback noticeable was the defect in the Lancashire dialect ; that should, however—in an amateur — be forgiven, as it is only after years of study that the desired effect can be obtained. The audience, seemingly, never missed the dialect ; that defect was covered in the clever impersonation by Mr Tattly of the grossly-wronged Bob Brierly. Mr W. Ellison as Jim Dalton (alias " Downey," alias " The Tiger,") had a part which required, at once, both considerable study and attention, and he did himself justice in so much as he elicited the indignation of the audience, a proof that his impersonation of a villain was successful. Hawkshaw (a detective) was played by Mr A. E. Dawson, ami left nothing to be desired, the side-play of this gentleman, especially noticeable in scene 1., act IV., did much towards giving the drama that touch of vivid reality without which a play is a failure. Mr A. E. Meld rum as Green Jones (a sort of "a ") had ample scope for the personation of his character, though in act I. he was hardly a big enough " " ; he gave a good account of himself in acts 11. and IV., the delineation being almost perfect. As Mr Gibson ("a city broker") Mr E. Soppefc was fairly successful, and played the part of u cool, calculating city man in a capable manner, when it is remembered that the part was taken at four days' notice. Mr H. S. Cameron deserves a special word of praise for the really excellent pourtrayal as "Malty, of the Belle Vue Gardens, Licensed Victualler." The side play of this gentleman, being of a strong and jorciblo nature. As Melton Moss (a jew) Mr Rees did not come out to such advantage as he might have done, had he been more sauve and oily in his speech and manner ; yet otherwise, as to get up posture ami carriage, he deserves every credit. I hear this gentleman also took his part at a few days' notice, possibly that accounts for the defects just mentioned. As to the lesser lights, all entered into the play with spirit and gave satisfaction. The continued and loud applause, the numerous bouquets, thrown to the artists is evidence enough of the clever manner in which " The Ticket-of-Leave Man," had been staged, and the appreciation which it was received. To Mr E. Dawson belongs the, credit of management, and the grouping* and general stage effects were all that could be desired, and Mr Dawson must feel gratified with the manner in which his pupils deported themselves behind the lights, and the- applause showered upon them. Mr Cadman with his section of the society played some selections in a creditable manner. With practice, I do not doubt that we shall have in Huntly a musical and dramatic society second to none in Waikato. A word of praise is due to the Rev. Mr Bradbury, who came to the assistance of the society with his paints and brushes. The whole of the scenery was from that gentleman's brush, and was really cleverly executed. At the close of scene 2, act 4, Mr Dawson came forward, and in a pithy speech thanked all for their presence ami the many kindnesses he had received. I hope to see the " Ticket-of-Leavc-Man " again. —(A Correspondent).