"DANDY DICK."

Waikato Argus, Volume V, Issue 360, 29 October 1898, Page 2

" DANDY DICK."

One of the largest audiences ever squeezed into the Volunteer Hall, Hamilton, was present on Thursday night, to greet the amateurs, who had undertaken to play " Dandy Dick," in aid of the funds of the Hamilton Public Library. The company fully sustained the reputation which brought sneh a large audience together. It was quite equal to, if not an improvement upon any amateur performance that has preceded it, and was far in advance of many of the strolling professional companies who visit the couutry districts periodically. The characters were well cast, and the delineator of each ha evidently spared no trouble in the effort to do justice to the conception of the author. Mr A. E. Manniug took the part of the " Dean," a difficult character to sustain. He was successful in conveying to his audience the concsientious struggle he was n.akiug to stifle his old thirst for a turf gamble, as being incompatible with his sacred oflice. Ordinary debt and his liability for the repair of the steeple proved too much for him and he plunged. Mr Manning was equally successful in all his other situations. He is an actor of considerable power and range. Dr. Kenny, as Sir Tristram, played naturally and with effect ; the character gives few opportunities to make points, but those which were available he made. Mr P. E. Stevens, as Major Tarver, gave a very fair representation of the drawling, half idiotic manner which is effected by some of our military officers. Mr M. *H. Quick, as Mr Darbey, played easily and with effect. His song, " The Maid in the Moon," was very well sung. This young gentleman displayed all the qualities which go to the making of a good actor. Mr 0. Speight as Blore, was very effective; this was proved by the fact that he made the audience laugh whenever he appeared on the stage. Mr W. Dey, as Noah Topping, no doubt depicted the character as the author intended, in view of the fact that he makes him so easily deceived as to the ideutity of bis prisoner. It would, however, be difficult for a colonial audience to believe that such an utter " softy " could be a policeman. Mr T. Jolly, as the groom, contributed his fair share to the success of the play. The young lady who took the part of Georgiana Tidman, the sporting widow, played it in a manner that would put many professionals in the shade. The character is a difficult one. There is always the risk that comedy may become vulgar, and in the part of Georgiaua this is markedly so. The greatest compliment we can pay her is to say that she never approached the border line too closely. We write with all sincerity that we hope to see her many times in front of the footlights. The young ladies who took the parts of Salome and Sheba played their parts with much spirit. Salome as the elder sister was very properly the'more reserved, and in consequence bad not the chance to attract the audience which fell to the lot of Sheba. Both made the most of their parts. Hannah Topping, formerly a servant at the Deanery, and uow married to the policeman of the play, took her part with skill aud judgment. The unquestionable success of the representation is without doubt very largely due to the untiring exertions of Mr Manning in his capacity as manager. The thanks of the community are due to him as they are to all who took part in the performance for the exertions they have put forth to give pleasure to the public, and at the same time afford monetary assistance to so laudable an undertaking as the establishment af a library, which shall be a credit to Hamilton.