THE FRANCES ROSS COMPANY.

Wairarapa Daily Times, Volume XVI, Issue 5123, 6 September 1895, Page 2

THE FRANCES ROSS COMPANY.

QUEEN'S EVIDENCE.

The above company opened at Masterton last night, and as the visit of Miss Prances Ross has been looked forward to for some time, it is not surprising that a large audience assembled. The company is a really genuine ono, and certainly ranks amongst the best that have ever visited Mastorton, and it is safe to say that no drama has been better played in this town than " Queen's Evidence" at tho Theatre Royal last night. The piece is a powerful one, aud gives full scope for tho display of the strength of the Company, and last night there was not a weak spot to bo found in tho cast. Miss Ross as Kate Medland, the wronged and deserted wife, gave a fine interpretation of a most emotional part, and one in which sho has to appoar in many moßt trying situations, Her acting is indeed natural and graceful, and from the rise of the curtain she bad the audienceand their hearty sympathies with her, as was evidenced by the warm recognition accorded her at every opportunity, and the loud hissing which greeted Matthew Tuoruton (Mr Hans Phillips) tho clever aud polished scoundrel of the piecf, at every recall. Certainly Mr Phillips must have been quito satisfied with his pourtraya! of a villain's part, and to him the storm of hisses must have been pleasant music. Ho is certainly to be congratulated. Mr H. Meymott as Gilbert Medland waß quite a success, and his easy acting of a somewhat trying part proved his undoubted ability. Mr tree. Melville's representation of "Isaacs," a gentleman with a "heye liko a beagle," who, as Thornton's accomplice, turns Queen's Evideuce on his former pal, thereby clearing the character of Medland and bringing about his re-union with his wife and lost child was really excellent and supplied the humorous element of the piece, Mr Melvillo is not quite a stranger to a Masterton audience, and a good many of those present felt like ■ welcoming an old friend, As Ada Sydney, who was secretly married to Thornton, (who makes an unsuccessful attempt to elope with Laura Sydney) Miss Marion Modway and Miss Christine Tennyson were very successful and won applause. Miss Sissie Wood is to be commended on her performance of Arthur, tho adopted son of Sir Frederick Sydney (Mr Chas, Blake), but in reality tho long lost child of Kate Medland who by Isaacs, liachof the remaining characters was (My sustained. During the third act in the drawing-room scene,songs were introduced by Mr Charles Angus, who was heartily recalled for "My Sweetheart When r Boy," and responded with "My Pretty Jane." Messrs Charles Blake and Norman also sang a duet with considerable effect, and Miss S. Wood was encored for her rendition of " Espanita." Altogether the performance was an unqualified success, and to-night ihould see the Theatre filled in every part when the Frances Ross Cora: pany make their last appearance on tho present visit to Mastorton, with !' Held by the Enemy."