CAMBRIDGE AMATEUR DRAMATIC SOCIETY.

Waikato Times, Volume XIV, Issue 1223, 1 May 1880, Page 2

CAMBRIDGE AMATEUR DRAMATIC SOCIETY.

The members of this Club, assisted by Mr and Mrs Luoaa, gave a very successful performance in the Public Hall, Cambridge, on Thursday evening, the proceeds of which went to the funds of the local Athletic Club. The programme opened with the sprightly comedy " Delicate Grounds," the characters being sustained by Mr and Mrs Lucas and Mr Keesing. The scene is laid in France during the critical period of the great Revolution. The plot is of the simplest nature, but the piece is lit up with an abundance of lively dialogue. " Citizen Sangfroid," the cool, self- possessed republican, could scarcely find a better representative in the colony than Mr Lucas, by whom the role had evidently been made a study. As the wife of the " Citizen " Mrs Lucas was very effective, while the somewhat difficult part of "Alphonse,' 1 the former lover, received the most caref ulattention at Mr Keesing's hands. Taking the piece altogether it could not be put upon the stage in a manner much more creditably than on Thursday night. , After an interval of ten minutes, the curt'iin rose to the a musing farce entitled " A Blighted Beauty," the characters being undertaken exclusively by amateurs, all of whom acquitted themselves admirably. In especial we would mention the acting of a lady amateur, who on this occasion made her first appearance and created a most favorable impression, her performance being as graceful as it was natural. Of the other parts, Mr Keesing's " Ned Spanker " was a very clever representation. Mr Hughes, in the title role, thoroughly looked the character, and Mr Chapel made a hit as the waiter. The young gentleman who undertook the part of " O'Rafferty" is also deserving of credit, though he had evidently had but a short acquaintance with the text. The get up of the characters was much to bo commended, and the scenery in both pieces was appropriate. During the intervals the Cambridge Band, under MiMackintosh, contributed some pleasing selections of music. At the close of the performance, Major Hay, on behalf of the Dramatic Sooiety, thanked those present for their attendance, and hoped to see them all at the sports on the Queen's Birthday. The hall was then cleared for dancing, the music for which was supplied by the Cambridge Band. The dance was well attended, and was kept up the greater part of the night.