AMATEUR DRAMATIC ENTERTAINMENT AT CAMBRIDGE.

Waikato Times, Volume XVIII, Issue 1526, 15 April 1882, Page 3

AMATEUR DRAMATIC ENTERTAINMENT AT CAMBRIDGE.

The Cambridge Dramatic Society gave their initial performance in aid of the funds of the Cambridge Public Hall in the hall on Wednesday evening last, before an unusually large and appreciative audience A large number of Hamilton people as an ell as people from the outlying townships lent their patronage, and ■we believe a. better audience has not assembled in the hall ior^sotne considerable time past. This beiiig the first appearance of the society in public many anticipated a failure on the part of the amateurs, whilst oiheivs inclined to think that the inclement state of the weather would prevent many from turning out. Fortunately, however, neither the weather, which was certainly anything but accomodating, nor the fact of its oeiug an initial performance operated against the success of the entertainment. Shortly after the doors were opened the building Avas thionged with an audience representative of the various townships in Waikato, and for some lima sitting accommodation could not be obtained. The arrangements made for the convenience as well as the entertainment of the audience, is a matter upon which the society may be congratulated ; especially the stage manner, Mr A. Fori cat, who, since the idea of having a performance was iiist mooted, has been untiring in his ellorts to ensure success. The Cambridge Reed Baud, under Mr C. D. Mackintosh, played several overtures in front of the hall, and having been accomomdated with seats in front of the platform, contributed some good music at intervals. The stage arrangements -were perfect, and though it was a matter of making something out ot nothing as far as the scenery and fittings were concerned, still this feature was also a matter for congratulation. The pieces chosen by the society and placed i on the boards on Wednesday evening were simple, lequhing very little character illustration, and consequently easily acted by amateurs. It is not an unusual thing for amateius to aim ot impossibilities by adopting heavy drama, or comedy which requires natural talent as well as training, and thus adinn ably succeeding m the ridiculous ; but neither " Change Blossoms "nor "Slasher and Crasher" can be called an extravagant choice. The entertainment opened with former piece, a comedietta of Wooler's production. The cast included Mr J. M. Speed as Colonel Clarence, Mr J. Christie as Falcon Hope, Mr A. Forrest as Septimus Symmetry, the other charactcis being taken by lady amateius. The piece is very entertaining when well played, but has' no plot worthy of the name. The leading character is Septimus Symmetiy, and so far as there can be a central point to work upon, it is he. Mr Forrest's acting in this piece was characterised by perfect case of "manner, and an unfoicpd illustration which does him ciedit. He takes the part of a determined bachelor, living in peaceful retirement, but haunted by his male fiicnds with their wives, until coerced into forming a matrimonial alliance with a ceitain little Lou. The character of Little Lou is sustained by a lady amateur whose admirablcfitnessfor light comedy was fully delightfully illustrated, and was fully demonstrated on this occasion. Colonel Clarence and his friend Falcon Hope, with their respective better halves, are the tormenters of Symmetry, who, however, before he is bound over, is successful in temporarily upsetting the domestic happiness of his pursuers. Mr Speed's impersonation of Clarence, was, in the matter of appearance, perfect ; but when the violent demeanour of a military blusterer, indispensable to the character, should have been implacably displayed, he frequently gave way to an expression of humonr. Mr Christie's acting of Falcon Hope was consistent throughout. The acting of the other two lady amateurs as Isabella Clarence and Violet Hope was beyond praise. Both charactcis were illustrated with a peifect ease of manner, and a beaiing to which no other term than ladyhhc can be applied. A farce entitled " Slasher and crasher," by Moiton, was next put before the audience. The cast consisted of Mr Moore, as Benjamin Blowhard, Lieut. Archer R.N. as Slasher, Mr H. E. Cotton as Crasher, and Mr C. K. Pearson ton as Lieut. BroAvn, and tAvo lady amateurs as Dma Blowhard, and Rosa. This piece like the preceding one is admirably adapted to the scope of amateurs, though the characters are a little more diffcult of hnpei'sonation, being more beyond the pale of erery day life than the cast of " Orange Blossoms." Old Blowhard, a venerable trumpeter of the Enniskillena, lias a sister and a neice, who have been captivated by the devoted attachment of Slasher and Crasher, the former a retired militia officer of three , weeks active service, and the latter a 1 rusticated looking bachelor Avhose heart has recently discovered its error, and is now bent on bringing its owner to connubial desperation. Their violent names are the only recommendation in the eyes of the old soldier. Their cowardice is however soon discovered, and they are * forbidden the house. A certain Lieut. .y Brown is introduced as a suitor for the ' neice, but is unsuccessful in his overtures. Slasher and Crasher demonstrate their bravery by fighting a farcial ' duel, which reconciles the old man to their marriage with his girls. Mr H. E. Cotton as Crasher was a most effective character, and together with Lieut. Archer as Slasher, successfully entertained the audience. 1 The duel scene was highly amusing, both taking ' their parts admirably, and the reconciliat ion was deservedly appreciated. Mr H. W. Moore could have distinguished himself in a more suitable character than Blowhard, his voice and carriage being

anything Inifc suitable to "the character. This however, was quite the reverse with Mr Pearson as Lieut. Brown, his appearance and carriage being in every respect adapted to his character. The ladies merit congratulation forhaving got through their task not only without conspicuous failure, but with some measure of fied success. Certainly a more successful entertainment has never previously been witnessed in Cambridge, and this it would seem is the verdict of all who were present. A perfect shower of bouquets rewarded the performers at the conclusion of each scene, and in the words of their own motto if they did not command success they certainly did deserve it.