KIHIKIHI DRAMATIC CLUB

Waikato Times, Volume XXI, Issue 1724, 24 July 1883, Page 2

KIHIKIHI DRAMATIC CLUB

A performance given by the Kihikihi Amateur Dramatic Club took place in the Town Hall on Friday veiling last, and, notwithstanding the unfavourable state of the weather, was fairly attended. The piece selected was Douglas Jerrold's domestic drama, "Rent Day." The scenery was well got up, and quite in harmony with the piece. The orchestra, under the leadership of Mr Sibley, performed selections during the evening. The part of Bull-frog was ably represented by Mr Nicholson, who acted his part to perfection, and frequently brought down roars of laughter. Mr G. Neil, as Toby Heywood, was a decided success, and the same may be said of Mr Mallard (•Silver Jack), who richly deserved the applause he received. The lady characters were well sustained by Mesdamcs Richdale and Nicholson, whose acting would have clone credit to any professional company. Mrs Richdale deserves special notice, her acting was perfect, and having a long and difficult part to perform her impersonation of i'achael was rendered with excellent taste. Mrs Richdale might have been better supported by Mr Allen (Martin Heywood), who frequently required the help of the prompter, and some of the best scenes were in consequence marred. The love scene between Silver Jack and Rachael was inimitable, and received great applause. Mr Cooper in one respect resembles the Elder Kean, he acts by flashes, but his are not flashes of lightning as Keans were. His acting was stiff and formal in the extreme, and certainly did not come up to one's idea of Old Crumbs the steward. Mr Riggs' performance was very good in his part of Beanstalk. The second part of the programme consisted of a farce No. J Round the Corner, in which the only performers were Mr Cooper and Mr Neil, and whether we consider the piece or the actors, the whole thing was most painful to listen to, and may be characterised as a complete failure. — Nemo.