OEAMATW;EKTERTAINMET ! AT ALEXANDRA.

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

OEAMATW; EKTERTAINMET ! AT ALEXANDRA.

~- * The performance advertised by our dramatic club took place last Thursday night, and considering the inclemency of the weather, the entertainment was fairly well patronised. The club having been at considerable expense for properties will not be able to hand over a very large amount from Thursday's effort, so have resolved to present the same programire again on the night of Monday, July 30th, when they hope to see a crowded- house, as all the takings on that, occasion will be handed to the cemetery fund. The first item on the bill was a drama, entitled "Self-accusation," which took the members of the company into a line of business unattempted by them before, farces only having been produced on past occasions ; but although some of the characters on this occasion wore difficult to impersonate, the play ran with a smoothness seldom achieved by amateurs. The leading character was taken by Mr C. Hallett, who acquitted himself in a manner that thoroughly pleased the audience. The other characters were taken by Messrs Charlton, Finch, Chappell, Halls, Young and Swain. It would be very hard to find fault with these gentlemen, who showed that they had well studied their parts, and had been under the direction of a first-cla&s stage manager. Of the ladies I cannot speak too highly, and hope that the next play will give them a little more scope to show their abilities. The scenery was quite new, and painted for the occasion by Mr Helps, the scenic artist of the club, who deserves the thanks of aU for his untiring efforts to please the company. After the interval the curtain rose to the farce entitled " Boots at the Swan." This piece is so well known that it is not necessary to speak at any great length. The Boots was played by Mr Charlton, who in this character showed to better advantage than in the drama. Mr Young made a dashing Friskley, Mr Chappell a capital Higgms, Mr Swain a Jamloving Pepper, his legs causing great merriment. Of the ladies, Miss Moonshine was, thoroughly {esthetic, as intended, and was very carefully played, as was also Emily Tievor. Sally was a great success, and deservedly received the applause of the audience. Before closing the remarks respecting the dramatic performance, I would like to observe that during the entertainment on Thursday night there seemed to be an incessant noise ; some of the gentlemen in the gallery were talking in a manner that showed great disrespect for the performers. By mentioning this I hope that the next time a play is produced our friends will endeavour to be as quiet as possible when quietude is necessary, and also be as enthusiastic when applause is deserved. After the performance the seats were removed, and dancing commenced, under the musical direction of Bandmaster Sibley, and was kept up to the enjoyment of everybody until the small hours.— (Correspondent).