DRAMATIC PERFORMANCE.

Waikato Times, Volume XXXI, Issue 2503, 26 July 1888, Page 2

DRAMATIC PERFORMANCE.

The entertainment in the Oddfellows' Hall last night, given by the Ngaruawahia Amateur Dramatic Club, in aid of the widow and family of the late Mr Abbot, of Pukete, was certainly most successful, and we feel sure the promoters will be well satisfied with the result of their efforts, as there must have been close upon a £20 house. The hall was well filled by a very appreciative audience, many people from Ngaruawahia arriving by the steamer which had been laid on by Messrs Gall and Co. ; other parts of the district were also well represented. Considering the few accessories in the shape of stage fixings afforded by the hall, the pieces wero well put on, and the various characters were well conceived by the members of the club. In the comedietta, "John Dob'os," tho principal character that of Paternoster was placed in able hands when Mr Simpson was cast for this part; from beginning to end, this gentleman's appreciation of the ch&racter was first rate. The lady amateurs as Mrs Chesterton and Lucy Fallowtield played their respected parts with care and precision. Of the other characters, Mr Laurie as the Squire, and Mr Daviea as John Dobbs, deservo special mention. In the sporting farce, "the Steeplechase," which followed the acting of Mr Rathborne as John Anthony Tittim, was, in the opinion of many, the best portion of the entertainment. No ■ greater compliment could have boon paid to the actor, than the general commiseration that was heard when the audience realised that he had lost his " Shetland Tweed Suit," and poor fellow! What would he do? was whispered on all sides. Many of the audience had quite come to the conclusion that he would have to return to Ngaruawahia in his bluchers and night-cap, plus the umbrella. The character of Alderman Slowcoach was better suited to Mr Davies than that of John Dobb3 in the previous piece, and he was consequently more effective. Thomas, the waiter, mistook familiarly for fussiness, and marred the effect, and of Mr Buzzard the audience were fairly nuzzled to know what necessity there was for his wearing a respirator. Was it part of the general make-up of a sheriff's officer? Mr Hnbbs' Brass Band supplied the music. After tho performance the hall was cleared for dancing, which was kept up with spirit until the whistle of the steamer warned the dancers that it was time to make a muve.