A DISTINGUISHED ACTOR.

Auckland Star, Volume XXXVIII, Issue 136, 8 June 1907, Page 5

A DISTINGUISHED ACTOR.

Mr Ernest Leicester, the English acv or, who is appearing at His Theatre, is in his own particular field of sensational drama, amongst the best known personalities of the English stage to-day, although still a comparativelj" young man.

The tragic assassination of the late William Terriss at the stage door of tho Adelphic Theatre, London, which threw, the whole of the dramatic world intoconsternation, will be remembered by; tbe theatre-going public. An idol among his audiences, was the late Mr. William Terriss, and to find a capable successor was an exceeding difficult! task for the management to undertake. The selection,- however, eventually fell on Mr Ernest Leicester, who rapidly became a popular favourite, and from that on his name has been associated with tha best dramatic work of the West End of London.

Mr Leicester created the leading role in "Two Little Vagabonds," "Tommy, Atkins," "In Sight of St, Paul's," "Women and Wine," and "The Sin of William Jackson."

Mr Leicester supported Miss Olga Nethersole in her American tour, when tha famous case over the "Carmen Kiss" was brought into the American Courts. He has appeared with artists well known . Australasian audiences, one of whom, Mr Julius Knight, is enjoying well-dc-popularity to-day. Mr Leicester! and Mr Knight appeared in the "Prude's Progress" at the Comedy Theatre, while in the same cast were such worldfamed artists as Mr Cyril Maude, Edward Righton, Bernard Gould, Fanny Brougjj. and Lena Ashwelt.

When interviewed hy a "Star" representative this morning, Mr Leicester said he was quite in love with New Zea-. land. "It is a glorious country," he added, "ana we have been met with courtesy; and hospitality on all hands." Asked as to his opinion of the colonial theatres, Mr Leicester replied that they; were a revelation to him. The staging arrangements were excellent, and tha limelight and other arrangements, upon which so much of the success of a production depends, were admirable. "As to *Human Hearts,'" said Mr Leicester, "it is an American drama, ana has been running for five years. It'a termed the American 'Silver King,' on account of its popularity." The play has a most original as well as a natural termination. _ . ,_» In reply to questions, Mr Leicester said that at the present time there was quite a revival in drama in London after two or three years' stagnation, and enormous business was now being done as the Lyceum, where "Her Love Against the World" was being staged._ In appearance Mr Leicester is orer s* feet in height, with clear cut, weU defined features, and a genial, frank, goo* i natured manner.