'BETSY.'

Bush Advocate, Volume XII, Issue 1753, 28 September 1899, Page 2

'BETSY.'

i • i 10 ?, 5 ' 1 the rather was far froni * f»id, the attendance at the Town Hall las. evening when the "Waipawa > JJ'ointitic Club gave Danuevirkers a highly pleasing taste of their quality in the comedy 'Betsy' was entirely satisfactory. The body of the hall w'a. tolled and the circle had many occupants, and it is safe to say that the" performance met with general approbation. ' Betsy •i« a comedy in name and in fact, and it was so rendered as to cause much genuine fan, and outbursts of hearty laughter and applause were frequent. The stage was aicely arranged in a drawing room scene. The weightiest part in the cast was that of 'Mr Birkett,' allotted to Mr C. M. Whittington, who as the fussy old father addicted to politics filled the bill to a nicety, and contributed largely to the evening'* success. Aa Mr Dawson, a tutor, Dr Seed supported » big sharo of the comedy, and his performance was quite on a level with that of . leading professionals. Wbenimparting ■ a variety of instruction to his pupils ho was at his beat, and the audience was indebted to him and hii ' gentlemen, gentlemen,' for quite a large quantity of healthful laughter. ; The name part, -Betsy,' was brightly played by Miss Flynn, who appeared to decided advantage throughout. When making matters interesting for Adolphus « Betsy' was in her element, and was a favorite with the audience from beginning to end. The difficult' part, Adolphus Birkett, was taken by Mr W. J. Standley, who presented the gay young spark in a favorable light, and made his mark amidst the mirthful atmosphere which surrounded' 'Betsy' and the friends of : the family. The 'Mrs Birkett' of Miss Bradbury wag another praiseworthy effort, her very natural acting in difficult situations adding much to the success of the performance. Miss A. Bradbury shone as ' Mrs McManus.' a lady of commanding manner and tone, and contributed not a few sparkles to the merriment afforded. Miss H. Flynn as 'Madame Polenta,' Miss Baker as ' Nellie Bassett,' and Miss A.. Britten as 'Clara Peyton' were a charming trio, aud were wall suited to their parts. A song was excellently given by the first named, and that number and the waltz chorus were one of the brightest spots on. a capital bill. 'Diok Talbot' ,as played by Mr- J. Peters was a cheerful Bcapegraoe. As ' Captain McManus ' Mr S. 'Williams had a good deal to do, and did it well, and the lighter part of ' William ' was capably played by Mr E. Pdllow. In conclusion it remains to be said that the performance wus the best ever given' here by amateurs and was greatly, enjoyed by the large audience, who will, hope to have opportunities of witnessing other productions by the "Wlipawa Dramatic Club at some future time. The takings amounted . to something over £18, a very satisfactory sum considering the unfavorable weather, and there will be a substantial sum to add to the library funds. Tha /incidental music was suitably played by Mr O. Weight. We are requested to thank Messrs McKibbin and Co., T. Bates, Bickford, Weight, Sorimgeour, Gor- . don, Bartlett, Walker, and the Cooperative Association for articles lent for the production. The members of the club were entertained at the Masonic Hotel after the performance.