“THE MAN FROM BOMBAY."

Bay of Plenty Times, Volume LIV, Issue 9023, 31 October 1925, Page 5

“THE MAN FROM BOMBAY."

L N TJ-: RTA iNM EN T IN T() W N HALL. It was a commendable ;inu gmi- ; crons .-pirn which prompted the DLuke Amateur Dramatic Society to visit Tauranga last night in order to hnaneiailv assist the campaign of the ‘i auranga Rowing Club dv (be presentation of the farce comedy, "The Man From Loin bay." The local people .showed 11 kir appivciat ion in a tangible way and it was an eagerly expectant audience that assembled in Die Town Hall. The plot centres round the doings of the (...’higm-l! family, who occupy a. fiat, in London. The character of Charlie Uhignoll is well portrayed by Mr Eric Watson, who scores in the part ol the wild and irresponsible son. and brings home to his parents’ house a lons-miai artist. Augustus Eredei i<-k I'ledim (The Man From BomI bav), who poses as the Rev. James ’Tweedle, a meat Eastern theosopliisr, and is taken into the Chigmti family circle with a view (o enabling diem to gain entry into exclusive society. Erasmus Chignell, the head of the household, is r< presented jo perfection by Mr F. 11. Wilkie, who conceives the idea cl lamming the tonsorial artist, and j seeniv.-; prominence for his scheme iin evei v paper in London. LredgeV deception works all right for a time until the real Rev. ’ James Twcedle notices the publicity given to the impostor and presents himself at the Chignells’ home to demand an explanation. The Rev. James Tweedlo is played to life by Mr R. R. Joy up, while the title role is very cleverly impersonated by Air A. J. Fetriie, who, by fine acting, intercepts the Rev. James Tweedle and bluffs the latter into believing that they are uncle and nephew. Airs Innes Vercoo, as Airs Beckman Strcete. gives significance to the part of a very skittish widow who is out to catch her third husband and captures him. The mirror scene, in which the widow and The Alan from Bombay are the participants, creates great merriment as the latter (Air Petrie) in his own irresistibly effective way, endeavours to make the utmost of the widow's reflections in the mirror in his frantic efforts to elude the observation of the householders during his attempt to escape in female attire, which disguise happens to be a replica of' the widow’s costume. Complications ensue as the result of the Chignells’ intention to give a reception to the leaders of fashionable society, but this is partially thwarted by the servant Emma (Aiiss Phyllis Palmer), who gives an excellent interpretation of the character and forgets to post the invitations. Aiiss Palmer introduces many touches of humour, which appeal to the audience. Aiiss Watson, as Charlie Chignell’s sweetheart, Marion Aioxon, was versatile and resourceful and schemed with her lover and The Alan Prom Bofmbay in destroying the invitations. Other parts in the play were convincingly and breezily sustained by Air J. H. Aiason (as Tom Valentine), Air H. Granger (as Jennings the Butler and a Workman), Air Neil Carpenter (as Alike Finuerty), Aiiss Elvine Aiollgaard (as Florence Chignell) and Aiiss Beni Johnson (as Gertie Chignell). The trend of subsequent happenings favour The Alan from Bombay, who is eventually given a home with the Chignell family while the lovers all find happiness in the usual way. The costumes worn by the ladies were bright and appropriate, The play was staged under the supervision of Mr A. J. Petrie. The performance was full of merit, in every way it was an excellent production with an entertaining fund of admirable comedy and without a dull moment. The performers who sustained the various parts arc to be complimented on their acting, and on numerous occasions as the play proceeded earned the hearty applause of the large audience. Several selections were weT rendered bv an orchestra of six instrumetalists —Messrs K. L. Can ii oil. (piano). N. Ward (violin). 1). £. Woo Hams (fhite), W. Ebbett (cornet), li. P. Huff (ccl’o). and C. Tonkin (drums). The see cry anangemenfs were very :r 1 LUc.dlv carried through by Air R 'V. Meers. and the special i 1: illi n- * ’ Mr M. M nro. while tiro furniture was ki'ully K.auoU j for the occasion by v A. Tics. At Cue <(' of F"‘ ; erformance. Air P. F. Cirter, Prose lent of tb*' Tauranga Rowing Cl ; expressed appreciation of the e..oits of the Te Puke Amateur Dramatic Society in visiting Tauranga and giv- i ino such an excellen' entertainment. On behalf of Bowing Club lie thanked tlm Society for helping ib v U"B with such a delightful evening, also Messrs,