HASTINGS DRAMATIC CLUB.

Daily Telegraph (Napier), Issue 3802, 21 September 1883, Page 2

HASTINGS DRAMATIC CLUB.

The above club gave its first performance last night in aid of the funds to provide properties, kc, and was greeted by a crowded audience Before proceeding to criticise the ontertaimnent a word of praise is duo to Mr H. H. Murdoch, by whom the very effective scenery cmploj'od was painted. Ono scene particularly, a river and landscape, was quite a work of art. Tho first piece placed on the stage was the farce "Twice Killed." Mr Ireland as Ralph Reckless was the central character, and sustained his part with the usual amount of vivacity which he always throws into his representations. Mr Murdoch as Euclid, a philosoper who is always getting into trouble, played very naturally and effectively. Mr Gallion as Holdfast, the old man of the piece, was very good, his articulation being- very distinct. Mr Pirani as Fable, a ghost-believing individual, cpiite sustained his reputation as a careful, steady actor, while the minor male characters of Thomas and the Footman were respectively filled by Messrs Murray and Beck in good stylo, both making the most of small parts. Of the ladies Miss Chapman took tho principal character, that of Fanny Pepper, sustaining the part throughout with an amount of chic that secured for her the hearty applause of the audience. Mrs Lawlis as Mrs Facile ■mado her dcl/u.l before a Hastings audience, and we must say her acting was graceful, natural, and to the point, particularly in the part whore she discovers Ralph Reckless iv the hamper. The small part of Julia, the lover of Reckless, was entrusted to Miss Tannion, of Napier, who kindly came to tho rescue at tho eleventh hour, and filled tho place of ono of tho performers who withdrew her support. Miss Tannion, it is needless to say, did her small part just-ice. After an interval of ten minutes a short musical interlude occupied the time while the stage was being prepared for the second piece. The Misses Percy treated the audience to a duet on the pianoforte, which was well executed and much appreciated. Mr Gilpin sang the "Arab's Farewell to his Steed," and in response to an encore rendered " Nil Dcsperandum" in his best style. Mr Gilpin's voice appears to inprove on each appearance. Mr Jacoby next favored tho audience with a comet solo, which was played in a masterly style. In the second piece, s< A Phenomenon in a Smock Frock," Mr Macdonald sustained the character of Sowerberry in a manner that ontitles him to the confidence of the play-going public of Hastings. Mr Murdoch as John Buttercup again appeared and gave two of his orginal songs, which met with the hearty approval of tbe house. Mr Warren as Mr Barker was extremely good, his make-up being splendid, and his conception of tho jealous husband very realistic. Mr A. Chapman as James did his small part full justice, while Miss Ghapman was again highly successful as Betsy Chirrup. Mrs Lawlis as Mrs Barker looked and acted tho lady. In conclusion there is one littlo bit of advice we would tender to amateurs generally, and that is " Speak slowly and j distinctly, otherwise your best efforts will bo wasted."