THE WILLIAMSONS.

Evening Star, Issue 5914, 23 February 1882, Page 2

THE WILLIAMSONS.

A double bill was presented at the Princess's Theatre last evening by the Williamson Company. The first piece was Boucicault's "Kerry," which met with so much favor during the company's previous season. Mr Williamson is the life and soul of the piece, and keeps the fun going in capital style. He is possessed of wonderful versatile powers and rare originality, and his acting in the part of Kerry is a treat to witness. He is well supported by Mrs Williamson, who appears as Kate Desmond, and by Miss Novaro as Blanche Desmond. Mr Vincent spoils what would ptherwise be a good Gerald Desmond by being rather boisterous. The second piece was a comedy drama entitled '' Dear Joe," which was written for the Williamsons by Mr Travers. "Dear Joe" belongs to much the same class as "Struck Oil," and contains about as ridiculous a plot. There is nothing strikingly original in it, and its construction is inclined to be weak. It, however, serves the pupose for which it was intended by enabling Mr and Mrs Williamson to display the particular line in which they excel. In the first act we are introduced to Joe Cress and his wife Bessie, and in the troubles and trials of these two the interest of the play is centred, .loe Cress was impersonated byMr Williamson, who was quite as successful in this character as in any previous one in which we have seen him. Mrs Williamson was cast as Bessie Cress, which is a more congenial part than that of Kate Desmond, and she was therefore enabled to appear to better advantage. A song which is introduced about " Dear old Joe " was sung very acceptably, and at its conclusion Mrs Williamson was rewarded with an enthusiastic ehcore! Sydney Marjoy, an unscrupulous rascal who presses his suit on Mrs Cress whilst her husband is confined in an asylum, was well played by Mr Vincent. John Saggers, a vagabond half-brother of Joe, and the prime cause of all the troubles, was personated by Mr O'Brien, who was quite in his element in this character. The minor parts call for no particular mention. Both pieces were well mounted, and some new scenery had been provided by Mr Frahm. There was an excellent house downstairs, arid the circle was moderately filled. We expect to see a crowded theatre to-night,'when "Struck Oil" will be produced, '