HIS MAJESTY'S THEATRE.

Evening Star, Issue 11891, 20 May 1903, Page 6

HIS MAJESTY'S THEATRE.

Another large audience assembled at His Majesty's Theatre last night, anxious to take the last opportunity of witnessing the admirable and memorable performance of 'Secret Service,' and throughout the evening the onlookers found the drama mast interesting. Miss Chevalier's impersonation of Edith Varney will be remembered as a very thoughtful and consistent example of high-class stage work; Miss Gleeson's representation of Miss Mitford impresses ope by its pictorial completeness; and the acting of Mr Atholwood as the negro servant and Mr Hollins. as the young Richmondite who persisted in joining the defenders in the great siege of 1865 may also be mentioned as prominent aids to Mr Cuyler Hastings in his notable pourtrayal of the Federal agent.

'THE CHRISTIAN.'

The first production of Mr Wilson Barrett's version (revised by Mr Bernard Espinosse) of this fine drama will be presented this evening. Special inferest w'ill be attached to this stage version of Hall Caine's story, as it was completed by Mr Barrett during his Australian tour. It was finished at Perth, and posted to Mr J. C. Williamson just as he was leaving for London. At one .time it was thought that the Knight-Ferrar Company might play the drama, but a dispute arising between the author of the book and the dramatist concerning the colonial rights, the representation had to be deferred. The matter at issue having been settled, the play received its first Australian presentation simultaneously with its production in London. It was at once recognised that the play had entered upon a prosperous career, as its reception was of a most enthusiastic nature. It ran for seven weeks at Sydney. It is not merely a religious play; it teems with exciting incident and varied character color. From Glenfabo, on the sunny Manx coast, to the cloister, and the ante-rooms of the London music hall, is a far cry, and the people of these dissimilar regions parade the stage in picturesque profusion. Mr J. C. Williamson's idea is to have every part in an abnormally long cast played efficiently,' and there are no fewer than thirty-seven persons of the play. Mr Cuyler Hastings will make his first appearance as Johi> Storm, and judging by his past excellent work there is every reason to believe he will present a fine figure, and give a full performance of a very trying character. Miss May Chevalier will appear as Glory Quayle, and will doubtless give Mr Hastings excellent assistance. "The Christian' will be staged for three nights only.