John F. Sheridan.

Gisborne Times, Volume VI, Issue 204, 4 September 1901, Page 2

John F. Sheridan.

“FUN ON THE BRISTOL.” A cnowDKD house greeted the Sheridan Company at the Theatre Royal last night, when the musical comedy, “ Fun on the Bristol,” was produced, with Mr John F. Sheridan in his original character of “ The Widow O’Brien.” A merrier comedy than “ Fun on the Bristol ” it would be difficult to find, and the large audience entered heart and soul into the spirit of the play, marking their appreciation by storms of applause and the heartiest laughter. Mr Sheridan could not have desired a more appreciative audience than that which greeted him last evening, and, as is characteristic of him, ho spared no pains to please his hearers. From the rising of the curtain until the fall, the theatre rang with laughter, and everyone went home thoroughly pleased, Mr Sheridan’s performance was a distinct artistic success, and every point was scored. As has been aptly remarked of him by a contemporary, the “ Widow ” has not changed. She is the same as wo ?aw her years ago, with the same brogue, as rich as the bogs ; the same unfurrowed, fair old brow; the same blonde-colored wig, and the carrotty tow when the wig is off; and the same “malaprops” (with a few auuJ,i). A!! ‘bo time she is on—and she is hardly ever off —the roars that go up from pit, circle, and stalls must be good for her. In this one part Sheridan has earned more fame —in the colonies at least—than any other actor in any one

part, and it goes on increasing. There is nothing in the play, any more than a series of absurd situations, in which the Widow figures prominently, if not at all times gracefully : and she

(ll> til 1 lilllUO L cICH Ui Jj ) illlll 0111. makes them all laugh as they rarely do laugh, and that is all that is wanted. The saloon scene of the s.s. Bristol was a bright and attractive one, and the whole company were fairly in their element, and the several musical numbers were splendidly rendered. The burlesque scene, from “II Trovatore,” in which Mr Sheridan figured as Count Be Lunatic Kruger, was exceedingly comical, while the living pictures were well worth seeing. Miss Florrie Barns took the part of Bora McAlister, in a most creditable manner, and won the hearty applause of the large audience with her singing of “ She's An Uright Girl ” and the coon song, “ Mi -Mi,” which were given with spirit. Miss Florence Failing, as Bella Thompson, a black slavey, made the most of her opportunities ; the duet, “ The Honolulu Belle,’’ in which she was assisted by Mr Tom Edmunds, being one of the best items of the evening. Miss Celia Mavis ap. pearod as Nora Broo-on, and vron the hearty plaudits cf the audience for her singing, which was enjoyed by all present. Mr Fred "Wentworth gave a splendid representation of Count Menaggio, while Mr Edmund Duggan made a capital Captain Cranberry. Mr Frank Crossley, as Tommy (Cranberry's son) created great amusement, his singing of “ The Giddy Surate " being much appreciated. Messrs I. Edwards and B. Hermann wore the itewards, and Mr Charles Ashley appeared is Pinkerton Hawkshaw (a detective).

Miss Daisy Chard contributed a fine whistling song, for which she was deservedly applauded. The cake walk was one of the features of tire concert-, and .Miss Faning’s clever dancing was much admired. The whole of the members were well up in their parts, and the comedy was staged in a manner that left nothing to ije desired,