AMATEUR THEATRICALS AT RAHOTU.

Hawera & Normanby Star, Volume II, Issue 131, 16 July 1881, Page 3

AMATEUR THEATRICALS AT RAHOTU.

The Eabotu Amateur Dramatic Club gave their opening entertainment on Saturday last, in a large whare, over 80 feet long, at camp Bahotu. The stage was very prettily got up, the drop being painted (as was all the scenery) by Major Goring. In this he showed himself an artist of no mean pretensions, and his brush materially conduced to the success of the performance. Mr. Clements, who acted as stage manager, is also to be congratulated on the issue of his endeavors.

The pieces represented were the well known farces " A kiss in the dark," and " Irish Tutor." In the former, Mr. J. B. Birch, as Frank Fathom, carried off the laurels. The character was played in a way that showed he was no novice. Mr. Cullum, as Pettibone, the suspicious stockbroker, was very good, but seemed flurried at times; this is doubtless owing to its being his first appearance on any boards. Mr. Pannell, as Mrs. P., was good, but his make up was more applicable to such a character as " Formosa," than the one he represented; at times his voice was very harsh. Mr. Mueller, as Mary, might be copied by many professionals, with advantage. It is a pity Mr. Forrest was cast for so small a part; he mokes up as a woman capitally. In' "lrish Tutor," Mr. Clements took Larry O'Kourke, the valet, who impersonates his master; the character was capitallyjplayed. Mr. Birch, as Dr. Hall, showed he was not an actor of one part. Mr. Mueller, who again impersonated a servant, was very good ; also Mr. Pannell, as Bosa. Mr. Calder, as Charles, the fop, could not have bad a more suitable character. He looked it to perfection.

During the c-vening Mr. Crawford gave two recitations, and Mr. Clements sang " Sweet Genevieve," but although loudly encored, did not respond. The orchestra was good, but might have chosen livelier and more suitable selections. For instance, " The Prayer before the Battle " is not a tune calculated to enliven amateur theatricals.