“The Guv’nor."

Lake County Press, Issue 786, 16 December 1897, Page 2

“The Guv’nor."

Lankester’s three-act comedy,.“ The was staged by local amateurs in the Atheneum Hall on Satmday evening last. Being favored with good weather, we were of the opinion, that, ihe attendance would be exceptionally large. However we were not disappointed to any great extent for thehouse was considered by all to be a very fair one indeed, and the amateurs-, were well pleased with the patronagethey received, while the general verdict of the public was that the entertainment was first-class and quite a credit. to the performers. It is estimated that the proceeds will be between £l2 and’ £l3. Shortly after 8 o’clock the curtain rose for the first act—the scene being the garden of the Butterscotch. Villa. The scenery was simply beautiful and truly realistic. On one side of' the stage was the summer-house, on the other the steps and porch of Butterscotch Villa while the other properties included the rustic seats, the garden wall, the garden gate, and trees etc. There was quite a burst of applausewhen the curtain rose presenting such a picturesque sight. The scenery forthis act was gratuitously made by Mr George White, and reflected the greatest credit to his artistic taste. We hare been asked, on behalf of' the committee, to specially thank Mr White for the very able assistance he rendered. Act 2 represented a scene at Macclesfield’s. boat-yard The scenery for this was very suitable, being of aquatic description. In act 3 the drawing-room sceneat Butterscotch’s was prettily arranged by the lady performers. Before referring to the performers individually we may here say that all acquitted themselves very well indeed, and themajority of them were letter perfect.. Mr E. C. W. Porter as Mr Butterscotch had a most difficult part, and represented the retired confectionerexceedingly well. Freddy (his son),. Mr 11. J. Cotter, played his part toperfecrioa, bringing out the necessary impediment in his speech in a most natural way. In Thedore Macclesfield,, sen, Mr J. A. Algie was first-class,, and his get-up was simply immense. He fully maintained his histrionicreputation. Mr P. de la Perrelle took the part of his son, a student at Guy’s. Mr J. T. Lynch as a retired pickle manufacturer could not be improved upon, while Mr D. J. Graham a driver of a four-wheeler, played his part in a most business-like way. MrO. Illingworth in his imitation of a simple Yorkshire lad was Al. Dr Thomson as Vellum (of Vellum ik Vellum, represented the legal fraternity to a nicety. The part of M‘Toddy (a gentleman of Glenmutchkin) was capitally played by Mr P White. He came the canny Scotchman so well that one would almost imagine he hailed from the Land of the Thistle. Cantle (servant to Butterscotch) was well taken hy Mr HaroldSachtler, while Mr J. D. Hawkes upheld the “dignity” of butler toButterscotch, to perfection. Mr G. White (Gunnel, waterman in Macclesfield’s yards) played the part most naturally. The part of Mrs Butterscotch was taken by Miss de la Perrelle. Kate (Butterscotch’s daughter) was. exceedingly well represented by Miss Miss M'Donnell. Mrs Algie (as Barbara, housemaid in Butterscotch’s)fulfilled the duties of the situation in perfect style. Mrs Mayo (as Mrs Macclesfield) made a capital old woman, while Miss M. MTntyre (Carrie her daughter) could not be improved upon. We understand it is the intention of the amateurs to stage the comedy in Queenstown at an early date. VVe consider the stage manager, Mr J. A. Algie, is deserving of all thanks for the valuable assistance he rendered in staging the piece. Last evening the members of the company held a most enjoyable social in the Atheneuiu Hall and a real good, time was spent.