CITY HALL.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 10264, 23 January 1895, Page 2

CITY HALL.

A dramatised version of Dickens's ever-famoua novel "Oliver Twist" was produced by the Kennedy Dramatic Company in the City Hall lust evening, in the presence of a large aad appreciative audience. "Oliver Twist" may be classed among the most interesting narratives that emanated from the facile pen of the great English author. Throughout it a kaleidoscopic view cf human life iv all its phases is presented; but it is from the lower strata of society, where crime is rampant, where misery and poverty stalk abroad, that the principal characters are selected. The striking picture which is drawn enchains, however, the attention of the reader from beginning to end. Doubtless opinions will widely differ as to the merits or demerits of a dramatisation of such a well-known work, yet many will endorse the sentiment that the version presented last evening was in many respects praiseworthy. The production of such a piece is fraught with no little difficulty, but the manner in which the company acquitted themselves is deserving of commendation, although tbe few slight hitches incidental to a " first performance " were not wanting. The staging of ihe piece was also in keeping with the general excellence of the play. The title role was assumed by Miss Ruby Kennedy, who has before now given evidence of no little ability, and although the part she essayed is a tryiug one, she rcprt-sonted it in a manner which won tor her the heartiest tokens of approval. Mr J. J. Kennedy was to have appeared .13 Bill Sikes, but unfortunately a mclden indisposition precluded his canying out this intention, and tha part at short notice was capably sustained by Mr Brandon Cramer. Mr lfrauk Norton waa allotted the part of Fagin, and succeeded in bringing into bold relief tho evil traits of the villainous old Jew. As "The Dodger" Mr Milton Moss acted with considerable skill, Mr Harry Saville wan at home in tht; part cf ''Mr Brownlow." Mr Charles R. Hill made .1 capital Bumble, although he was hardly of the nldermanic nronortion generally accredited to that important village functionary the beadle. Miss Hcttie Howarde was a typical Mrs Curacy, while Jliss Lilla Wilde acted with her usual ability asi Nancy Sikes. The other characters were, likewise satisfactorily portrayed. The plaj* will be produced again to-night, and as it is in every respect an interesting one, there should be a largo attendance. ' SPUING BLOSSOM TEA-