BENEFIT PERFORMANCE.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 10620, 16 March 1896, Page 3

BENEFIT PERFORMANCE.

A complimentary benefit was tendered to Mr J. Manville at the City Hall on Sntufday, when the leading members of the Roscius Dramatio Club, with the assistance of others, produced Byron's comedy "Old Soldiera." The clitb is apparently making good headway in its study of dramatic works. Moreover, Rood judgment is always exhibited iv the selection of the playß in which the members appear before the public. In this instance Byron's comedy was a distinctly happy choice, and although the production wbs by no means Without blemishes. On the Whole it was distinctly ni»ritoliouH. Most of the performers had evidently by diligent study arrived at an accurate eatimate.of tho respective charaotera, and their efforts iv giving expression to their conceptions were attended with a more or less degree of success. Mr Manville, as Ciisßidy, the Irish valet, acted with conßiftency throughout. Mr E. A. Joel's rßpresentotisn of Captain M'TiiVlsli was one of the beat features of trie performance. Mr Alfred Burton did f*ir justice to the part of Lionel Leverett, Mr W> J. Fitzpattick's Gordon Lockhart was by no means an unprnicewovtlij' performance. Mr Brandon Orenur acted with skill as Major J?ang, while Mr 11. Carter did what little he had to do satisfactorily. Miss Lillian Cheater's acting sb Mrs Major Moss was characterised by grace and spdntarieiiy, but Miss J. Burns and Miss llatheson as Kate M'Tavish nnd Mary Moss respectively were somewhat ". amateurish." However, better things from these ladies may be looked forward to this evening, when the play Will be repeated. An additional attraction is announced in tbe shape of a comedietta, ill Which Mws Annie Wyhiafd will take patt.