AMUSEMENTS.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 13079, 15 September 1904, Page 8

AMUSEMENTS.

THE WOODS-WILLIAMSOX COMPANY.

The prospect of witnessing tho production of " Tho Christian" by the 'Woods-Williamson Dramatic Company attracted a large audience to llis llajesly's Theatre last evening. The version witnessed, and for which Miss Maud Williamson is responsible, differs in many respects from those previously given in Duncdin, and it wi:f bo sufficient to slate that Miss Williamson's version is a strong one, making up in a comparison in some respects what u will be deemed to lose in others. Unstinted admiration lias never been evoked by "Tho Christian" as a, drama, its subject being so exceedingly and essentially difficult, but tho play muso be certainly accorded tho credit of being poweriul aud fascinating. Last evening's 'production was in many respects an excellent one, certainly not lacking in power at times. The greatest difficulty in a play of "The Christian" class is to make it carry a conviction of sincerity, and in this Uie Woods-Williamson Company were at least as successful as those who have here made n similar essay before them. In the Version seen last evening tho leading character, John Storm, stands out remarkably well, and 111 its portrayal Mr Alfred Woods had u splendid opportunity of displaying his fine histrionic abilities, of which ho fully availed himself. His impersonation was thoughtful and vigorous throughout, and wa3 demonstratively appreciated »y the audience as thoroughly successful, notably so, perhaps, in tho eloquent declamatory passage at the close of the second act, where John btorm flings aside tho cloak of hypocrisy from the shoulders of Canon Wealthy and his fellows, and in terms of scathing outspokenness reveals their moral poverty, as in the well-known scene 111 Glory's room in the fourth act. Miss Jlaud "Williamson likewise achieved marked success as Glory (Juayle, -and played tho part artistically and cleverly, expressing well tho author's idea ot spontaneous virility and feminine complexity in tho character. Perhaps Miss Williamson was nowhere better in the part than as the merry island maiden of tho lirst act, but the acted very strongly in tho fourth act. The other characters in the long cast -Are very secondary after all, and require little attention. Mr J. A. Lambert wa-i fairly successful as the Hon. Francis Drake, and.the same remark applies to Mr J. C'. Bryant as Lord Robert Ore. Mr Douglas had few opportunities as Father Lamplugh, tho version of the play given being responsible for a loss in respect to the monastery scenes, but Mr H. Beaumont did good work as Canon Wealthy. Mr J. Martin as Parson Qua vie, ' a r.d Miss Carleon as Polly Lovo were also successful in their roles. Tho dramatisation was e'fectively staged, and iU production was followed with tho keenest interest and often emphatic approval. "The Christian" will bo repeated this overiing.

• ALHAMBIIA THEATRE. A packed downstairs house, with the circle utmost completely filled, greeted Fuller's Kutertainers at the Alhauibra Theatre last night. 'Hie attraction provided, the first nppearanco of tho Uesscms, two boy artists who have come here with'a big reputation, was 110 doubt responsible lor the sizo of the audience, whoso expectations of the capabilities of these youthful artists may lie safely said to liavo been fully realised. The feats by these Uessem boys are not Only new but are of a wonderfully daring nature. A feature of tho "turn " was the " double ladder act," in which tho elder boy, a lad of about 1G years,, carried 'his brother, a lad of about I't years, 'balanced on his head, to the top of t-lic ladder, and descended with him rung by rmlg' j»Jh'o same manner. The elder boy again'carrie? his c brother to the top of tho ladder balanced on oho hand. Other wonderful feats were; performed, and at tho conclusion of the"turn" the iads received quito an ovation, beiilg 1 'recalled on to the ttage several times, The." turn," from first to last, is one of exceptional merit, and is undoubtedly the best of its'kind, yet seen here. Another new artist to appear was Mr Harry Brown, who has a good baritone voico, and contributed two songs, tho first of which waa '"Iho monarch of tho storm." The Musical Johnstons were again woll received and heartily applauded for their xylophone playing, while Miss Dorothy Drew, Miss Barbara Kenton, the Treveua, Sisters, Mfea Eileen Capel, and the others were all vety good in their various items. There will ho another performance this evening, wlien tho same programme will be presented. :• i

OLYIIPi'V SItATIXG RINK. The Olympia Roller Skating Rink would appear to stilt increase, and the attendance daily is large. Prior to the opening of the rink Mr Webb notified to the Primate that he would bo pleased to assist the Duncdin Cathedral Fund by giving a benefit at the rink, and tho date has been fixed for the night of Thursday, September 20. On this occasion an amusing comedy, termed musical chairs, will take place, the nature of which can be readily imagined, and it should certainly not lack humour at the point when the band suddenly stops playing. A milejiandicap race for a silvpr cup and a pair ofskates also takes placo, and already quite a number of entries have been received for the event, which will be run in heats. Tho benefit is being hartily taken 'up, and should prove a great success. Mr Webb mentions that on all benefit occasions he has found it advisable and necessary to charge special admission prices.