Amusements.

Southern Cross, Volume 5, Issue 23, 11 September 1897, Page 9

Amusements.

THE DEACON. On Tuesday and Wednesday evenings Horace 0. Dale’s comedy, entitled “ The Deacon,” was staged bv local amateurs in the Theatre Royal, for the benefit of the Railway Club, whose outlay for new boats had necessitated a special effort to augment the treasury. The fact th£,t the comedy had not before been produced here involved considerable responsibility on the part of the ladies and gentlemen cast for it, but in the pourtrayal bf the characters, under the able management of Mr T. J, Anthony, they succeeded very well indeed. No better evidence of this could be had than the frequent demonstrations of applause by the audience, and the hearty and prolonged laughter that rang through the building at the many droll situations unfolded. The patronage of the public was very satisfactory, especially on the second night, and would have been still better but for the unfavourable weather. The plot, which is very simple and serves for the introduction of a great deal of fun, hangs on the effort of the villain of the piece, George Darrah, to hide his real identity while he dupes btherS to whom he is unknown. Having married for mercenary motives he deserts his wife, a daughter of “ The Deacon,” when she becomes disinherited through marrying him. He later, under an assumed name, becomes engaged to a niece of “ The Deacon,” who himself is deeply in love with Amelia, bis sister-in-law. In the las| act the marriage ceremonyis stopped by the appearance of Darrah’s wife and child, and he is also proved to be the robber of certain diamonds from the house of Mrs Thornton, the mother of his intended bride. The game is now up, and Darrah is taken to gaol, and a nephew of Mrs Thornton, George Graef, who' was suspected of the robbery, is reinstated in the family, the Deacon receives his disinherited again and all ends happily by the Deacon /marrying Amelia while the parson is in the house. lt The Deacon” was ably represented by Mr T. J. Anthony, who was the central figure throughout, and scored a decided success. To this gentleman is in a large measure due the success attending the performances, which were worked up under his supervision. George Darrah, the villain, was impersonated by Mr W. Poole and, notwithstanding the difficulties of the role, he acted the polished scoundrel very well. Mr J. H. Porter ia to be complimented upon his representation of Mrs Thornton’s nephew. The black servant, Pete, a part taken by Mr E. R. God ward, could not have been in more capable hands, nor could that of Billy (Mr W. D. (Smith), whose get-up and childish ejaculations always excited roars of laughter. The subordinate parts were well taken. Among the ladies, all of whom had parts well suited to them, it would be difficult to discriminate. Mrs McLeod well maintained the dignity of Mrs Thornton ; Miss Ida Thomson as Helen looked charming in her wedding dress; Mrs E. R. Godward, who had a very difficult part to sustain,

acted the maiden sister in a very natural and pleasing manner. As Mrs Darrah, the deserted wife, Mrs C. Wood whs “well cast, and showed considerable dramatic power. Miss J. Burgoyne was quite at home as Daisy, the maid, and entered with great spirit into her part. Mention must not be forgotten of a little fellow of about four years, Master Wood, who played the part of Freddy, Mrs Darrah’s child. The making up of the characters received very favourable comment and reflected credit upon Mr Gr. Double. Capital music was supplied by an orchestra under the direction of Mr A. Ferguson. Towards the end of this month, we understand, the people of Winton will be given an opportunity of making the acquaintance of “ The Deacon.”