"TRIAL BY JURY."

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXI, Issue 31, 21 September 1911, Page 6

"TRIAL BY JURY."

A GREAT SUCCESS. Since the first production in IS/S of Gilbert and Sullivan’s operetta, rial by .jury,” up to the present time, r--> lade of interest (me been shown in this iV.mons breach of promise ease, and whether professionals or amateurs have undertaken to pourciay the various parsonages included in the proceedings, the “coni c rooms” have invariably been crowded witii interested and appreciative spectators to listen to the pleading of counsel, the pathetic; recitals of Angelina (plaintiff), tiro hraacn effrontery of Edam (defendant), the concern ot the bridesmaids, tlie stentorian connnancls of the usher for “Silence in the (hunt,” the boisterous interjections oi tfio jury, and finally—but by no means the least interesting phase of toe cane ... iue sudden, descent of the learned judge from the Bench, witii lue in ms eyo as well as in Ids ncart, aid

announcing Jiis intention ! >l r,1:l * ! . VII: K U:o s.veet Angelina himself. ft w its no doubt a' splendid way nut cl a serious diiriculty, and if a surprise was sprung upon too plahybih and othci participants in t-Sio trials ao_ v.vl. an d ie Gonecatoi's, tac act was never elicits loudly apphmded on all hands, fcho eagerness with which Angelina accepted the situation being proof pnmti\ o that she was only too glad to lie lid of the other party —to wit, the faithless Edwin. . .•iUC.'fi iiitoresr. has centred in liinl j>y Jury"' for some time in rati ora, owing to the luct timt ic lis.d hooii aanouncod that the musical talent ox the town would stage the operetta, and last night the Town Hall was picked by the general public, who undoubtedly took a lively interest in the proceedings, and thus showed that they were not a whit different to then fellows in other parts of tho world when matters matrimonial were being discussed in Court. lb was an animated scene, the Court being presided over by Judge I*, aWilkie, with a full jury, at the head of whom was h ore man I‘. bird; the plaintiff (Mrs W. E. llonnell, ui bridal array) was represented liy eounse in the parson of Mr E- W. Lewis, but the defendant (Mr F. N. Dunlop) conducted his own case. 'lhe usher (Mi T. Wilson), toe judges associate (Mr '■ Barrv), the bridesmaids (of whom Mrs G. Bond occupied first place), the ■‘man in blue” (Mr. A. Jones) and u number of lady ineeds of the hi iuo completed tiie list of those actively

concerned iu the trial. . , To say that the individual participants in' tins operetta admitted themselves ill a manner that would lia\e done credit to professionals is, no exaggeration, and one and all de.sei \ e tin’ very highest praise for tl'.o excellent manner in which every detail was carried out. • The stage liftings represented a Court-room—judge's canopied seat, jury box, witness stand, counsels’ table, etc., and wigs and crowns were not' wanting. wins Ronucll made an ideal plaintiff, and her case was put before the jury in most forcible language by Mr. Lewis. Ihc unfortunate defendant (Mr Dunlop), despised by all and sundry,nevertheless made a brilliant defence, aud if lusaiguments failed to produce the dosii'd effect, the manner of doing it was highly appreciated. _ As usher, Mr T. Wilson was iu his clement, and gave ample proof of his familiarity* with comic opera. As foreman ot fcho jury, air 'Gird was a pronounced success, and lie was well supported by the remainder of the good men and true. The Judge (Mr Wilkie) was the right man in the right place, and his filial descent from,: his throne to claim the hand ot the bride, together with the outburst _of approval that followed, was a fitting termination to one of the most, successful musical entertainments that, has ever boon Isold in Stratford—not even excepting those given by professionals. The promoters have reason to feel proud that their efforts were so thoroughly appreciated. Dr. Carbery did good service as stage manager, while Mr T. (!. Grubb wielded the baton with credit to himself and advantage to the performers. Tim members of the Stratford Orchestral Society, under the leadership of Mr C. H. 110 gers, rendered the in-

iting music of the operetta in tlioir usual capable maimer. Miss Black being accompanist; but (luring the two overtures played, Mrs C. Penn was pianist. “A FRIGHTFUL FROST.” As a curtain-raiser to “Trial by Jury,” what was termed a screaming comedy, entitled “AM-rightful Frost,” was staged, and the continuous laugher throughout the piece testifies! that the audience was well pleased. Lieutenant Lumpen, as “Mr WatmulF” was rernarkaldy good, while ‘Airs Watmntf (Miss'E. Cameron), who may !:o said to luive made her debut on the stage in this lino, really took everyone by surprise by her splendid acting. Her enunciation was all that could he desired, and she did not overdo her part. Mr Cl. Bond as “Ferdinand’ Swift,” Mr. IT. Cameron as “Walter Sutherland,” and Miss (I. Strounch as “Mollic,” each rendered a good account of themselves, and altogether they proved that Stratford possesses talent of no mean order. At the conclusion of the evening’s entertainment a supper was held, at which some very high compliments were paid to those who had worked so hard to bring the undertaking to such a successful issue, the promoters especially coming in for well-merited commendation. The advisability oi giving further entertainments was brieily discussed, and it is likely that more will lie hoard of last night’s performers.