“TRIAL BY JURY.”

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXI, Issue 32, 22 September 1911, Page 6

“TRIAL BY JURY.”

A GREAT SUCCESS,

Sincc the first production in 1878 oi Gilbert and Sullivan’s operetta, “Tria. by Jury,” up to the present time, no luck of interest has boon shown in this famous broach of promise case, and whether professionals or amateurs have undertaken to povirtray the various personages included in the proceedings, the “court rooms” have invariably been crowded with interested and appreciative spectators to listen to the pleading of counsel, the pathetic recitals of Angelina (plaintiff), the brazen effrontery of ltdwin (defendant), the concern of the bridesmaids, the stentorian commands of the usher for “Silence in the Court,” the boisterous interjections ol the jury, and finally—but. by no means the least interesting phase of the case —the sudden descent of the learned judge from- the Bench,- with fire in mis eye as well as in his heart, and announcing his intention of marrying the sweet Angelina himself. It was no doubt a ■ splendid way out of a serious difficulty, and if a surprise was sprung upon the plaintiff and other participants in the trial, as well as tha spectators, the act was nevertheless loudly' applauded on all hands, the eagerness with which Angelina accepted the situation being proof positive that she was only too glad to be iid of the other party—to wit, the faithless Edwin. . . ~iucn interest has centred in “Trial by Jury” for some time in Stratford, owing to tiie fact that it had been announced that the musical talent ol

the town would stage the operetta, and lust night the Town Hall was packed by the general public, who undoubtedly! took a. lively interest in the proceedings* and thus showed that thev were not a whit different to their fellows in other parts of the world when matters matrimonial were being discussed, in Court. It was an animated scene, the Court being presided over by Judge F. H. Wilkie, with a full jury, at the head of whom was Foreman F. Bird; the plaintiff (Mrs W. F. llonncll, in urii.lal array) was represented by counsel in the person of Mr E. AY. Lewis, but ,the defendant (Mr F. N. Dunlop) conducted his own case. The usher (Mr T. Wilson), the judges associate (Mr A. Barry), the bridesmaids (of whom Mrs. G. Bond occupied first place), the •‘man in blue” (Mr. A. Jones) and a number of lady friends of the bride completed the list of those actively concerned in the trial. . . To say that the individual participants in tlie operetta acquitted themselves in a manner that would have done credit to professionals is no exaggeration, and one and all deserve the very highest praise for the exceli >nf manner in which every detail was can Sod but. The stage. fittings represented a Court-room- —judge’s canopied seat, | jury box, witness stand, counsels’ table, etc., and wigs and gowns were amt wauling. Mrs Renne!l made an ideal plaintiff, and her case was pu£ before the jury in most forcible language by Mr. Lewis. The unfortunate defendant (Mr Dunlop), despised by all and sundry,nevertheless made a brilliant defence, and if his arguments failed to produce the desired effect, the manner of doing it' was highly appreciated. As usher, Mr 'l'. Wilson fvas in his element, and

gave ample j proof of his familiarity with comic opera. As . .foreman of the jury, Mr Bird was a pronounced success, arjd he was well Supported by the remainder of the good men and true. The Jridge (Mr’Wilkie) was the right man in the right place, and with the outburst' of approval that followed, was a fitting termination to one of the most successful; musical entertainments that has eve t been held in Stratford—not even excepting those given by professionals. 'The promoters have Teason to feel ‘proud that their efforts; were so thoroughly appreciated. pr. Carbery did good service as stage manager, while _Mr T. G. Grubb wielded the baton with credit to himself hind advantage to the performers. The members of the Stratford Orchestral Society, under the leadership of Mr C. H. Rogers, rendered the inspiriting music of the operetta in their usual capable manner, Miss Black being accompanist; but during the two, overtures played, Mrs C. Penn was "oiauist.

“A FRIGHTFUL FROST.” As a curtain-raiser to “Trial by Jury,” what was termed a screaming comedy, entitled “A Frightful Frost,” was staged, and the continuous laugher throughout the piece testifiexl that the audience was well pleased. Lieutenant Lampen, as “Mr Watmulf” was remarkably good, while ‘Mrs Watmuff (Miss E. Cameron), who may ho said to have made her debut on the stage in this line, really took everyone by surprise by her splendid acting. Her enunciation was all that could be desired, and ishe did not overdo her part. Mr G. Bond as “Ferdinand Swift,” Mr. H. Cameron as “Walter Sutherland,” and' Miss G. Stronach as “Mollie,” eaeli rendered a good account of themselves, and altogether they proved that Stratford possesses talent of no mean order. At ,thc conclusion of tiic evening’s entertainment a supper was held, at which- some very high compliments wore paid 'to those who had worked so hard to bring the undertaking to such a successful issue, the promoters especially coining in for well-merited commendation. The advisability of giving farther entertainments was briefly discussed, and it is likely that more will bo heard of last night’s perforators.