THE SAINT MAUR COMPANY.

Colonist, Volume XXXIII, Issue 5783, 22 April 1890, Page 3

THE SAINT MAUR COMPANY.

« JIM THE PENMAN."

Thebb was a large attendance at th Theatre Royal last night, on the ocaasiou of the first appearance in Nelson of Mr Harry Saint Maur, the oelebrated English aotor, and his clever company, the play presented boing Sir Charles Young's drama, " Jim the Penman." Of the play itself it would be difficult to epeak too highly ; it ia full of interest, the language and sentiments are good, while the occasional flashes of eatira are keen and were oerfcainly appreciated last night. Its presentation left nothing to be desired, and the whole company is to be complimented upon having given a sterling performance. Mr Harry Saint -Maur 'a, impersonation .of James Balaton, the, polished gentleman and el ever forger, waa a remarkable one ; the character waa entirely human without approach to scything unnatural or unreal. • Miss Florence Seymour, in the part of Mrs Balaton, had full scope for her gr*at abilities, | and in her most passionate scenes there was I no approach whatever to ranting, while an intensity of feeling waa depioted by this lady auoh as could only be pourfcrayed by a real artiste. Baron Hartfeld, the instigator Qf at least some of the crimes, was cleverly impersonated by Mr J. J. Kennedy. Mr Berkeley played the part of George Balaton, brother Of Agnes, in so bright and unstudied * manner as to merit the appreciation his skill balled forth. -Me Frank Gerald as 1 Louis Peroival, Mr Duff as Ijord Drelincourt, Mr Fred Cliff ord as Captain Bedwood, Mr Greville as Mr Netherly, M.P., Mr Hill aiDr Petty wisa, and Mr Moore as Mr Ghapstone, each gave a careful impersonation ef hiß character, and of the ladies Mies Eily Mayo was decidedly engaging as Agnes Balaton, while Miss Hetty Kennedy and Miss Georgie Smithson each filled her part satisfactorily. The last' scene, where Balaton baa died under ezoitt* ment, and whea -the curtains were drawn aside showing the guests at the wedding breakfast of his daughter, was very effective. This evening the romantic -and sensational drama " Barnes of New- York" will be performed for the first time in Nelson, and from the faot that the general verdict, last night appeared to be that the St Manr Company is the "most talented that has been seen iv Nelson, a crowded house may be looked for. The merits of the Company are undoubted, and a Becond. success may confidently be prediotad. The musical performances by Mr Oakey and Herr Zimmerman, the violinist, between the acts last night were much appreciated. , -