TAYLOR-CARRINGTON DRAMATIC COMPANY.

Colonist, Volume LII, Issue 12725, 22 February 1910, Page 2

TAYLOR-CARRINGTON DRAMATIC COMPANY.

The best tribute to the popularity of the Taylor-Carrington Dramatic Company was the packed audience which assembled at the Theatre Koyal last evening to witness the presentation of the new Australian drama, "Moondyne," for tlie first time in Nelson." The story is that of the an escaped convict bearing the name of tlie play, who was' transported from England to Australia for forgery, in one of the early convict ships. "Moondyne" leads the lire of an outlaw for some years after his escape, but eventually tires of the life and delivers himself up to the police in the hope of obtaining a free pardon in return for certaiii information regarding the whereabouts of the native gold mines, for which the Government Ms "offering a large reward. In doing so he falls into the hands of Sergeant Goulton, his worst enemy, who disbelieves Moondyne's story of the mines, and leads him to believe there will be no mercy for him. Moondyne, aided by two convicts, makes his escape, and by leading a life of respectability, rises to Tne position of Controller-General. While in this position he secures th. release of Alice Walmsley, his sweetheart, who was falsely impn&v..- i, and eventually, after many thrilling incidents, in which Moondyne's position, is assailed, and in wliich rie lives in fear of exposure, he marries the heroine, and all ends happily. As "Moondyne," Mr Charles Taylor gave a capital interpretation of the part of the gentlemanly outlaw, and when disguised as the Controller-General quite won the sympathy of those present by his dignified and kindly manner. The other male characters were well tilled, Mr C. Archer, as Isaac Goulton, a bullying sergeant of police, earning. the hearty disapprobation of the audience—which in tlus case was a decided compliment. Miss Ella Carrington, as "Sister Cecilia," was well cast, and sho was, as usual, most successful. The other female parts were well sustained. The scenery was.deserving of special mention, the convicts' camp in West Australia being a very fine setting.