"ROB ROY" IN HAMILTON.

Waikato Argus, Volume V, Issue 344, 22 September 1898, Page 2

"ROB ROY" IN HAMILTON.

The Hamilton Amateur Dramatic Company produced Isaac Pocock's operatic drama " Rob Roy Macyregor" or "Auld Lang Syne," in the Volunteer Hail, Hamilton, ou Tuesday evening. Every available seat in the building was occupied and the audience appeared to thoroughly enjoy the entertainment, that is if one is to judge by the frequent outbursts of applause and laughter which greeted the performers, from the rising of the curtain to the close. The various parts were taken as follows :—Sir Frederick Vernon, Mr T. A. Chappell ; Rashleiyh Oshuldistone, Mr G. Parr ; Francis Osbaldistone, Mr J. Primrose; Mr Owen, Mr W. Dean ; Captain Thornton, Mr W. H. Hume ; Major Galbraith, Mr Thos. Slade ; Rob Roy Macgregor Campbell, Dr. Kenny ; Sergeant, Mr W. Dey, junr. ; Bailie Nicol Jarvis, Mr J. Kcid ; Mac Stuart, Mr Donald Blair ; Dougai, Mr A. T. Reid ; Jobson, Mr C. Innes ; Saunders Wylie, Mr C. Speitiht ; Andrew Fairservice, Mr A. Gideapie ; Wilie, Mr F. Henderson ; Hamish and Robert, sons of Rob Koy, Masters W. Coombes and F. Reid ; Diana Vernon, Miss Scorgie ; Martha, Miss J. Reid ; Jean McAlpiue, Mrs J. W. Bright; Mattie, Miss N. Reid ; Helen Maegregor, Miss Alice Coombes ; Highlanders soldiers. Capt. Reed was, as usual, all at home as the Bailie, and he looked the part to perfection. The character of Dougai was splendidly taken by Mr A. Reid, who made quite a reputation for himself. In the title role" Dr. Kenny found a most congenial Dart, and he deserves unstinted praise for the manner in which he sustained such a heavy and trying pourtrayal. Miss Scorgie made a charming Diana, and acquitted herself most creditably throughout. This yoiiiiu lady possesses a pleasing voice, and her vocal items were most enthusiastically received. Miss N. Reed acted Matio's part exceedingly well, and her singing was fully appreciated. As the partner of Rob's joys and sorrows, Miss Alice Coombes gained no end of kudos, playing with a force and spirit that is seldom seen in an amateur. Mr W. Hume nude a dashing young captain, and displayed considerable histrionic ability, and the part of Jean McAlpine, the buxom hostess of the Thistle and Bagpipes, suited Mrs Bright admirably. Messrs J. Primrose and G. Parr, as Francis and Rashleigh respectively, and MrT. Slade (Major Galbraith) also tieserve special mention, The'songs of the former were loudly applauded. No fault could be found with the manner iu which all the minor characters were taken, and the whole show reflected the greatest credit upon the performers, who have only had about six weeks to work it up. All the original songs were introduced, and pleasing incidental music was contributed by a number of the members of the Hamilton Orchestral Union The Scotch reel, danced to celebrate Rob's return, was a pleasing feature of the entertainment, and the vim with which the Bailie and Dougai took a hand in the came caused a great deal of amutement. The scenery was for the most part new and painted for the occasion, and it certainly added greatly to the effect. Every thing went off without the slightest hitch of any kind, which says a good deal considering the largeness of the undertaking, and we must congratulate Capt. Reid upon the success attained. We understand that the proceeds amount, to about £2O, and this is to be devoted to the enlargement ot the hall, which is without doubt a most necessary work. This evening the performance will be repeated at Cambridge, where we have no doubt a crowded house and an enthusiastic reception awaits the company.