Entertainments.

Wairarapa Standard, Volume XIX, Issue 1900, 10 November 1886, Page 2

Entertainments.

“ Ten Nights in a Bar-Room ” wae the title of a temperance drama moat ably placed upon tbe Boards ou Monday night by tbe members of the Grey town Amateur Dramatic Company. To a stranger not accustomed to the faces of the performers, tbe characters, especially the principal ones, would give the impression that the oasts were sustained by professionals of no mean merit, and by the manner the difficult points were vividly and faithfully ponrtrayed it wae evident that the members had given their respective parts deep and careful study, and in this they must have been coached by au experienced hand. The stage was well prepared and at a most cosily expense, and tbe Town Hall will sorely be benefitted to tbe extent of nearly £IOO by (he enlargement and extra convenience of the stage. Although the Trust with a praiseworthy spirit found tbe material, the meeba. nioal members of tbe Company must have given some considerable time in carrying out the alteration. Some new scenery was also painted, and painted well, by an artist from the northern part of tbe Walrarapa, and all the stage properties from tbe “ Sickle and Sheaf,” public bouse to the gentleman's drawing room were as appropriate as the most appropriate lover of effect could desire. As to tbe several characters, the Company are to be congratulated iu having such good resources, as more suitable persons for tbe parts they played could not easily be procured. It would only be superfluous on our part to say that the role of Simon Switohel was undertaken by Mr E. A. Campbell, with the same ability and accuracy that has attended all hie successes as an amateur. As Simon Slade, tbe miller turned bonifaoe, Mr G. Phillips was in his proper sphere, and went through the several gradations of bis difficult part with great credit. As Joe Morgan, the inebriate, afterwards reformed and highly respectable, Mr - Joseph Baruard could not be beaten ; he appeared to lose bis own individual identity entirely, and many iu tbe hall was at a loss to conjecture as to who be was. Frank Slade tbe landlord’s son was well depicted in Mr J. Niool. Harvey Green, the heavy villain, of the piece, an at all times unthankful task] was well performed by Mr John Liang. Mr Romaiue tbe philanthropic gentleman tenrist with good advice and much experience, found a goon representative in Mr T. Keedwell. Willie Hammond found an excellent doplieate in Mr H. Walden, knd last, but not least, the lady characters were most charmingly and faithfully upheld by Miss Rosie Beaufort as Mrs Morgan, aud young lady amateurs as Mrs Slade and Mies Cartrigbt. A little prodigy for bet age was little Ethel Wood, as the darling child wko’s ffork * *! e . r supposed father’s redemption ; this little gin, for oue so young and nnexperienoed in tbe task of facing an audience, proved herself quite equal to the occasion, and the club have been singularly fortunate in spooring her assistance. She snug “ F ther come Home ” very sweetly. The piece should be repeated as soon as possible. The weather upon this, the first occasion, could not have been ( more wretchedly severe, the wind and rain being the very reverse of calm; the Grpytowo public deserve much commendation for attending ta pooh numben as toey did ; if thp I

amateurs repeat this nyt-uctiw exemplary drama the rcsuie.itsjn >l"' i- '■ will find that their time is well occupied J being preaent. George Smithson and Jama. Holiday * Amateur Dramatic Company of appeared before a Greytown andm night in the domestic drama * Glitters is Not Gold.” The company were greeted with a fair house, and the perlor bore out the testimony of the Master press that they were worthy of patronag . Miss Smithson was the star, and her acting was true to life. The other members, their several parts, acquitted themselves most creditably. The company will appear to* night, and we hope they will be well patro* niaed. This night’s programme will diner somewhat from that of last night's, but will be equally as enjoyable.