OPERA HOUSE.

Wanganui Chronicle, 28 December 1901, Page 2

OPERA HOUSE.

+ : KING'S EVIDENCE."

There was another good audience at the Opera House last evening, when Mr. Harry Bryants clever company put on as the second bill of the season 'Blanchard's sensational drama, "King's Evidence.'" The piece .is familiar, an old favourite with tihlose who appreciate the emotional. There is, too, a big dash of comedy to help the .sombre setting-, and taken all in all the drama presents a widely popular ytage picture. The story, as is well known, is built on orthodox, lines, and points the moral of virtue triumphant over vice. "King's Evidence" was excellentyl staged, the cast being well ualanced, and the-scen-ery and dressing appropriate. The great lock scene was put on with creditable completeness, and formed an admirable setting- for an .exciting1 scene. Miss Olive Siseley, as Kate Medlaad, the wronged and injured wife, presented an artistic conception of the part, and won. the sympathy of the audience. The captivating role of Ada Sontei's was ably sustained by Miss Lily Melrose, and Miss Foky gave a proiwteing rendering of Laura Sydney. Mr. E; B. Russell supplied the comedy element. He made a capital Isaacs, the irrespressible Jew with a "iheye like a heagle." Upon Isaacs a great deal of the success of the play depends, Mr. Russell was undoubtedly the right man in the right place. Time after time his witticisms provoked roars of hearty laughter, and his very appearance was enthusiastically greeted, especially by the "gods." Mr. C. Corlesse scored a, success as Sir Frederick Sydney, a typical old Englisn squire. Mr. Charles Archer, as the villain Matthew Thornton, earned for himself a storm of hisses, tlhe highest/ compliment capable of bestowal upon a successful stage villain. As uilbert Medland, the wrongly accused husband oil Kate, Mr. A. J. Byrne had a difficult task to perform, but ho rose to thai occasion, and gave a finished pourtrayal ofthe character. The other characters were well east, ajid the piece went with uninterrupted smoothness from beginning to end. 10-night the company will produce the ever-popular farcical comedy, " "THE PRIVA.~ SECRETARY." T.ble comedy is admittedly one of the iuniiiost of all laughter-makers, and iti* certilinly one of the best in the company's repertoire^ A good hearty laugh, the best of all tonics, awaits all who this evening renews the acquaintance of "The Private Secretary." ' > ■• r