"Hamlet"

Wanganui Herald, Volume XXVI, Issue 8065, 14 December 1892, Page 2

"Hamlet"

Entering tbo Drill Hall last evening it was pleasurable to note that the capacious building was again crowded, this being the more noticeablo from tho tact that Shaksporian plays havo of lato been decried so much by thealricul raanagers.and therefore tho staging of " Hamlet" is still further ovidence of the popularity Mr Buntley onjovß amongst playgoers. It was generally known that Mr Bfntley had given years of deep study to tbe interpretation of the great drama, and particularly to tbe working out of tbe subtleties so intimately bound up in the role of the Princo of Denmark, whose peculiarly sensitive nature and highest aspirations had been warped and twisted out of joint owing to the foul orime perpetrated on a dearly-bved father. It was apparent from tbe very outset that Mr Bentloy had a thoroughly original conception of what is undoubtedly one of the most complex characters in all of Shakespeare's creations, and without entirely submerging hip identity, he gave an interpretation that was at once lucid and intensely interesting. There can be no doubt about the profound loaven of melancholy permeating Hamlet's nature— enlivened at times by flashes of caustic humour and thinly-veiled Biircasms biting to a degree, tho result of an irrepressible hatred of his uncle. The character was artistically portrayed through every varying scene and situation, and nothing more can be added but that it was in every sense of the word a thoroughly artistic triumph. Mr Bentley was most ably supported by the members of his capable company, the cast being as follows : —Ophelia, Miss Katherine Hardy ; the Queen, Miss Emma Bronton ; the King, Mr Brian England ; Horatio, Mr Harry Ilill ; Polonius, Mr Lachlan McGonan t Liertes, Mr H. R. Roborbs ; the Ghost, Mr C. Field ; Osric, Miss Lily Hegarty ; the First Gravedigger, Mr W. J. Olitherow. The costumes, mounting, snd accessories were uniformly good,und applause throughout was as generous as it was merited, the principals sharing with Mr Bentley the honours of several calls, while bouquets were numerous.