The Cogrove Company at the Opera House.

Wanganui Herald, Volume XXXV, Issue 10497, 19 November 1901, Page 2

The Cogrove Company at the Opera House.

The management of the above organisation, in commencing their Wanganui season at the Opera House last evening, decided to stage "Dr Bill" (played here on two previous occasions) in preference to others in their repertoire altogther new to local audiences. ( This course was considered advisable ' so that the theatre-loving public should be enabled to gauge the strength individually and collectively of the Company, and judging by the applause which so consistently and generously accentuated the sparkling action of the comedy, one and- all succeeded in - demonstrating their claims to popularity and practical support. Mr John _■ Cosgrove's delineation of Mr Firman, stood out in very bold relief, emphasising the good opinions so often expressed as to his histrionic skill and mirth-making proclivities, and he was ably seconded in his efforts by Miss Clara Burton, as his better half. Mr Basil Standing was somewhat weak as the impressionable "Dr Bill," whose foibles with I 'the fair sex are supposed to- be so distinctly characteristic, but he was seen to advantage in the scenes with the flightly, hoity-toity Mrs ton, admirably played by Miss Cecel Hughes. Other characters in the cast were taken by Mr R. Allen as Mr Hor- ~ ton, Mr F. Becker as George Webster, Mr F. Rowe as Baggs, Mr J. Hyland as the policeman, Miss Gladys Desmond as Jennie, Miss Kitty Owen'as Ellen, utiss Gertrude Millar as Mrs Brown, and Miss Queenie Cross as Nellie'Fauntleroy.. These do not need special mention, excepting that they assisted in the due working out of the many effective scenes and situations, thereby contributing to the success attained. The piece was well put on, swith all necessary accessories, and the stage management was excellent.