THE DOBSON-KENNEDY COMPANY

Waikato Times, Volume XXXIX, Issue 3161, 27 September 1892, Page 2

THE DOBSON-KENNEDY COMPANY

THE LANCASHIRE LASS. This company, which without doubt is one of the best that has visited Waikato for many years, cave an initial performance at Hamilton on Saturday evening. The piece chosen was H. J. Byron's sensational drama " The Lancashire Lass," and the manner iu which it was staged in the short time at the disposal of the company, they having only arrived by the afternoon train, goes far to show the completeness of the arrangements. Promptly at 8 o'clock tin curtain rosa to a very fair house and from that time until the closing scene the audience were kept fully interested. In our Saturday's issue wn gave the tirst portion of the plot. In continuation, when next we see Ned Clayton he is in c nnpany with " A party by the name of Johnson (who by-the-way supplies the funnv part), very much under the influence of liquor. After vainly endeavouring to get Johnson home he leaves hun sitting on the pier at and in the meantime Johnson is pushed over into the river by an old pal, now a millionaire, named Danville. Clayton returns for his chum but cannot find him, and just then the villain, Redburn, Ned's rival for the hand of Ruth Kirbv. turns up and having seen Johnson pushed into the wat'r accuses Clayton of the murder and has him arrested. Redburn then seeks out Ruth Kirby, and finding that she still cares for Clayton offers not to give evidence against, him if she will marry him. She rejects his dishonourable offer with scorn, but sets herself to work to get Clayton out of gaol. This she does by promising to marry his gaolor, an old man named Jellicks, who had been an ardent lover of hers in former days. Ned escapes and Jellicks not wishing to stand in his way he makes it up with Ruth who marries him. The lastact gj)«ns in the Australian horn# whither they have gone just as they are receiving letters from home in which the news is told of Danville's confession to the supposed murder of " A party by the name of Johnson." This makes Ned a free man again in the eyes of the world. He leaves his wife for a short time to attend to somo farm work when a poor wretch hunted by bushrangers seeks shelter which she cannot refuse. This of course turns out to be lledbnrn. Ruth telling him of the news about the murder he endeavours to obtain the letter when her husband returns. Seeing the odds against him outside Ned gives him his revolver to defend himself, but the wretch when he obtains the weapon h about to return thanks for the kindness by shooting Clayton, when a shot through the window puts an end to his existence. This shot turns out to be fired by "A party by the name of Johnson," who was not drowned but after a wonderful escapsi gets to Australia and just turns up in the nick uf time. Everything having now turned out satisfactorily the young connle live happily and prosperously on.

The title role "The Lancashire Lass," Ruth Kirby, was ably sustained by Miss Lily Hill, whose acting fairly curried the hnuse by stenn. The part was one which suited this lady and her refusal to marry Redburn to save her former lover was a splendid display of histrionic ability. Miss Violet Sheridan made a perfect heiress in the character of Fanny Danville, daughter of tbo millionaire, Gregory Danville, and although the part was a small one she made the most r.f it. Mrs Walter Hill, who was well known in former days to not a few of the aildienco, scored a success in the part of Kate Garston, and her intense love and then fierce hate for Clayton were amply illustrated.

The part of the hero, Ned Clayton, was filled by Mr Collet Dobson, and by his manly act'ons he at once became a favourite with the audience ami on several occasions was called betore the curtain with Miss Hill. The part of the villain, Robert Redburn, was one in which Mr F. Norton revelled, and his acting in the last scene was reallv splijidtd. As " A partv by the name of Johnson, and Constable Donovan, Mr J. .T. Kennedy supplied the comic e'em»nt and kept the house convulsed, his byplay being well timed and his sayings excruciatingly funny. Of the minor parts those of Snotty and Mr Jellicks filled by Messrs J. Kennedy and Ingleson respectively, were the best and these genlemen received no small share of the applause.

We cannot conclude our report without referring to the, magnificent, scenery which I is introduced in the piece. Every scene shows careful study to fit it to the circumstances of the part, but the most striking was that showing the pier at Kgreinont with moonlight effects which was really beautiful and when presented was received by the audience with great applause. In this, an in every other line, those who attend the performances of this company will be more than pleased. LITTLE LOUD FATNTLEKOY. We regret that tha Dobson-Kennedv Dramatic and Comedy Cimpany happened to select Saturday night and last night for their first appearances in Hamilton. We were, in consequence, unable to do justice to this really excellent Company by urging all lovers of really first-class acting not to miss the opportunity of being present. It is by far the best company that has vrtited Wnikato in our experience. Last night "Little Lorl Fauntleroy''was played to an exthusiastic and appreciative audience. Wo arn sorry that space will not allow us to go fully into the merits of tho characters sustained. W'e are, however, pl-'ased to announce that tho Company will appear in Hamilton again on Friday night in Hans, the Boatman. After the reputation tliey have now gained, we feel sure a bumper house will be accorded them.

The Uobson - Kennedy Company plaved " The.Shaughriun "at Xgaruawahiai.il Fridav last. The audience was of a crowded and enthusiastic character. The Company will return on Wednesday evening and play "Hans-, the Loahiian," when, m eonserjuonee of the very enjivahle evening spent on Friday, a large audience will certainly await them. The Company will appear at Cambridge to-night and Thursday, in "The Rhaughrnun" and '■ Little Lord Fauntlerov," lCspsctively.