WALTER BENTLEY SEASON.

Waikato Times, Volume XLIII, Issue 3501, 1 December 1894, Page 9

WALTER BENTLEY SEASON.

HAMLET. Lovers of the drama iu Hamilton had a rare intellectual treat offered to them last night in the Volunteer Hall, when Mr Walter Bentley and the talented company supporting him, produced Shakespeare's play " Hamlet," in a highly satisfactory manner. The central figure, the Prince of Denmark, was acted by Mr Bentley in a faultless manner; indeed, itisa well-known fact that he has won for himself the honourable distinction of being considered one of the Hamlets of our time, and though the sinallnep.s of the stage and the absence of some of the accessories only possible in large theatres, no. doubt detracted a little from last night's representation, still the auditors were held spell bound by the undoubted genius of the player, and it was at once evident to all that tho position occupied by the stage as an educator and elevator of the people would be assured were we only to be treated to such performances as those Mr Bentley put before the public. The varying moods of Hamlet were portrayed with a master hand, with deep intensity, his love for his dead father, and his contempt for him who had usurped his place, his love for his mother, and his anguish for her conduct, his hatred for the two spies who are set to watch him, were all faithfully and graphically brought out, and from his entrance until his tragic death brought a most remarkable performances to a close. No single effort was wanting on his part to place before his auditors a clear interpretation and a consistent rendering of a most complex character. If it were '• possible to praise one part of his impersonation more' than another we mightsingle out for special mention the awe-stricken tones in which he addressed the Ghost of his late father, his soliloquy on deathrhfthe .beginning of the third act and his pathetic death,'all of the performance* however making a deep im* pratsion on those who were present. The Company one and all supported to the best of their ability their respected chief and as the cast was a long and excellent one, space will only permit us to say that in all. details 1 they gave a decidedly capable exposition of their resDectivo characters and shared with Mr Bentley in the success of the evening, though naturally only in a minor degree. It is to bejioped, that, we rruy be so favoured as>to y fee 'again by first class companies they do' come that the people, willa'hly! recognise the fact and houses. To»niehtfßhould seethe Volunteer Hall packed to thecioors,when it is intended to produce'that greatest of all modern 1 ; dramas " The Silver King." • ' v;; -

~ ~,.., J!P. 1af1G...^,. • - ' Playgoers will be elad to learn that Mr Bentley hii3 consented to produce that beautiful play, "The Silver King,"-at Hamilton; to-night.; and '■it;'ernes, without; saying'that the; Volunteer HVll will be packed to the doors to witness this, which is without doubt .the play ofrthe century. In ''The Silver King" Mr Bentley 'is specially suited, haying played the part in London, all over America, and throughout Australasia.., Messrs .Williamson and,MmBr/>ye,/at; the/production °f ■--The3Silver King" at the PrincessTheatre;/in.,Melbourne, 'were so delighted with Mr Bentley's perfiirmance 'of Wilfred Denver that they presented him with an ebony silver : mounted stick, which Mr Bentley now uses in the part. The scenery for this production hiis been specially brought from Auckland, arid is very beautiful,-' and all the parts are played by artists specially suited, so,an' enjoyable perforniance'may be safely ariti-' cipated. The visits of artists, of Mr Bentley's calibre are few and : far 1 between, and it is our duty to loyally support such a great artist when he'favours us by appearing in our midst. . , ~

CEUROH AND STAGE. ~.....-, Mr Bentley proposes to lecture on Sunday night on the subject or tho" Church and Stage," and we hope he will not abandon the idea, as his powers as an orator have been favourably commented on wherever he has, lectured, and as the subject is a very interesting'one, and one in which Mr Bentley's vast experience stands him in good stead, all who desire, information on this important question should attend, The lecture is interspersed with humorous anecdotes and selections from Shakespeare and other authors. In order notito conflict with the religious services Mr Bentley's lecture does not take place till eight o'clock. Sir Robert Stout says:—l have much pleasure in stating that I was chairman at Mr Walter Bentley's lecture on " Church and the Stage,' delivered in this city. I was much pleased with the lecture. Mr Bentley's dramatic power is well kn iwn, but I was agreeably surprised at his great ability as a lecturer. Fe kept his audience interested to the last and they followed him from grave to lively; at one tima roars of laughter greeted his utterances, at another they were melted to tears by his pathetic recitals. The influence on his audience is after all the test of the ability of the lecturer and not one of the large audience left the Opera House but felt that they had been highly entertained. The lecturer clear and logical throughout and the stories ar.d illustrations were woven in appro-* nriately to prove the thesis of the lecturer. I feel sure that as a lecturer Mr Bantly has a brilliant career befnro him.,'