OPERA HOUSE.

New Zealand Illustrated Sporting & Dramatic Review, Volume XII, Issue 706, 17 September 1903, Page 18

OPERA HOUSE.

“ THE CHRISTIAN.” Miss Williamson’s dramatisation of Hall Caine's hectic novel seems to have hit the popular taste. The reason for this lies, no doubt, partly in the fact that the playwright has departed somewhat from the original mode], and has striven, not unsuccessfully, to make the hero more a man of flesh and blood with religious convictions, than an ascetic with a mania. In taking such liberties with an author there is always a danger of falling into inconsistency. John Storm, under the new conditions, is no more convincing than under the old, but he squares better with the commonly accepted idea of the hero of romance. He is still a considerable distance below the level of your true Nature’s gentleman, but, on the other hand, he has enough of the true Britisher in him to ensure that he will “stand no nonsense,” while his standing invitation to the world in general to tread on the tail of his coat suggests the presence of blood of another nation. With all its limitations, however, the part is splendidly ulayed by Mr Woods, and it is perhaps in no small measure due to the actor that the character has become so frankly heroic. In the passionate scenes he is exceptionally fine, especially in that where the climax of the drama is reached. Miss Williamson is a delightful Glory Quayle, and invests the impersonation with all

the vivacity and grace which we are now accustomed to expect from her. One likes her better in other plays, but her Glorv is a thoroughly satisfying performance. The other roles are ably sustained, in particular that of Canon Wealthy by Mr Boothman, Mr Brale by Mr Bucklev, and Lord Robert Ure by Mr Hassell. ’The female interest is not strong in the play, but the cast is admirable all through.. Last night the Company produced “A Woman's Sin.” The death is announced of the mother of Robert Brough, the famous comedian. The deceased.lady, whose stage name was ••Miss Romer,” will be remembered as a prominent member of the Brough Company in years gone by. She had be?n in bad health for some time, and was on her way Home, accompanied by her daughter, Miss Brenda Gibson, when sue died at sea, two days’ out from Colombo.