KING'S THEATRE.

New Zealand Illustrated Sporting & Dramatic Review, Issue 1411, 10 May 1917, Page 32

KING'S THEATRE.

“THE SILVER KING.” One has to go early to secure a seat at King’s Theatre on Saturday nights, and the procedure was the same when the new Brandon-Cremer Company took their places for the first time. In that most fascinating of dramas, “The Sfl ver King,” the company, led by Mr. Ronald Riley, made their initial appearance, and caught the favour of a critical audience by their skilful work in interpreting the play. The plot is well-known. Wilfred Denver, imagining that while drunk he committed a murder, endeavours to escape the law. The train on which he is travelling is wrecked, and when it is assumed in newspaper reports that he has perished in the disaster he decides to lose his identity, goes to America, strikes it rich and be-

comes known as “The Silver King.” 'The clearing of his name and the reunion with his wife and child follow after many exciting episodes. Mr. Ronald Riley, favourably- known to theatregoers for able characterisations with other organisations, gave an admirable study of the part of the “Silver King,” giving emotional value to the dramatic points’ and making his conception a commendable one. Mr. Frank Reis did some of his best work as the faithful old Jaikes, while another performance of outstanding merit was the “Spider” of Mr. Kenneth Carlisle. Miss Clarice Warner made a gentle Nellie Denver, acting with grace and naturalness. Miss Beatrice Esmond, familiar to New Zealand playgoers through former visits, brought experienced judgment to bear in her portrayal of the role of Olive Skinner, “Spider’s” wife, while the cringing Eliah Coombe had a distinctly clever counterpart in Mr. Fred Coape. Miss Mabel Gower revealed her talent in the small part of the maid, and little Mollie Cremer, as Cissie Denver, displayed unusual ability, speaking her lines with dainty inflection and a nice sense of value.

“MARGRET OF THE RED CROSS.” The second offering of the new Brandon-Cremer Dramatic Company is a four-act drama recently produced in Melbourne with remarkable success, entitled “Margret of the Red Cross.” It is an exceedingly well-constructed piece, with sensational incidents that compel the attention of the audience, and it is brightened by a conspicuous vein of comedy. The first production will take place at Saturday’s matinee, and it will comprise the biH-of-fare for the coming week.'