The Dorset County Express and Agricultural Gazette.
Dorchester, Dorset, England, 1882-12-19 00:00:00

GRAND AMATEUR DRAMATIC PERFORMANCE.

Probably the most successful attempt by local
amateurs was that of Tues lay evening last, at the
Drill Hall, when two splendid pieces were performed
before a numerous and select audience. The
Orchestral Society having a debt on It. beads, the
amateurs of the town were asked to gives performance
with • view to clear it off, and they acceded to that
lorioest with every grace. The pieces *elected were
The Dead Shot, 'anovel and stir:log price by J. B.
Bockstone, Eon., originally performed at the" Royal
Adelphi." The second piece placed on the boards was
the most mirthful and laughable production of E. L.
Blanchard, Req.—entitled "The Artful Dodge." The
latter selection was once a great favourite with the
habitues of the" Royal Olympic."
The elite of the nelghb nirhood patronised the
reserved chairs, which were, with but few exceptions,
The following was the cage for the
DEM) SHOT.

Captain Cannon Mr. O. Thorne.
Mr. Hector Timid Mr. B. Ebdon.
Mr. Wiseman Mr. S. Brooks.
Frederick Tkonsten Mr. A. C. Meech.
Willem' Mr. A. E. Evens.
Police Officers... Megan% A. E. Evans and J. Fraser.
LoulsalLovetrick (Nino, to Capt Cannon Imum sio
VW i.
—ln love with Frederick)
Chatter (her Maid) Miss A. Knight.
Emily is desperately in love with Frederick, but her
uocie (Captain Cannon) is determined that of Mr.
Hector Timid and Mr. Wiseman, she shall make •
selection with a view to eecuriur for herself a
husband ; • successful plot with Chatter (her
maid) is fruitful in reducing Timid to • degree
of madness and desperation by reason of the violent
temper she assumes, and Wiseman Is equally die.
gusted with his interview, as he, poor fellow, finds his
" love" does not at all accord with his ideas di delicacy
refinement The upshot is that both Timid and
Wiseman refuse to press their suit, and Captain
Cannon becomes infuriated he insists on an explana-
tion, and is so confused by the statements made by
these gentlemen anent the strange conduct of hie niece
that he insists on their fighting • duel. Suddenly.
Thornton, who has has been in ambush appears on the
/scene and agrees to fight No, h Timid and Wiseman. The
duel is fought and poor Timid is horror-stria when
he finds he has mortally wounded Thornton the rivaL
He appears bleeding from his death.wound, but, hay.
lag in this state secured the uncle's consent to marry
his niece for the consolation of his last momenta, he
suddenly wipes the blood from his forehead, and
explains that the pistols were loaded with a red liquid
in lieu of balls. l'he rival lovers are thunder-struck,
and Thornton is elated with his MAWS in carrying off
his bride sad her dowry.
As Captain Cannon, Mr. Thorns sustained the
character admirably, and elicited much laughter and
applause by his delineation of the anxious and over.
zealous guardian. Mr. S. Brooks, an excellent
amateur, took the part of Wiseman to perfection. The
part was difficult to sustain, but he came out of the
piece with his usual laurels, and the applause he ever
succeeds In eliciting. Mr. A. C. Meech is new t the
" local boards," bat with perseverance he promises t
take his plane with his brother aspirants; the character
was • light one, but creditably sustained. Mr. Evans,
as Williams, had an easy task, combined with that of
police officer, but the reit was well carried through.
Miss Weeks, as Louisa Lovetrick, and Miss Knight,
as Chatter, were both excellent representations, but
it was generally acknowledged that had the ladles
changed places, the piece would have proved even
more successful; however, as it stood, both ladies did
their best, and were each successful is gaining much
applause. Mies Weeks Is well-known to us, and her
characteristic acting is always appreciated; the suns
I, to be said of His' s Knight, whose easy grace and
refined manner never (ails to win for her loud
plaudits.
After an interval, during which sweet music was
discoursed by the Orchestral Society, under the con-
ductorship of Mr. W. Stone, organist of St. John's,
Weymouth, the second piece of the evening was placed
on the boards. The following was the caste for—

THI AirrroL Dom&

The most mirthful productiou of & L Blanchard,' Esq.

cluiwriss :

Mr. Gragory_Orudge'... .7.. • ... Mr. K Rbdon.
Timothens Trundle ... ...Mr. S. Brook..
Tom Toddle ... Mr. A. C. Meech.
The Hon. Frederick Flainwell Fitz Fudge
Mr. J. B. White.
Demosthenes Dodge, F.ori. ... ...Mr. G. Thorne.
Nudes
110 e kstectivee, hirers. A. E. Evans, J. Fraser.
EMiTY lton •.. Miss A. Knight.
Susan Smudge Miss Weeks.
The plot of "Artful Dodge" is well-known to our
readers, as the piece has been on the board. previously, '
suffice it to say that the selection is one in every way
adapted to am dears, and can never fail to prove
successful. Mr. Brooks, as Trimble, exhibited to
advantage the whim. and characteristic inquisitiveness
of footmen in general, and he MN, perhaps, even mon
suocerful In this than in the former piece. Wo have
several times previou-lv had occasion to chronicle
histrionic ability of Mr. Brooks, hat we can never
remember the time when he an well, err{
easily, won his applause 11,1 that gained for Trun•lle on
Tuesday. As Tom Toddle. Mr. Meech slid well, and
the parte of Nudge and Budge were delineated by
Messrs Evans and Fraser to ',selection. Mr. Thorne,
who has previously apper d in the rote of DoiNe,
came out with more sparkling humour than ever, and
this time Mr. J. B. White vastly Improved on his
Hon. Fitz Fudge. As Emily Wilton, Mir Knight
was in her Oboe, and her correct acting waa marked by
that ease and winnine manner which is so rarely
noted In amateurs. Mir Week. as smab e shone
brilliantly, and she warmly deserved the unfeigned
applause which greete I her attempts from time to
time.
The majority of tho costume were, so nsual, Veo.
vide' from the wardrobe of Mr. W. E. P. Jeffery,
dramatic agent, Itc., Weymouth, awl it (shut fair to
state that to Mr. .7.-ffery'a careful selection the
pieces went so smartly cc thee lid.
The Orchestral Society performed some fine instru-
ment d selections (trim: the evening, comprising the
allowing :—Violins. Messrs. It. Stone, H. Patton, F.
St .ne, and Masten 11, F,wens ant L. Bonfield; viola.
Mr. S. Champ; cello, Mr. J. Spencer ; ham..,
Mr. W. Warren; flute, Mr. W. Path; clarbarttes.
Messrs. T. Thorne and T. Matthew.; cornet, Mr. A.
Champ ; trombone, Mr. W. Newberry; conductor,
Mr. W. Stone.
acted art stage manager, and to him the thanks Dka*RolVall
are due fort.Msthei°rmWirehtttsf
ha: the
A Company,
lnableaasistance be so
ably afforded.
Early in the New Year some new pieces will be
placed on the " Bridport boards," and it la trusted the
public will appreciate in like manner another display
of local talent.