Amateur Performances of “Rob Roy”, by the Freemasons of Glasgow, in Aid of the Benevolent Fund, at the Grand Theatre, May 1887.

An advertisement on page nine of The Glasgow Herald, on Wednesday the 4th of May, 1887, informed theatre-goers about the Freemasons of Glasgow’s amateur production of Rob Roy at the Grand Theatre, the managing director of which was Mr. Thomas W. Charles. “UNDER DISTINGUISHED PATRONAGE,” there were three performances, on Thursday the 5th, Friday the 6th, and Saturday the 7th of May. Tickets, which were the “USUAL PRICE,” were available from the city’s musicsellers, and Office-bearers of lodges. Seats could be booked at Messrs. Paterson, Sons & Co’s.

 

The show was reviewed on page six of the Herald, on Friday the sixth.

 

“MASONIC THEATRICAL ENTERTAINMENT.- After being closed for some time the Grand Theatre was opened last night under the auspices of the Freemasons of Glasgow, who, for the purpose of aiding the Benevolent Fund of that order, have made arrangements for several performances of the national drama, ‘Rob Roy.’ The piece is one which presents many difficulties even to skilled actors, but, notwithstanding, it was played entirely by amateurs, many of whom showed an acquaintance with its requirements which would have done no discredit to persons with more pretensions to a knowledge of the dramatic art. The house was filled with a sympathetic audience, and the entertainment, when the first act had been got over and the members of the company had thoroughly warmed to their work, went very well indeed. The rather exacting rôle of the famous chief was successfully taken by Mr Harry J. McDowall, a gentleman who looked the part to perfection. Bailie Nicol Jarvie was acted by Mr David Lamb,  whose rendering of the broad doric inseparable from the character called forth many recognitions from the audience during the evening. The performance of Mr George Muirhead as Dougal was also much appreciated. Mr D. D. Arawell gave a capital account of the part of Francis Osbaldistone, singing with much skill the solos which fell to his part. Mr R. Y. Fletcher played Rashleigh, and in the encounter with Francis in the old college garden exhibited a thorough appreciation of the situation. Mr Arthur T. Scott made an admirable Mr. Owen. Coming to the ladies of the cast, it must be said that the parts were well filled. Miss Bickerton made a very self-possessed Diana Vernon, and Miss Georgina Robertson acted with much power as Helen Macgregor. The representations were under the direction of Mr Walter Baynham.”