North Lincolnshire Regiment of Foot

The North Lincolnshire Regiment of Foot was a British regiment stationed in the Cape Colony in the 1860s.

Also known by its full title of the Second Battalion of the Tenth of North Lincolnshire Regiment of Foot.

The regiment

The regiment evolved form the Royal Lincolnshire Regiment founded on 20 June 1685 and in 1751 named the 10th (North Lincoln) Regiment of Foot, eventually becoming the Lincolnshire Regiment in 1881.

It was deployed in South Africa from 1859 till

For more on the history and campaigns fought by the regiment, see the Royal Lincolnshire Regiment in Wikipedia[1]

Arrival and deployment in southern Africa

The first division of the 7, 8 and 9 companies with a portion of No 5 Company of the Second Battalion of the Tenth of North Lincolnshire Regiment of Foot left their camp at Curragh-Camp for duty on the Eastern Cape Frontier on December 8, 1859.

“The Head Quarters of the Regiment, under command of Colonel Fenwick, C. B. had sailed from Queenstown on the 12th January, in H. M. S. Urgent, and after an exceedingly calm and not unpleasant voyage, though the vessel was uncomfortably crowded, they bade farewell to the gallant ship and her agreeable officers at Algoa Bay on the 16th March.

“The left wing, under Lieut. Colonel Byrne, had sailed from Kingstown, in H. M. S. Vulcan, on the 11th of December, 1859, and reached their destination some three weeks before the arrival of the Head Quarters.

“The Head Quarters arrived at Grahamstown, - the Military Head Quarters of the Colony, - on the 30th March, and we were, within a few weeks, called upon to furnish nine detachments which scattered up pretty well over the face of the country: however a change has recently come over the arrangements, and the Second-Tenth can once more muster in respectable numbers at Head Quarters.”

On January 11, 1860, the remainder of the regiment consisting of the Colours, the Band and Drums, Nos 1, 2, 3, 6 and 10 Companies embarked onto H. M. S. Urgent at Hawlbowline bound for the Cape. On February 21, H. M. S. Vulcan anchored in Algoa Bay and four days later Captain Coryton, two sergeants, one drummer and 47 rank and file left Port Elizabeth for Grahamstown where they arrived on March 3, 1860.

On March 10, 1860, H. M. S. Urgent anchored in Algoa Bay. Three days later they left for Grahamstown and arrived at their destination on March 18, 1860.

By the beginning of May, men had been posted from Grahamstown to Fort Brown, Fort Jackson, Fort Peddie, Koonap, Trompetters, Tamacha, East London, and Line Drift.

Contribution to South African theatre, film, media and performance

Apart from the Officers (also sometimes referred to as the Officers of the Regiment) and the Serjeants (sic) (also referred to as the Serjeants of the Regiment, Serjeants' Dramatic Club, Sergeants of the Regiment or the Sergeants' Dramatic Club) who provided the troops with theatrical entertainment, the regiment also had a drama club known as the Amateurs of the Band (also found as the Band Amateurs or the Band of Amateurs).

Availability of scripts for Regimental productions

In the 1840s Thomas Hailes Lacy started the publication of Lacy's Acting Edition of Plays at his Covent Garden printing house. Many London theatrical scripts were reproduced in the various volumes and in some cases as many as 15 plays by a wide selection of playwrights were reproduced. Unfortunately, these volumes are undated so it is not possible to ascertain how many had been published by the time the North Lincolnshire Regiment of Foot left for the Cape Colony's Eastern Frontier in 1860 but these volumes were apparently all published on a year-to-year basis. The Port Elizabeth Public Library has a collection of approximately 80 volumes but the Birmingham Central Reference Library has a complete run. They are in the process of digitising the complete set in order to make them all available as e-texts.

In the mid-1800s, Samuel French began publishing French’s American Drama in New York and these volumes soon became the largest distributor of dramatic prose in the US. French acquired Thomas Hailes Lacy's company in the 1880s and expanded his business on both sides of the Atlantic. This would have been too late for his books to have been available during the North Lincolnshire Regiment of Foot's period of service in South Africa.

Actors

Captain G. C. Bartholomew, Captain G. E. Bulger, Captain H. Henderson, Captain W. C. O'Shaughnessy, Captain H. R. Vigors, Captain J. E. Whaite, Lieutenant J. Craig, Lieutenant R. Annealy, Lieutenant C. A. Armstrong, Lieutenant C. P. Fitzgibbon, Lieutenant C. H. Newbatt, Lieutenant H. T. Snooke, Sergeant-Major T. H. Smith, Drum Major A. Craig, Colour-Sergeant F. Edwards, Color-Sergeant G. R. Hungerford, Color Sergeant B. Martins, Color Sergeant W. Shaw, Sergeant H. Charlesworth, Sergeant J. Chester, Sergeant T. Coughlin, Sergeant H. Davies, Sergeant P. Fox, Sergeant J. Hanrahan, Sergeant J. Lydon, Sergeant M. Lyons, Sergeant T. Murnane, Sergeant J. Murray, Sergeant Parrock, Sergeant J. Quinn, Sergeant J. Roberts, Corporal G. Brown, Corporal J. Davies, Sergeant G. Gill, Corporal (Sergeant) T. M'Kay, Lance Corporal (Corporal) J. Grimley, Corporal T. Smith, Lance Corporal B., Smith, W. Allen, T. Brooker, Private W. Dansie, Private J. Darney, G. Daw, F. Doherty, Private J. Durney, Private J. Dwyer, Drummer D. Egan, W. Foster, Ensign A. Fraser, Private J. F. Gay, F. Girton, Drummer Green, Private J. Grennan, D. Johnson, W. Lovett, Private J. M. M'Kechnie, Private A. M'Laughlin, R. M. M'Sweeny, W. Malcolm Esq, J. Mann, T. Manion, T. Patterson, J. D. Power Esq, M. Rafferty, B. Sheeran, O. H. Strong Esq, Ensign G. H. W. Tremenheere, Private A. Vogado, J. C. Wools.

Performances by the Regiment

It is assumed that the regiment made use of the Garrison Theatre in Grahamstown and the Garrison Theatre in Keiskama Hoek to stage their productions.

July 9 & 16, 1860: The Band Amateurs produced the celebrated legendary drama in three acts, The Corsican Brothers (Grangé and Montépin/Boucicault). Starring W. Dansie (Twin brothers), J. C. Wools (M. de Chaserd Rensud), M. Rafferty (M. Alfred Meynard), T. Brooker (Le Baron de Montgiron), J. Mann (Gaetano Orlando), T. Brooker (Marie Colonna), T. Patterson (Grifio), W. Allen (Boissee, a Wood cutter), T. Patterson (A Surgeon), J. F. Gay (Madame Sevillia dei Franchi), J. Grennan (Emilie de Lasparre), J. Durney (Marie, a domestic), A. Vogado (Estelle, lady of the ballet), W. Foster (Celestine, lady of the ballet).

W. Allen then played the violin in seven different positions after which J. M. M'Kechnie sang a comic song, "Solomon Lob".

The evening concluded with the staging of the farce The Wandering Minstrel (Mayhew). Starring J. M’Kechnie (Mr Crincum), W. Dansie (Herbert Carroll), W. Allan (Tweedle), T. Brooker (Jem Bags), M. Rafferty (Mrs Crincum), J. Grennan (Julia), J. Durney (Peggy).

July 21, 26 & 27, and August 3, 1860: The Serjeants (sic) performed Sir Edward Bulwer Lytton's beautiful five-act drama The Lady of Lyons, or Love and Pride. Cast: Serjeant Major T. H. Smith (Claude Melnotte), Color Serjeant W. Shaw (Colonel, afterwards General Damas, cousin to Madame Deschappelles and an Officer in the French Army), Serjeant J. Lydon (Monsieur Beauseant, a rich gentleman of Lyons, in love with, and refused by Pauline Deschappelles), Color serjeant G R Hungerford (Monsieur Glavis, Beauseant's friend, also a rejected suitor to Pauline), Serjeant P Fox (Monsieur Deschappelles, a Lyonnese merchant, father to Pauline), Color Sergeant B. Martins (Landlord of the Golden Lion), Drum Major A. Craig (Gasper), Serjeant J. Hanrahan (Servant), Serjeant M. Lyons (First Officer), Serjeant J. Hanrahan (Second Officer), Drum Major A. Craig (Third Officer), Lance Corporal J. Davies (Pauline Deschappelles), Lance Corporal J. Smith (Madame Deschappelles, Pauline's mother), Corporal G Brown (The Widow Melnotte, mother to Claude), Corporal G. Brown (Marian, maid to Pauline).

After the play, a solo was performed on the violin in seven different positions by W. Allen. Then a comic song "Solomon Lob" in character by J. M. M'Kechnie.

This was followed by The Wandering Minstrel (Mayhew), starring J. M. M'Kechnie (Mr Crincum), W. Dansie (Herbert Carol), W. Allen (Tweedle), T. Brooker (Jem Bags), M. Rafferty (Mrs Crincum), J. Grennan (Julia) and J. Durney (Peggy).

After which The Kiss in the Dark (Buckstone and Moore), starring Serjeant P. Fox (Mr Pettibone), Serjeant H. Charlesworth (Frank Fatlions), Corporal G. Brown (Mrs Pettibone), Lance Corporal J. Smith (Mary), was staged.

July 30 and August 1, 1860 saw The Review, or The Wags of Windsor (Colman) staged. Cast: M. Rafferty (Captain Beauguard), J. M'Kechnie (Mr Deputy Bull), W. Dansie (Looney Mactwolter), T. Brooker (John Lump), W. Allen (Caleb Quotem), J. Mann (Charles Williams), T. Patterson (Sergeant Higginbottom), F. Girton (Dubbs), J. F. Gay (Grace Gaylove), J. Durney (Lucy), A. Vogado (Martha) and J. Grennan (Phoebe Williams).

After the play there was dancing and comic singing by W. Lovett and J. M. M'Kechnie and the whole concluded with the farce of Richard Butler's The Irish Tutor, starring J. M'Kechnie (Mr Tillwell), F. Girton (Charles, his son), T. Brooker (Dr Flail, a schoolmaster), W. Dansie (Terry o'Rourke and Dr O'Toole), J. Greenan (Rosa, his niece), and J. Durney (Mary, her maid).

August 20th and 22nd, 1860. The Band of Amateurs again appeared before the public in the three-act play The Iron Chest (Colman), set in the New Forest, Hampshire, and on its borders. Starring: W. Dansie (Sir Edward Mortimer), J. M. M'Kechnie (Fitzharding), J. F. Gay (Adam Winterton), T. Patterson (Gilbert Rawbold), T. Brooker (Samson Rawbold, his son), W. Allen (Peter), W. Allen (Armstrong), J. Mann (Orson), B. Sheeran (First Robber), T. Mannion (Third Robber) G. Daw (Robbers Boy), J. Grennan (Helen), J. Darney (Blanche), A. Vogado (Barbara Rawbold), M. Rafferty (Judith).

This was followed by The Irish Tutor, "cast as before".

Critique by North Lincoln Sphinx: "Respecting all these performances, we can say but a few words. On the whole they were more successful than could have been expected, when we take into consideration the many difficulties which perplexed and obstructed the Corps Dramatique. The selection of pieces might, certainly, have been more judicious; and had plays, more easy of performance, been chosen we should doubtless have been able to award a still higher meed of praise than that which we now offer to the managers."

September 20, 1860: "Among our various amusements, Theatricals seem to hold a favourite place, and we have to notice no less than five new pieces in our present number. On Monday, the 20th September, the BAND performed two plays, respectively entitled, Time Tries All, or The Bashful Lover and The Dead Shot (Buckstone). The former being a drama in two acts; and the latter, a farce in one act." Cast for Time Tries All: J. M. M'Kechnie (Mr Leeson), F Girton (Matthew Bates), W. Dansie (Hon. Augustus Collander Yawn), J. Mann (Charles Clinton), T. Patterson (John), J. Grennan (Laura Leeson), A. Vogado (Fanny Fact).

Cast for The Dead Shot: W. Dansie (Mr Hector Timid), W. Allen (Mr Wiseman), J. M. M'Kechnie (Captain Cannon), J. F. Gay (Frederick Thornton), T. Paterson (Williams, his friend), J. Mann (First Police Officer), T. Mannion (Second police Officer), J. Davies (Louisa Lovetrick), J. Durney (Chatter, her maid).

Critique by North Lincoln Sphinx: "The performance was not so creditable as hitherto, in consequence of several of the actors having failed to learn their parts. M'Kechnie, Girton, and Grennan were awkwardly deficient; and their carelessness certainly deprived the play of the praise, which it would, in all probability, otherwise have won. The singing between the pieces was almost tiresome, from the large number of songs given, though we must confess that M'Kechnie elicited roars of laughter from the audience, by the inimitable manner in which he sang "Lord Lovell," and "Solomon Lob." The farce did much to make up for the lameness of the other piece, and it seemed to afford considerable amusement. All the characters were very fairly sustained."

October 8, 1860: The Officers made their first performance in Sheridan's five-act comedy The Rivals which was "put on stage with much care and taste. New scenery was painted for the occasion, and the costumes were appropriate, and, with one or two trifling exceptions, exceedingly well got up." Cast: Captain H. R. Vigors (Sir Anthony Absolute), Lieutenant C. P. Fitzgibbon (Sir Lucias O'Trigger), Captain G. E. Bulger (Faulkland), Captain G. C. Bartholomew (Captain Absolute), Lieutenant R. Annealy (Bob Acres), Lieutenant C. H. Newbatt (Fag), Lieutenant J. Craig (David), Lieutenant H. T. Snooke (Coachman), Lieutenant C. A. Armstrong (Mrs Malaprop), Ensign A. Fraser (Lydia Languish), Lance Corporal J. Davies (Julia Melville), Corporal G. Brown (Lucy), and Private J. Durney (Julia's maid). Stage Manager: Lieutenant J. Craig, Prompter: Sergeant-major T. H. Smith, Attendants: Drummers D. Egan and R. M. M'Sweeny (dressed as pages.)

Critique by North Lincoln Sphinx: "Every praise is due to the managers, not only for their selection of a piece so well adapted to amateurs, but for the excellent cast of characters. The performers were most thoroughly suited to their parts, which were well given throughout. The three leading characters - those of Mrs Malaprop, Bob Acres, and Sir Anthony Absolute, - on which the success of the play mainly depends, were most ably sustained by Mr Armstrong, Mr Annesley, and Captain Vigors; but were all equally good, it is needless to particularize. We may, however, just hint to Miss Lydia Languish, that a little more softening of her voice, and a trifle less show of stocking, would be "very becoming to a young woman." The scenery was, on the whole, very good; and although the drop-scene, painted by Captain Henderson, - might seem rather too bright to one unacquainted with tropical landscapes, yet to those who have witnessed the glorious colouring so common in Eastern scenery, it would not appear exaggerated. In conclusion, we can only express our hope that the future efforts of the Corps Dramatique will be crowned with as great, and as well-deserved success, as this, their first appearance on any stage."

After the Regimental Band had performed the overture to Rossini's opera of Guillaume Tell, the Sergeants staged Mark Lemon's one-act farce, The Camp at Chobham. Special backdrops were painted for the play "Sunset on the Chenaub River near Wuzeerabad, Punjaub, India," from an original sketch by Captain H. Henderson "The Marine Parade" by Captain H. Henderson, "King's Mead Fields" by Captain J. E. Whaite, and "Mrs Malaprop's Lodging" by Private F. Beikempe. Cast: Sergeant-major T. H. Smith (Captain Damer), Corporal G. Brown (Captain Rossly), Sergeant J. Lydon (Mr Cadbury), Sergeant T. Coughlin (First Sapper), Sergeant J. Chester (Second Sapper), Sergeant J. Murray (Jones), Sergeant H. Davies (Rooster), and Lance Corporal J. Davies (Fanny).

October 12, 1860: There was a repeat performance of The Rivals and The Camp at Chobham with the same cast. The Regimental Band, however, played Auber's opera Masaniello before the play.

October 15, 1860: The Sergeants of the Regiment performed William Shakespeare's Tragedy of Macbeth. Cast: Sergeant T. Murnane (Duncan, King of Scotland), Corporal G. Brown (Malcolm, his son), Drummer J. Murray (Donaldbain, his son), Sergeant-major T. H. Smith (Macbeth, General in the King's Army), Private A. M'Laughlin (Banquo, General in the King's Army), Sergeant J. Lydon (Macduff), Sergeant F. Edwards (Lennox), Sergeant J. Chester (Rosse), Sergeant J. Roberts (Monteith), Sergeant J. Murray (Caithness), Drummer J. Murray (Fleance, son to Banquo), Sergeant H. Davies (Siward, Earl of Northumberland, General of the English Forces), Lance Corporal J. Davies (Young Siward, his son), Sergeant T. Coughlin (Seyton, an officer attending on Macbeth), Corporal [[T. [M'Kay]] (First Murderer), Sergeant J. Murray (Second Murderer), Sergeant J. Hanrahan (Doctor), Corporal T. M'Kay (Wounded Soldiers), Sergeant T. Coughlin (Porter), Lance Corporal J. Davies (Lady Macbeth), Sergeant J. Quinn (Gentlewoman attending on Lady Macbeth), Sergeant H. Davies (Hecate), Lance Corporal J. Davies (First Witch), Sergeant J. Quinn (Second Witch), Corporal G. Brown (Third Witch).

Critique by North Lincoln Sphinx: "We confess to an enthusiastic admiration for the grand and glorious dramas of the immortal Shakespeare, and therefore, we can sympathise with the feeling that prompted the energetic manager of the Sergeants Dramatic Club, to attempt the representation of this great tragedy: but, fond as we are of the unrivalled productions of our own peculiar Bard, we should prefer never hearing his majestic language, and never witnessing his histrionic masterpieces, to beholding the characters supported as they were, on the occasion of which we write. But there are several honourable exceptions to this sweeping denunciation, and the same justice, which calls forth the foregoing remarks upon the play in general, requires from us a more definite critique upon the efforts of individuals. The character of Macbeth was well sustained, and our severest criticism is compelled to treat it with a gentle hand. The part of Lady Macbeth was really played with a depth of feeling that we were unprepared for, and, whilst we congratulate the performer, we express ourselves much pleased, and, gratified: we would, however, observe, that the last three acts were not so successful as the others; doubtless if the character had been more carefully studied, the performance would have been equal throughout. Our inimitable "Mr Cadbury" is not suited to a tragic part: we cannot find fault with his performance, which did him credit, but his face, upon the stage, is decidedly comic, and when we behold him as Macduff, the conviction forced itself upon our mind, that it was only the "retired tallow-chandler" in disguise. With a little care, the Sergeant who personated Lennox, would play well: we recognised him, in his second appearance, as the apparition of a Bloody Child, in the pit of Acheron, and we award him our highest praise for his effective delivery of the prophetic advice o Macbeth. The wounded soldier, the robbers, and the porter, call for a modicum of praise; as also Donaldbain, but here we must stop, and consign the remainder to the tender mercies of the outraged shade of Shakespeare.

"And now, let us sum up the evidence, and close our remarks with the praise which is due to the performers for their trouble and energy, in getting up so heavy a play, and putting it on the boards so well. But with a cramped and diminutive stage, - a total absence of machinery, and every possible difficulty in their way, they accomplished their task with credit. While we condemn the acting, we do not do so with the intention or desire of hurting the feelings of any of those concerned; and we firmly believe that their failure was not caused by want of care or attention, - but simply, by the difficulties of the piece, which are, indeed, almost overwhelming. Most of those whose performance we find fault with, had never played before, and it was not within the range of probability that they could succeed in Macbeth."

Mark Lemon's one-act farce, The Camp at Chobham, which had been performed the previous week, was once again performed after Macbeth.

October 29, 1860: Macbeth was repeated but a different farce, My Son Diana was staged afterwards. Cast: Sergeant J. Lydon, (Mr Caraway Culpepper), Sergeant-major T. H. Smith (Mr Septimus Smith), Sergeant F. Edwards (John, a servant), Lance Corporal J. Davies (Diana, Culpepper's daughter), Corporal G. Brown (Louisa, Culpepper's niece).

November 26, 1860: The Amateurs of the Band repeated The Review, or The Wags of Windsor and The Wandering Minstrel. The also staged a new play by an unnamed author, The British Volunteers. Cast: W. Dansie (Mr Percival Floff), J. M'Kechnie (Mr Sydney Jubkins), T. Brooker (Alfred Charles Mutton, a policeman), W. Allan (Pad), M. Rafferty (Mrs Percival Floff), J. F. Gay (Mrs Sydney Jubkins0, J. Durney (Mary).

Christmas 1860: The performances commenced with "a grand Balletical (sic) Introduction" entitled The Rivals after which the Ethiopean Serenaders executed some of the favourite songs and dances as performed by Christy's Minstrels. "The whole to conclude with an Historical, Melodramatical, Balletical, Burlesque, Operatical Pantomime, in two acts, by a member of the Dramatic Club, 2nd Batt. 10th Regiment." Dramatis Personae: Private W. Dansie (Lord Westawiney, a very handsome man with a Roman nose, and very extensive whiskers), Sergeant J.Murray (Saulo-solo-darnell, an officious porter in the service of Lord Westawiney Province), Drummer Green (Poundspannum, an interesting sergeant in the service of Her Fairyannic Majesty), Private A. Vogado (Lionjumper, a jockey with a large hunting cap and most aspiring hopes), Private J. Dwyer (Ucumcucumlala, an ugly old Kaffir (sic) Chief), Sergeant Parrock (Asamasskuku, a fierce Hottentot fire-eater), Private F. J. Gay (Eastawoolly Province, a charming young lady with an elegant riding habit, and very noble sentiments), Private J. M. M'Kechnie (Margery Monitor, a monthly nurse, an ugly old woman, with very high heeled shoes and cold-blooded notions), Corporal T. Smith (Argusina, Margery's daughter, a pert young Cape Town lady with high notions, and promised bride to Lord Westawiney Province), Private J. Grennan (Queen of the Fairies, guardian to Eastawoolly Province).

April 5, 11 & 19, 1861: The Officers of the Regiment opened their second play, Stirling Coyne's one-act farce, Urgent Private Affairs for the benefit of the Grahamstown public. "The amateurs of the 2nd 10th Regiment gave their second soiree dramatique on Friday last, and altho' but short notice was afforded, the theatre was tolerably filled. His Excellency the Lieut. Governor, under whose patronage the performance took place, was present; as were also most of the elite of Grahamstown.

"In the bills, some of the performers appeared under fictitious names, which are alluded to by our correspondent in his letter. So, for the enlightenment of our readers, we give the assumed as well as the real name in our copy of the cast of characters." (In curly brackets). - North Lincoln Sphinx. Cast: C. A. Armstrong Esq. (Mr Dentatus Dotts, dentist and loyal Hammersmith Volunteer), J. D. Power Esq. (Major Polkinghorne, of the same gallant corps), O. H. Strong Esq. (Bagshaw, a solicitor), Colour-Sergeant F. Edwards (Joe Jumballs, a confectioner's shopman), Miss Pauline Davies {Corporal J. Davies} (Mrs Dentatus Dotts), Miss Blanche De Moultrie (Mrs Polkinghorne), Miss Durney {Private J. Durney}, Miss Darney {Private J. Darney} (Sally Vokins).

Critique by North Lincoln Sphinx: "The first production "was rather apropos as now every one almost is a volunteer. Mr Armstrong was capital as Dentatus Dotts; as was also Colour Sergeant F. Edwards as Joe Jumballs: we congratulate the latter on his very successful debut as a comic actor. Mr Power, as the gallant Major, looked very grand, and, altho' a little stiff on the stage, did very well for his first attempt. We would recommend Mr Strong to be a little more natural when acting; the stutter of Mr Bagshaw was carried rather too far; an actor should forget entirely his individuality and merge as much as possible into the character he assumes. But now for the ladies: Miss Pauline Davies, having already earned so many laurels (bouquets are scarce at the Cape), needs no further praise, but our astonishment was great, we must confess, when we recognised the pseudo prima donna singing a capital song amongst the Ethiopian Serenaders. Miss Blanche de Moultrie's first appearance was hailed with applause, and deservedly so; a little more "aplomb," and a little more freedom of action, would soon cause this debutante to become a favourite. Miss Durney, as Sally Vokins, was pleasing and looked her part."

This was followed by J. M. Morton's one-act farce, Don't Judge By Appearances. Cast: Captain G. E. Bulger (Major Pepper), A. Fraser Esq. (Frank Topham), Captain G. C. Bartholomew (John Plump, servant to Major Pepper), W. M. (illegible) Esq. {Miss Marian ? (illegible, possibly Rafferty)} (Miss Diana Pepper, Major Pepper's niece), G. H. W. Tremeuheere (? illegible) Esq. (Miss Angelina Pepper, Major Pepper's niece).

Critique by North Lincoln Sphinx: "This farce was not as laughable as farces generally are, but inimitable John Plump carried it off in great style. Captain G. C. Bartholomew was most successful in this character, and we seldom remember to have seen the part better acted. Captain G. E. Bulger and Mr A. Fraser, as Major Pepper and Frank Topham, did justice to their respective parts, and pleased the audience, and Miss Marian Rafferty (?) debut was a decided success, for a prettier lassie one would scarce wish to see; her acting was natural and unaffected, and we anticipate a long series of triumphs in this young lady's histrionic career.

The third production for the evening was E. Yates and N. H. Harlington's one-act farce A Night at Notting Hill. Cast: Colour-Sergeant F. Edwards (Alderman Syllabub), Sergeant-Major T. H. Smith (Private Tight Leathers of the Horse Guard), Captain W. C. O'Shaughnessy (Policeman O'Mutton), Miss Carteret {C. A. Armstrong Esq.} ((Mrs Chutney, the Alderman's housekeeper), W. Malcolm Esq, (Lizzy, the Alderman's housekeeper).

Critique by North Lincoln Sphinx: The last play "was a regular screamer and made everyone's side ache. The acting was capital and the fun kept up till the last. Miss Carteret, or rather we should say the far-famed Mrs Malaprop, as usual, was loudly applauded; a better specimen of the genus "old lady" never appeared on the boards of a private theatre. When Miss Carteret appeared in a beautifully simple night attire, languishing reposing in the muscular arms of Private Tight Leathers, we defy the greatest misanthrope to have kept his countenance; and we would willingly ride seventy miles to see Mrs Chutney's face at the denouement of the piece. Colour Sergeant F. Edwards made a splendid Alderman and Sergeant-Major T. H. Smith acted his part uncommonly well; the extensive supper he devoured greatly amused and astonished the audience, who would scarcely believe that the victuals were real. Police! police! where is the police! here we are again, says Mr Merryman, or rather Captain W. C. O'Shaughnessy. Who could resist laughing at his melliflous brogue? The accent of the "ould counthry" (sic) seems to have been innate in the man, so naturally was it given.

"Altogether the piece was a great success; Miss Ramsay as a "soubrette" again winning the hearts of all. We were very much pleased with the Ethiopian Serenaders; they sang uncommonly well, and merited all the applause bestowed upon them. Perhaps if they said their jokes in a little plainer voice it would be better, but "practice makes perfect".

"We cannot end this short notice without complementing all the performers; for a heartier laugh or pleasanter evening we seldom remember to have spent."

May 27, 1861: The evening's amusement opened with the recitation, in character, of Lord Macaulay's Lay of "Virginia," by Sergeant-Major T. H. Smith. This was not nearly so successful as it would have been, had the performer eschewed haste in his delivery: he spoke too rapidly.

The Sergeant's Dramatic Club performed Francis Talfourd's burlesque in two acts, Travestie of Macbeth; and John Dobbs. Cast for Travestie: Colour-Sergeant P. Fox (Duncan), Sergeant G. Brown (Malcolm), Dr J. Murray (Donaldbain), Sergeant-Major T. H. Smith (Macbeth), Sergeant T. M'Kay (Banquo), Sergeant J. Lydon (Macduff), Sergeant G. E. Gill (Rosse), Private J. F. Gay (Lennox), Private W. Dansie (Family Physician), Corporal T. Smith (Family Porter), Corporal J. Davies (Lady Macbeth), Private J. Durney (Gentlewoman), Corporal J. Logan, Private W. Dansie and Private J. F. Gay (The Three Witches). Apparitions, Murderers, Messengers, and an army of 200,00 Men (more or less) who have been expressly engaged on this occasion, - with the Enemy.

Critique by North Lincoln Sphinx: Macbeth Travestie kept the audience in fits of laughter throughout. The characters, with one or two exceptions, were well sustained, and the piece, on the whole, was highly successful. Corporal Davies, Sergeant Major T. H. Smith and Sergeant J. Lydon, - who, by the way, was a far better personification of Macduff in this instance than in the original tragedy, - were the "Stars" of the cast, however, and deserve our highest praise.

The cast of John Dobbs: Corporal D. Johnson (Squire Fallowfield), Sergeant T. M'Kay (Major Frankman), Sergeant J. Lydon (Peter Paternoster), Sergeant-Major T. H. Smith (John Dobbs), Private J. F. Gay (John), Corporal J. Davies (Mrs Chesterton), Private J. Durney (Lucy).

Critique by North Lincoln Sphinx: John Dobbs went off rather lamely. Most of the actors were not up in their parts, and the cast of characters was scarcely a successful one; but in spite of these two faults, we were highly amused at the capital representation of Peter Paternoster, by Sergeant Lydon, who outshone himself on this occasion, and earned the winning plaudits of a delighted audience.

"The above performance was repeated on the 3rd instant, but with rather a different result than before. The Ethiopian Serenaders, this time were very successful; and "Villikens and his Dinah" - sung by Private W. Dansie - was loudly encored. The recitation of "Virginia," also, was a great improvement upon that of the previous week.

"Macbeth Travestie did not go off so well, owing, we apprehend, to (the) neglect of rehearsals, and the incapacity of the band, which, as usual, was not ready when required. The music throughout was very bad. John Dobbs was played with more confidence, than on the previous occasion, and went off more happily, though we still think the cast of characters was not a good one. We cannot understand why Squire Fallowfield should have spoken with an Irish brogue, which was evidently assumed, and without success, by the performer."

June 5, 1861: The Amateurs of the Band produced the following three productions: The Spectre Bridegroom,''' or '''A Ghost in Spite of Himself, a comedy in two acts, featuring F. Girton (Mr Nicodemus), J. M'Kechnie (Squire Aldwinkle), J. F. Gay (Dickery, his man), J. Mann (Captain Vanntington), W. Dansie (Paul), T. Paterson (Thomas, a servant), J. Davies (Georgiana Aldwinkle), J. Durney (Lavinia, her cousin).

This was followed by another production, Poses-De-Vaux starring J. M'Kechnie (M. Trimulus Tomkins), J. Davies (Miss Polly Hopkins), J. Durney (Sophia, her maid).

Afterwards, a third production, a farce in one act Slasher and Crasher, was performed. Starring: J. M'Kechnie (Benjamin Blowhard), W. Dansie (Mr Sampson Slasher), J. Davies (Mr Christopher Crasher), J. F. Gay (Lieutenant Brown), J. Grimley (Policeman), B. Sheetan (Policeman), T. Paterson (John, a servant), T. Smith (Miss Dinah Blowhard) and J. Durney (Miss Ross, her niece).

Critique by North Lincoln Sphinx: "The entire performance went off remarkably well, the short delays between the pieces being very much more agreeable than those lengthy, wearisome intervals, which have been generally characteristic of the arrangements at our theatre. M'Kechnie's acting throughout was capital, more particularly in the character of Squire Aldwinkle in The Spectre Bridegroom and Gay, Dansie and Davies maintained their reputation admirably. The latter disposes of female characters particularly well and really makes a very "bonnie lassie". He sang "Nelly Gray" with a good deal of feeling, but accompaniments and a respectable chorus were sadly wanting. To our mind the best piece of the evening was the Interlude, so far as the performance went, both Davis and M'Kechnie having sustained their parts to perfection."

June 13 & 17, 1861: The performance commenced with the "Quarrel Scene," from Shakespeare's tragedy Julius Caesar; the characters of Brutus and Cassius being represented by Sergeant-Major T. H. Smith and Sergeant J. Lydon. It went off very well; the part of Cassius being particularly well dispossessed of.

The Sergeants appeared in two new plays. Firstly: Sir Walter Scott's three-act, romantic drama, (adapted from the poem) The Lady of the Lake. Cast: Sergeant J. Lydon (James Fitzjames, the Knight of Snowdon), Sergeant-Major T. H. Smith (Sir Rodney Vich-Alpine Dhu, an outlawed chieftain), Sergeant T. M'Kay (Earl Douglas, an exile), Sergeant G. Brown (Malcolm Graeme, in love with Ellen), Sergeant G. Gill (Brian, a fiend-like hermit, attached to Roderick), Corporal D. Johnson (Allan Bane, an old minstrel in the service of Douglas), Private W. Dansie (Red Murdoch, a treacherous guide), Colour Sergeant P. Fox (Malise, henchman to Roderick), Sergeant T. Coughlin (Norman, a bridegroom, herald to Roderick), Corporal J. Logan (Sandy, the bridesman), Corporal T. Smith (Old Donald), Private J. F. Gay (Lady Margaret, mother to Roderick), Corporal J. Davies (Blanche of Devon, a wandering maniac), Corporal J. Davies (Ellen, the Lady of the Lake), Private J. Durney (Mattie, the bride).

Critique by North Lincoln Sphinx: The Lady of the Lake " was certainly not successful, nor could the performers have hoped that it would be so, for there are few dramas which are more difficult to present effectively. Nevertheless, we candidly admit that it exceeded our expectations particularly in the scenic arrangement, which, considering the means at the disposal of the manager, was marvellously good. The characters of Ellen and Blanche of Devon, - both sustained by Corporal J. Davies, - were well represented."

The Ethiopian Serenaders made their appearance between the two plays, singing two or three songs.

The second play was W. Blanchard Jerrold's one-act farce, Cool as a Cucumber. Starring Sergeant J. Lydon (Old Barkins), Sergeant G. Gill (Frederick Barkins), Sergeant-Major T. H. Smith (Plumper), Corporal J. Davies (Miss Jessie Honiton), Private J. Durney (Wiggins).

Critique by North Lincoln Sphinx: "It is, we think, at the best of times, a stupid piece, but Sergeant-Major T. H. Smith and Sergeant J. Lydon made the most of it. The part of Plumper, particularly, was well given."

September 9 & 12, 1861: The Officers of the Regiment produced their third production before the public of Grahamstown. They staged three farces, Crinoline, Only a Halfpenny, and Box and Cox.

The cast for Crinoline, set in London in 1856, included: Sergeant J. Lydon (Mr Coobiddy, a commercial gentleman in Manchester trade, aged 29), W. J. B. Martin Esq., (Captain Le Brown), R. Johnson Esq., (John Liptrot, also an officer of the Blues, aged 30), Sergeant T. M'Kay (Jacob Grimes, a representative of the Industrial Interests), W. Malcolm Esq., (Mrs Coobiddy, the commercial gent's wife, aged 23), Corporal J. Davies (Bella, the commercial gentleman's niece, aged 19), Captain C. A. Armstrong (Miss Tite, a fashionable spinster, aged ?), Captain C. A. Armstrong (Nancy Bitters, a domestic servant, with an excellent character from her last place, but not so well provided for her next, aged 37).

Critique by North Lincoln Sphinx: "The performance commenced with Crinoline, a farce rather out of date, now that the article is an acknowledged portion of a lady's dress, and as necessary to her happiness as tea parties and flirtation. Mr W. Malcom, as the newly-married Mrs Coobiddy, who, having bought a horsehair what's-its-name, is dreadfully frightened lest her husband should discover it, was exceedingly successful and acted in a natural and unaffected manner. As we predicted some time ago, a little practice will change the debutante into the accomplished prima donna. Captain C. A. Armstrong sustained, with great eclat, the two parts of Miss Tite and Nancy Bitters, and as usual, acted to perfection. The last scene, when Nancy's dress is torn off in a scuffle, disclosing innumerable "perquisites," was capitally performed, and drew loud applause. Sergeant J. Lydon, as Mr Coobiddy, was indeed a hit, and the most severe critic, could hardly find fault with his acting: we have seldom seen a more comic expression and voice amongst amateur performers. Our old friend, Miss Pauline Davies, had to execute the arduous task of acting in all three farces, and it is needless to say, with perfect success. We have, on this occasion, to welcome two more candidates for public favour. Mr W. J. B. Martin trod the boards for the first time, in the rather ungrateful character of Captain Le Brown, and acquitted himself very well; indeed, we venture to say that he will make a capital jeune premier after a few more attempts. My R. Johnson also made his first appearance, as the policeman, John Liptrot, and we were highly pleased at the amount of humour he displayed in his short part. Amongst the comic actors of the club, he will, we are certain, soon occupy a prominent position. Sergeant T. M'Kay was very good, as the "infamous Grimes," and looked his part to a nicety; he also sang some comic songs. Altogether, Crinoline, although not a very telling farce, went off well, and seemed to satisfy the audience."

Cast for Only a Halfpenny: Captain G. E. Bulger (Mr Fitzroy Plantagenet), R. Annesley Esq. (Stanley Jones), W. Malcolm Esq. (Henrietta), Corporal J. Davies (Bridget).

Critique by North Lincoln Sphinx: "Only a Halfpenny passed off uncommonly well; the audience appearing to be well pleased with the efforts made for their amusement. The part of Mr Fitzroy Plantagenet, was taken by Captain G. E. Bulger, who played very well, and with feeling; but we would advise him, on future occasions, not to turn away so much from the audience; and then, there will be no fault to find. Mr R. Annesley, as Stanley Jones, was (as he always is,) first rate; and his acting in the particular piece, does him the greatest credit. Miss Marian Ramsay (Mr W. Malcolm) looked her part of a bride, about to be led to the hymeneal altar, admirably; and, with a little more freedom of manner, would be all that could be desired. With regard to Bridget, the servant-maid, we need only say, that the performer acted with her usual skill."

Cast for Box and Cox: R. Annesley Esq. (Box), Sergeant J. Lydon (Cox), Corporal J. Davies (Mrs Bouncer).

Critique by North Lincoln Sphinx: "Box and Cox, owing to the excellent performance of Mr R. Annesley and Sergeant J. Lydon, bore out its reputation of a mirth-provoking piece, uncommonly well; and although we have almost every word of the play by heart, from having seen it so many times, we must honestly admit that we enjoyed a hearty laugh at it, on Monday and Thursday last. Corporal J. Davies fulfilled his part of Mrs Bouncer very well."

October 14, 1861: The Amateurs of the Band again staged John Maddison Morton's one-act farce, Slasher and Crasher. Cast: J. M'Kechnie (Mr Benjamin Blowhard), W. Dansie (Mr Sampson Slasher), T. Brooker (Mr Christopher Crasher), W. Allan (Lieutenant Brown), B. Buckley (John), J. Davies (Miss Dinah Blowhard), and J. Durney (Ross).

The Brtish Volunteers and The Irish Tutor were staged with "the cast as before."

In addition, William Barnes Rhodes's one-act burlesque tragic opera, Bombastes Furioso was also staged. The cast consisted of W. Dansie (Artaxominous, King of Utopia), J. M'Kechnie (Fusbos, Minister of State), J. Davies (General Bombastes), T. Smith (Distaffna).

November 4, 1861: The Amateurs of the Band again staged Thomas J. Lynch's two-act drama, The Rose of Ettrick Vale or The Bridal of the Borders for the benefit of the Grahamstown public. Cast: W. Dansie (Red Ronald, the River, alias the Stranger), T. Paterson (Old Adam of Teviot), J. Davies (Albert, his adopted son), J. Chesters (Glenbrae, a hunter of the highland border), J. F. Gay (Guy o' the Gap), J. M'Kechnie (Wandering Steenie, a mindless rower), W. Allan (Brand o' the Brae), J. Mann (Black Wylie), T. Manion (Murdoch), B. Sheeran (Fergus), (the latter three were Freebooters in the pay of Red Ronald.) B. Buckley (Officer), J. Grennan (Laurette, "The Rose of Ettrick Vale"), J. Durney (Jessie, sister and Bridesmaid to Laurette), T. Smith (Amy, Jessie's sister and Bridesmaid to Laurette).

Critique by North Lincoln Sphinx: "The Rose of Ettrick Vale or The Bridal of the Borders "- beautiful and romantic drama, requiring good acting and good scenery - was decidedly beyond the capabilities of our amateurs; who are not good strong enough to cast such a heavy play successfully. J. M'Kechnie, J. Davies, and J. F. Gay, sustained their portions of the performance, with considerable merit throughout, and, in one or two scenes, their acting was really very good. It is a great pity that the eighth letter of the alphabet should be so volatile in Gay's delivery, for were it not so, he would soon learn to dispose of his characters very well."

The comic songs between the pieces were most excellent and our sides still ache at the remembrance of "Billy Crow." J. M'Kechnie always wins uproarious applause from the audience in these interludes."

This was followed by William Thomas Moncrieff's two-act farce, The Spectre Bridegroom or A Ghost in Spite of Himself.

Critique by North Lincoln Sphinx: "The Spectre Bridegroom or A Ghost in Spite of Himself was very amusing, owing to the efforts of J. M'Kechnie and W. Allan who, through their conception of the characters alloted to them, was somewhat original, disposed of their parts in such a ludicrous manner as to keep the house in constant laughter."

May 28, 1862: The regiment staged their production in the little Keiskama Hoek Garrison Theatre.

The first was announced as Amoroso or King of Little Britain, "A Serio-comic, Bombastic, Operatic Interlude, in one act" by J.R. Planché. The performance starred J. Davies (Amoroso, King of Little Britain), J. F. Gay (Roastando, his cook), T. Patterson (Blusterbus, his cook), B. Sheean (1st Lord of the Bed-chamber), J. M'Kechnie (Aoqnetinda), and F. Girton (Mollidusta). After the performance, a comic song was sung by J. M'Kechnie.

This was followed by a farce in one act, The Omnibus or A Convenient Distance by R. J. Raymond, starring J. M'Kechnie (Mr. Ledger), F. Girton (Mr Dobbs), J. F. Gay (Master T Dobbs), W. Dansie (Pat Rooney), G. Daw (Farrier's Boy), J. Durney (Julia Ledger), J. Davies (Mrs. Dobbs), B. Buckley (Jemima Damper).

During the following interval J. M. M'Kechnie and J. Davies sang a comic duet.

This was then followed by Richard Butler's The Irish Tutor, starring J. M'Kechnie (Mr Tillwell), F. Girton (Charley, his son), J. F. Gay (Dr Flail, a schoolmaster), W. Dansie (Terry o'Rourke as Dr. O'Toole), T. Paterson (Beadle), B. Sheeran (A countryman), J. Davies (Rosa, in love with Charley), and J. Durney (Mary, her maid).

Critique by North Lincoln Sphinx: "The performance was, on the whole, very successful, and the actors had the satisfaction of playing to a full house, which was a novelty in their South African experiences. The little Garrison Theatre was crowded to excess by people from the village, and the officers and men of the Regiment, all of who appeared much pleased with the efforts made for their amusement. M'Kechnie's acting and singing was, as usual, excellent, and Gay's ludicrous personification of Master T. Dobbs in the second piece kept the house in a continued roar of laughter. Corporal Davies is too well known to our readers to require any notice at our hands. Dansie made a famous "Pat Rooney" in The Omnibus, and an equally good "Terry O'Rourke" in The Irish Tutor, and Daw disposed of his short part of the "Farrier's Boy" in The Omnibus so well, that we would suggest a higher position for him in the next cast of characters." -The North Lincoln Sphinx regimental periodical.

June 19, 1862: The Band Amateurs produced Charles Selby's Robert Macaire or The Two Murderers of Lyons. Starring T. Smith (Germeuil, a wealthy farmer), T. Patterson (Dument, an inn-keeper), W. Dansie (Robert Macaire, under the assumed name of Bertrand), J. M'Kechnie (Jacques Strop), F. Girton (Charles), J. F. Gay (Pierre, head waiter), J. Mann (Sergeant Loupy), J. Grimley (Louis), B. Sheeran (Francoise), J. Davies (Marie), J. Durney (Clementine).

This production was followed by George Wood's one-act farce, The Irish Doctor, or The Dumb Lady Cured from Moliere's Le Médecin malgré lui. Starring: J. M'Kechnie (Sir Ralph Credulous), J. F. Gay (Walter Lovewell), F. Girton (Dr Fiantie), W. Dansie (Denis Murphy, a broom-maker), T. Paterson (Squire Robert), B. Sheeran (Dick), F. Doherty (Simon, servant to Sir Ralph), T. Manion (Dick, servant to Sir Ralph), J. Davies (Laura Credulous), J. Durney (Peggy, her maid), T. Smith (Bridget, wife of Denis).

Critique by North Lincoln Sphinx: "Several of the actors were deficient in the remembrance of their parts on this occasion, and there appeared to be a superabundance of h3 (sic) on the move. Had it not been for the efforts of M'Kechnie, Davies, Gay and Dansie, both pieces would have been complete failures. The acting of all the others was decidedly lame. We recommend more rehearsals, a better cast, and a prohibition of all unnecessary h3 (sic)."

Sources

North Lincoln Sphinx Vol 1, No 1. January 1, 1860.

North Lincoln Sphinx Vol 1, No 2. September 15, 1860.

North Lincoln Sphinx Vol 1, No 3. November 1, 1860.

North Lincoln Sphinx Vol 1, No 4. Christmas, 1860.

North Lincoln Sphinx Vol 1, No 5. February 28, 1861.

North Lincoln Sphinx Vol 1, No 6. April 25, 1861.

North Lincoln Sphinx Vol 1, No 7. June 13, 1861.

North Lincoln Sphinx Vol 1, No 8. September 30, 1861.

North Lincoln Sphinx Vol 1, No 9. November 13, 1861.

North Lincoln Sphinx Vol 1, No 14. December 10th 1862.

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