THEATRE ROYAL.

Auckland Star, Volume I, Issue 162, 16 July 1870, Page 2

THEATRE ROYAL.

Tiiehe was an excellent house lust night at this theatre, to ■witness the representation of " Court and Stage." Every member of the company waa well prepared, and nothing occurred to mar the enjoyment so enthusiast!call expressed throughout the entire pieco by the audience. Mr. Rayner, as Eurl of Hichmond, had a part worthy of him, and exhibited a magnificent conception of the heart trials and temptations of the " proudest noblebleman in England." His toast of the "Protector," in presence of the King, was really thrilling. Mr. Thorpe was better prepared in hi 3 part than on the previous ovening, and made a good Major AVildmnu ; Mr. Clifford played accurately and -well the thoughtless, pleasure-loving King. It is needless to say that Mr. Hydes, as Pepy's, had the house brimful of humour on his every appearance. Mr. J. South played the part of Brockhurst with much satisfaction. Miss Melville sustained well the small part of the Queen, and Miaa Kodgers the still smaller part of Chaffinch. But it must be owned that with Miss Joey G-ougenheini and Miss Shepparde, together with Mr. Eayner, rested the main interest of the play. The tremulous tenderness and paf,ho3 which .Miss Shepparde throws into voice, gesture, action, made the part of the noble-hearted, loving Frances Stewart, one of the most affecting representations we have seen for many a day. As for Miss Joey G-oughenheiin, in the character of Nell G-wynne, commendation is needless. The character seems made for her, or she for it. The laughter-loving, and seemingly thoughtless girl, with noble instincts and kind thoughts concealed in her heart, requiring but occasion to draw them forth, had exquisite treatment at the hands of Miss G-oughenhoim, and .every portion, of her representation last night was such as to carry the whole house with her in her ever changing moods. A couple of songs, very prettily rondered by Miss Rogers, and " The Lottery Ticket," in

which Mr. Towers, as Wormwood, was i 1 resistibly funny, concluded the evening. To-night "" The (liven Bushes," with Miss tfougheuhcim S3 Nelly, and Miss Sheppnrde a3 .Miami, will ensure, we should think, a very crowded house.