THEATRE ROYAL.

Auckland Star, Volume I, Issue 303, 30 December 1870, Page 2

THEATRE ROYAL.

HERR AND MRS. BANDMANN. Last evening, these higlily gifted artistes again appeared at the Theatre Royal before a very large and highly appreciative audience. The piece selected for representation was the play of the " Stranger," in which Mr. Baudmaun of course sustained the leading character. His makeup and general appearance was perfection, while his acting was of the very highest order of finished elocution, and at once stamped him as belonging to the rank composed of men of true genius—the histrionic ability displayed by him being of a marvellously and wondrously effe-ctive character. Mr. Bandmann is one of those meu who does not play to his audience, he devotes the whole of his energy, and concentrates the whole of his powers upon the impersonation, which, for the time claims him, and in which he sinks his own identity. This was notably the case last evening, when the woes of the unfortunate stranger were depicted with a power, pathos, and fidelity that did not fail to leave their impress upon the audience. The last scene of all, where he meets his wife and a partial reconciliation is effected, his heart is laid bare, and its terrible anguish is open to the sympathies of all. .Mrs. Bandmann as Mrs. Haller ably seconded the efforts of her husband, anil sustained her part with great dramatic ability. Both Mr. nnd Mrs. Bandmann were repeatedly called before the curtain, and loudly applauded. Mr. Ryan aud Mrs. Mill played their parts carefully and effectively, and the other members of the company supported their chiefs tolerably well. Tnis evening Shakespeare's fine play of " The Merchant of Venice" will be produced, in which Mr. Bandmann will sustain the part of Shylock, Mrs. Bandmann that of Portia. In these characters both are said lo excel, and we should strongly advise every play-goer not to miss the opportunity of seeing this sublime creation of Shakespeare, the more especially as it is the last night but one of the appearance of these talented artistes.