PRINCE OF WALES THEATRE.

Auckland Star, Volume II, Issue 395, 17 April 1871, Page 2

PRINCE OF WALES THEATRE.

A piece entitled " The Battle of b'edan, or an episode in the Franco-Prussian War," was produced lnst Saturday by the Eaariiigement of the above theatre in a manner which reflected great credit upon all the company. It abounds in situation ; the plot, unlike the generality of sensational modern play?, is probable and consistent ; the language is far above^mediocrity, and the scenic effect particularly good. It was an unmistabeable success, and its repetition this evening will not fail to attract the admirers of melo-drama. Miss Flora Anstead was particularly good in her performinc« of the loving devoted Constance, and Miss Raymond, as Merial, her co quettish, artless and affectionate companion, played in lier usual natural and unaffected style. Mrs. Kyan also, as Dame Canteen, a sutleress of the French camp, both in her make-up and acting, calised our idea of those- anomalous ladies, who, in semi-maie costume, follow the wake of an army. The principal male characters were undertaken by Mr. B. N. Tones, Mr. Hydes, Mr. Kyan, Mr. Starke, Mr. Booth, and Mr. John Dunn. Our space will nob allow us to enter into a detail of the plot, but it is full of interest, and was dons ample justice to by the different characters. The bursting of the bombshell in the house of Bailie Graspeare, the fall of the walls-, and the discovery of the besieged city on fire in the distance, was excellently managed, and elicited tunmltous acclamations of approval from the audience, which was prettynumerous. The performance concluded with the farce of " Taraxicums Troubles," in which that inimitable humourist Hydes kept the house in roars of laughter until the fall of the curtain. Several novelties are, we understand, in preparation, and should the management continue to produce pieces with the same evidences of care and. attention to scenic effect and detail, we have little doubt but that the present dramatic season will be successful in every way.