PRINCESS THEATRE.

Evening Star, Volume VIII, Issue 2344, 6 October 1870, Page 2

PRINCESS THEATRE.

Everybody who claims to be anybody appeared to be present last evening to inaugurate the new season at the Princess Theatre. It was the opening night, and the new company, under the new management, made their first appearance. To say that their reception by a large and brilliant audience was cordial, would but coldly express the enthusiastic greeting accorded to the various artistes as they severally made their denouement. The revival of the Thespian art upon the old familiar but long-neglected boards, was evidently made a cause of common congratulation ; and the disposition to bestow a hearty welcome was at once general and .‘■incere. The boxes, pit, and stalls, were overflowing—every available space—every hole and corner—bad ils occupant ; but the appatently inconveniently crowded aspect of the house iu no way interfered with the thoroughly good humor of the audience. So enthusiastic a reception on an opening night must be not only encouraging and satisfactory to the management, but flattering to the artistes. The house itself has undergone some necessary alterations and improvements. All the internal part has been redecorated and revivified, and the entry to the boxes has, by a little mechanical ingenuity and artistic taste, been made presentable, In fact a good deal of hard labor and a good dead of judicious expense, have been laid out iu improving the appearance and adding to the general comfort and attraction of the house. Nor are the alterations confined to the body of the house. All the old scenery and stage accessories with which the public were more than familiar have disappeared, and the cunning hand of the artist is seen in the almost entire metamorphasis that has here taken place. It is plain that neither effort nor expense has been spared to make tbe house worthy of the public, and the keen enjoyment manifested by the audience last evening clearly indicated a thorough appreciation of the change. But wo must move ou in order to notice the greatest and most salutary change ‘of ab. A thoroughly efficient company has been formed, some of the members of which are at least capable of the highest histrionic efforts, and can hardly fail to become deservedly public favodtes. Byron’s new four-act drama, “ Blow for Blow,” was presented last evening—a piece admirably adapted to bring out in prominent relief tbo capabilities of tho artists, The plot of the piece is decidedly meagre, hut the dialogue is brilliant, and some of the situations startling enough. Mi-s Garry George gave a delineation of the characters of the twin sisters (Mildred Craddock and Alice Petherick) iu a powerful and effective manner. Mr Lawrence personated Charley Spraggs, the lawyer’s clerk, who jmssesses a soul too big for office work, wboso chief ambition appears to be to get recognised by the betting fraternity and the choice spirits of the P. 11., and who gives us an occasional taste of his quality as a fighting man by his grotesque attitudes and combats with imaginary people. But whop some evidence of his boasted courage is required he bocoip.es, as might have been expected, a aery cur. Mr Lawrence has a keen appreciation of the ludicrous, and evoked hearty laughter by his inimitable r adoring of tbe varying phases in Charley Spragg’s chequered life. Mr J. Musgravc gave an admirable delineation of the character of Dr Grace, rendering it with an ease and dignity which belong only to an accomplished actor. Of the other lad’os engaged w r c cannot speak too highly. Miss Bushe as Lady Ethel Linden, Mrs Brycr as Kitty Wobbler, and Miss Harwood as Mrs Moulsoy, rendered their respective parts iu a higliß effective manner. The villain of the piece, John Drummond, was personated by Mr Collier, of whose performances much was already know’ll, ami who sustained his high reputation for histrionic ability. The unimpLitan); part of Mr Craddock was well played liy Mr Willi's. We bad intended to give a critical description of the capabilities of the members of the company who made their first appearance last evening, but as ft is possible that their best efforts have not yet been oxlijtqtgd, wc defer our critique to some future day. Tho management deserve tho thanks of the public for their endeavors to provide amusement, and for the thoroughly efficient company they have secured to this end. We congratulate them on tho brilliant commencement of their theatrical season, and trust they may reap the reward to which their efforts fairly entitle them. The gijmio programme will be repeated this cvepino.