THE SHAUGHRAUN.

Evening Star, Issue 3962, 5 November 1875, Page 3

THE SHAUGHRAUN.

There will be no performance at the theatre this evening, in order to allow of a full-dress rehearsal of “The Shaughran,” the latest and best of Boucicault’s Irish drama, which Mr Charles Wheatleigh to-morrow night will introduce, along with himself, to a Dunedin audience for the first time. The success of the drama in America, and in each of the Colonies where it has been presented, the encomiums which have been passed by the Australian Press on Mr Wheatley’s acting as Conn, together with the knowledge that he will be well supported, and that the management of the Queen’s have provided new scenery and properties for the piece, warrant us in predicting for theatregoers a rich treat on Saturday night. The following is a sketch of the plot of “ The Shaughraun —“ The plot centres round the troubles of the FfoWiott family, whose prosperity has forsaken them. The first act shows the two daughters of the family in a poor cabin at Ballyraggett, the last remnant of their estates. Their brother, Robert FfolHott, has been mixed up in a Fenian conspiracy, and a detachment of soldiers under the command of Captain Molineux visit the cabin in search of him, information having been sent to the authorities that he has returned from transportation before his time. The son of Mars is taken captive by the bright eyes of Claire Ffolliott, the rebel’s sieter, and of course gives his sympathy to the entire family of so interesting a daughter of Erin, The friend, servant, and succorcr of Robert, is Conn the Shaughraun, who is the hero throughout the play, the soul of every fair, the life of every funeral, and the first fiddle at the weddings. He thinks nothing he can do is too much for his old playfellow Robert. Throughout the play he is brim-full of humor and good works. He is plucky in danger, and never at a loss for expedients in emergencies. He saves Robert from going to prison, and appears to be killed ns a penalty for his daring. This supposed death furnishes the author with an opportunity for bringing in a wake scene, which is one of the successes of the play.