THE PRINCESS'S THEATRE.

Evening Star, Issue 4159, 26 June 1876, Page 2

THE PRINCESS'S THEATRE.

The dramatic company which Mr Hoskins brought from Christchurch last week opened at the Princess's on Saturday night before a large and fashionable audience. Not only was there a packed house in the lower parts of the building, but the dress circle was also liberally patronised. Shakespeare's comedy " Much Ado about Nothing' was the opening piece, and the selection proved an excellent one, for the roll of characters being lengthy it enabled the numerical strength of the company to be exhibited to advantage. The reception of Mr and Mrs Hoskins was cordial in the extreme, while the other members of the corps dramatiqve were favorab y received. Comedy is Miss Colville's forte, and her conception of the character of Beatrice was an admirable one. Mr Hoskins made the most of the part of Benedick, the many witty retorts which fall to the lot of the exponent of the character being delivered in a forcible and telling manner. In the soliloquy at the close of the first act, where Benedick descants on marriage, Mr Hoskins was exceedingly amusing. Mr Douglas is possessed of delivery and an excellent stage manne*, and these were seen to advantage on Saturday night. Mr Burf >rd as Don Pedro, and Mr UesfcrdasLeonato gave unmistakeable proofs of the marked improvement made by them in their profession since last appearing before a Dunedin audience. Mr Musgrave was irresistibly droll as Dogberry, and in no way burlesqued the part, which is so often done by representative of this c >jjractcr. Of the new faces, Miss Lizzie Lawi\? nce ' wno as Hero, claims most attention. This lady has a very graceful manner anf * taking style, and in the able hands she i's iu at present this augurs well for her future trailing. Mr Starke had only a subordinate part a* the Priar, but his performance showed what to » capable of doing when entrusted ™tn a more conspicuous character. The comedy ran smoothly throughout, the ™™®** a * d appointments being complete. Tbere were

some excellent scenes, rind Mr Williams, the soenii; artist, was honored with, a call before the curtain. Mr Hoskins, in answer to an enthusiastic call, Addressed the audience on the termination of the first flot, and promised his patrons *sbat plays worthy of their support should be produced. We had almost omitted to mention that Mr Leech has supplied an efficient orchestra, and that their efforts to pleasantly while away the intervals were generally appreciated. " School for Scandal" is announoed for to night, Mis» Culville appearing as Lady Teazle, Mr Musgrave as Sir Peter, and Messrs Ho3kins and Douglas as the brothers Surface.